The story of jersey numbers in the NBA isn’t just about digits stitched onto the back of a uniform—it’s about identity, legacy, and the way fans connect to the game. For the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise, which traces its roots back to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1967, every jersey number has its own little history. Some numbers were worn by legends who defined an era. Others belonged to role players who gave their best during short stints. Together, those stories shape the fabric of the franchise.
And if we’re being real, the Sonics-to-Thunder transition still sparks debate. Will Seattle ever get its team back? Should the Sonics’ history be separate, like what happened when Charlotte reclaimed the Hornets’ legacy? For now, though, Thunder fans and NBA historians have one intertwined timeline to appreciate. That means the jersey numbers worn in green-and-gold still live on as part of Thunder blue and orange history.
Now, let’s spotlight one of those numbers—No. 40. A total of 11 players have slipped on this jersey for the franchise. It’s a number that hasn’t necessarily been immortalized by superstardom, but it’s carried its own share of stories. From journeymen to steady contributors, it’s been part of the evolving puzzle that makes up nearly six decades of hoops.
One of those stories belongs to Russ Schoene, a forward who laced up for the SuperSonics in the late 1980s. Schoene might not be the first player that jumps into your mind when thinking of Sonics greats, but his path to the league and his time in Seattle add an interesting wrinkle to the history of No. 40.
A Quick Detour: Why Numbers Matter
Before diving into Schoene’s journey, let’s talk about why jersey numbers carry weight. For players, the number they wear can be about superstition, a personal connection, or sometimes just what’s available when they join a team. For fans, it becomes shorthand for memory—think of No. 23 in Chicago, No. 24 in Los Angeles, or even No. 35 in OKC. The numbers outlast careers and sometimes even eras, becoming little monuments to basketball history. That’s why Thunder Wire’s series diving through each jersey number is more than just trivia—it’s storytelling through numbers.
The Early Days of Russ Schoene
Russ Schoene wasn’t a household name coming out of college, but he definitely had game. After a solid career at Chattanooga, the Philadelphia 76ers picked him up in the 1982 NBA Draft with the 45th overall pick. For a second-rounder back then, the odds of carving out a long NBA career were tough, but Schoene had the size and skillset that kept teams interested.
His rookie season didn’t stick in one spot. Schoene split time between the Sixers and the Indiana Pacers. That kind of early movement can be rough—it’s hard to find rhythm when you’re bouncing between cities, systems, and opportunities. Add in some injury struggles, and it looked like his NBA path might stall out.
Finding His Way Back Through Seattle
Instead of fading into the background, Schoene took his game overseas for a bit. Playing internationally in the ‘80s wasn’t as glamorous as it is today—it was more about survival and keeping the dream alive. But that detour paid off. By 1986, the Seattle SuperSonics saw enough in him to bring him stateside again.
In Seattle, Schoene found stability. He wasn’t putting up monster numbers, but he carved out a role. Wearing No. 40, he averaged 4.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Those numbers might not make headlines, but anyone who’s followed the NBA knows not every contribution is captured in a box score. Sometimes it’s about giving quality minutes, filling gaps in the rotation, and being a reliable piece of the puzzle when stars need a breather.
The Sonic Years
For fans in Seattle, the mid-to-late 1980s were a fascinating period. The team wasn’t quite at its peak yet—that would come later with stars like Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp—but the franchise was always scrapping, always in the mix. Players like Schoene gave depth to those rosters, and though he never became a household name, he was part of the Sonics’ grind during that time.
And it’s worth noting: Schoene stuck with just jersey No. 40 during his time in Seattle. Some players bounce between numbers, either chasing luck or due to roster conflicts, but for him, No. 40 was home. That number became his identifier in the NBA.
The Bigger Picture of No. 40
When you think of jersey numbers across franchises, some digits become iconic because a superstar wore them. No. 40 hasn’t really had that type of shine in Oklahoma City/Seattle history. Instead, it’s been worn by grinders, players who filled roles, and those who embodied the “every-man” vibe of the NBA. That makes it less about highlight reels and more about respect for the game’s working class.
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11 total players have represented No. 40 in this franchise’s history.
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Among them, Schoene stands out as one who really made that number his own during the Sonics era.
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His averages—4.8 points, 2.3 rebounds—may not jump off the stat sheet, but they’re a reminder that every player’s story adds to the whole.
Legacy in Retrospect
Looking back, Russ Schoene’s career might not be celebrated with banners or Hall of Fame votes, but it’s important in a different way. He represents the type of player who helps hold a team together. His time abroad before making it back to the league shows the resilience needed to stay in professional basketball. His decision to keep fighting for a spot in the NBA reflects the mindset of countless players who never make headlines but give their everything to the game.
And for fans, remembering players like Schoene is part of what makes exploring jersey history fun. It’s easy to talk about Kevin Durant, Gary Payton, or Russell Westbrook. But when you dig into the stories of guys like Schoene, you get a fuller picture of what makes a franchise tick over decades.
A Thought for the Future
Here’s a little twist—what happens to these stories if Seattle ever gets its team back? Just like the Hornets reclaimed their history from the Bobcats, the Sonics could eventually separate their past from OKC’s records. If that happens, Schoene’s story might live fully in Seattle’s record books rather than Thunder’s. Until then, though, the No. 40 jersey belongs to both eras.
Final Take
So, when you think about jersey No. 40 in OKC/Seattle history, don’t just think of it as an empty stat line. Think of Russ Schoene and players like him—guys who put in the work, embraced the grind, and wore the number with pride. His journey reminds us that basketball history isn’t just about the stars; it’s about everyone who laced up, stepped on the court, and contributed to the bigger picture of the game.
After all, every number tells a story. No. 40’s story just happens to be one of grit, resilience, and a reminder that even role players leave their mark.
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