Thunder Legacy Thread: Jersey No. 34 — A Deep Dive into the Past and the Players Who Wore It
When you talk about the Oklahoma City Thunder, you're not just talking about the current wave of talent lighting up the NBA. You're stepping into a time machine that stretches all the way back to the Seattle SuperSonics era, a franchise with roots planted firmly in the fall of 1967. And with that long, winding history comes a unique jersey legacy—51 different numbers have been worn by players who’ve suited up for the organization.
One of those numbers is jersey No. 34, a digit worn by 17 different players over the years. That’s right—17 athletes have pulled on that jersey, hoping to make their mark in Thunder (or SuperSonics) lore. Today, we’re diving deep into the No. 34 journey and shining a light on the players who proudly represented that number, including one name that old-school fans might remember—Jacky Dorsey.
🟡 Wait, So What’s the Deal With the SuperSonics?
Before we jump into the specifics of the players, let’s get one thing clear: Yes, Seattle still has a big place in the Thunder’s history. While there's a strong hope across the NBA fanbase that the SuperSonics may one day return to the Emerald City—similar to how the Charlotte Hornets reclaimed their identity—it doesn't erase the past. All those years of Sonics basketball? They're still very much part of the Thunder family tree.
So, even if one day Seattle gets its own team again, the current Thunder franchise holds onto those memories tightly. That means everything from Gary Payton’s glove-tight defense to Shawn Kemp’s high-flying jams, and yes, the quieter, less flashy players like Jacky Dorsey, are all part of this NBA tapestry.
🎯 Highlight: Jacky Dorsey — A Globetrotter of the NBA Before It Was Cool
One of the earlier players to wear No. 34 was Jacky Dorsey, a name that may not immediately ring bells unless you’re a real historian of the game. But his story is pretty interesting.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dorsey had a solid college career at the University of Georgia before stepping into the pro scene. In the 1976 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Jazz (who are now the Utah Jazz) took him with the 26th overall pick—a second-rounder back in the day. But instead of jumping straight into the Jazz lineup, Dorsey carved out his own path.
🧭 His Basketball Odyssey
After being drafted, Jacky didn’t start his NBA career immediately with the team that drafted him. He went a different route, playing in domestic leagues around the U.S., honing his craft, and building his resume. Eventually, in 1977, he joined the Denver Nuggets, marking the start of his NBA journey.
From there, it was a bit of a whirlwind. He’d go on to suit up for Portland, Houston, and finally land in Seattle in 1981—his last stop in the NBA. During his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, he exclusively wore the No. 34 jersey.
His numbers in Seattle weren’t eye-popping, sure—1.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game—but stats never tell the whole story. Dorsey was one of those gritty, workhorse forwards who brought energy and toughness whenever his number was called. For those who saw him play, he represented the kind of blue-collar mentality that a lot of teams crave off the bench.
🧵 No. 34: A Number That’s Traveled Through Time
Let’s take a broader look at jersey No. 34. Over the years, it’s been worn by players with vastly different styles, careers, and impacts. Some were brief flashes, others were steady contributors. That number has seen everything from rookies looking to break into the league to veterans hoping for one last shot at glory.
In the case of Jacky Dorsey, his time with the number was short, but it added another stitch to the evolving fabric of the franchise. Every player who’s worn 34 has left their own footprint—even if it was just for a season or two. It’s these forgotten figures that help connect the past to the present.
🔙 A Snapshot of the SuperSonics Era
The Seattle SuperSonics may not be active today, but the nostalgia is alive and well. The green and gold uniforms, the loud KeyArena, and the gritty teams that battled in the Western Conference all form a major chapter of NBA history.
When OKC moved from Seattle in 2008, it brought with it a treasure chest of stories and stats. And among those are the jersey histories that the Thunder organization continues to recognize. That's why these jersey deep-dives matter—they honor the players, big names and small, who made the franchise what it is today.
🏀 Why This Matters for NBA Fans
Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I care about a guy who averaged less than two points per game four decades ago?” Fair question.
Here’s why: The NBA is more than just MVPs, championship rings, and highlight reels. It’s about the journey, the depth, and the hundreds of players who’ve played pivotal but often overlooked roles in shaping a franchise’s DNA.
Jacky Dorsey’s story might not dominate SportsCenter retrospectives, but his career is a reminder of the hard work, hustle, and dream-chasing that define so many professional athletes. He might not have had a statue outside the arena, but he had a jersey number—No. 34—and for that time, he was part of something bigger.
📌 Key Takeaways from No. 34's History
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17 total players have worn the No. 34 jersey for the Thunder/SuperSonics.
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Jacky Dorsey, one of the earlier ones, had a brief but notable run with Seattle in 1981.
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Dorsey was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz but carved his own path in the league.
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His career included stops with Denver, Portland, Houston, and finally Seattle.
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While his stats were modest, his journey reflects the determination and grit of many pro athletes.
💬 Final Thoughts
The NBA is filled with star-studded names, record-shattering performances, and global icons. But beneath that glitzy surface lies a bedrock of role players, journeymen, and unsung contributors like Jacky Dorsey—guys who laced up every night with heart and hustle.
The No. 34 jersey has been worn with pride by many, and each player's chapter—no matter how short—adds to the rich tapestry of Thunder history. As we continue to explore each jersey number, we’re not just looking at stats. We’re honoring stories.
Stay tuned as we dig into the next number in the series. You never know what forgotten gem we’ll uncover next.
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