When you talk about basketball history, especially within the NBA, the numbers on the jerseys carry a lot of weight. Each number tells a story—a legacy of players who have come and gone, leaving their mark on a franchise. The Oklahoma City Thunder, including their previous identity as the Seattle SuperSonics, have seen 51 different jersey numbers take the court since the team's inception in the 1967-68 season. Every player who has donned one of these numbers has added a chapter to the team's rich history, and we're here to dive into that legacy.
But before we get into the details of jersey No. 20, let's take a step back and appreciate the broader picture. The transition from the Seattle SuperSonics to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008 was a defining moment in the franchise’s journey. While the SuperSonics name and branding stayed behind, the Thunder carried the history and records of the Seattle era. It’s a situation similar to what we saw with the Charlotte Hornets—when the Hornets returned to Charlotte, they reclaimed their past, separating it from the New Orleans Pelicans. If a new team ever arrives in Seattle, there’s always a possibility that a similar move could happen, officially restoring the SuperSonics' history to the Emerald City. But as of today, everything from that era remains a part of the Thunder’s story.
Now, shifting our focus to the jersey number at hand—No. 20. This number has been worn by 10 players throughout the history of the franchise, each bringing something unique to the court. From solid role players to brief stints that barely made a ripple, every athlete who has worn this number has contributed to the fabric of the team in some way.
One such player from the SuperSonics era was Gene Short. His time in Seattle was brief, but his journey to and through the NBA is an interesting one. Short was a talented forward who played his college ball at Jackson State University, a program that has produced its fair share of basketball talent over the years. In the 1975 NBA Draft, he was selected ninth overall by the New York Knicks, a promising pick that hinted at a bright future.
However, things didn’t quite pan out as expected for Short. Before he could even suit up for the Knicks, he was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. It was a fresh opportunity, but unfortunately, his time in Seattle was short-lived—no pun intended. He played just seven games for the SuperSonics before being cut, making his stint in the Pacific Northwest one of the shortest in franchise history. But his story didn’t end there; he later re-signed with the Knicks, attempting to carve out a place for himself in the league.
During his time with Seattle, Short wore only one number—No. 20. His contributions on the stat sheet were modest, averaging 1.9 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. While those numbers might not stand out in the grand scheme of NBA history, they represent the grind and determination of a player trying to find his place in the league. The NBA is a tough business, and for every superstar who dominates the headlines, there are countless players like Short who fight for every opportunity.
The journey of players like Gene Short highlights the unpredictable nature of professional basketball. Some careers last decades, while others are over in the blink of an eye. But every player, no matter how long or short their tenure, leaves an imprint on the game in some way.
And that’s what makes this deep dive into jersey numbers so fascinating. Each number is a thread in the larger tapestry of an NBA franchise’s history. Whether it's a future Hall of Famer, a reliable role player, or someone who only saw limited action, they all played a part in shaping the story of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Seattle SuperSonics before them.
Jersey No. 20 has seen its share of wearers, and while Gene Short’s time was fleeting, it’s important to remember that every player who steps onto the court wearing that number is part of something bigger. The game moves fast, and rosters change constantly, but history always remembers those who have been part of it—no matter how briefly.
So, as we continue our journey through the history of Thunder and SuperSonics jersey numbers, keep in mind that every single digit on a jersey has a backstory. Some are legendary, some are forgotten, but all are part of the legacy of one of the NBA’s most intriguing franchises. Stay tuned as we keep uncovering the hidden gems behind the numbers!
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