Thunder & Sonics Jersey No. 30: A Legacy Worn Through NBA History

The Story Behind Jersey No. 30: A Look at the Legends Who Wore It for the Thunder and the Sonics

In the vast and colorful tapestry of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s history—and that of their predecessor, the Seattle SuperSonics—every jersey number tells its own unique story. One of the most interesting numbers in the franchise’s vault is No. 30. It’s not just a number; it’s a legacy worn by 13 different players since the team’s inception in the 1967–68 season.

Whether it was in the electric green-and-gold threads of the Sonics or the sleek navy blue of the Thunder, jersey No. 30 has seen plenty of action, transformations, and milestones.

But before we dive into the details of the players who wore No. 30, let’s rewind a bit.

From Seattle to Oklahoma City: A Tale of Two Cities

It’s impossible to talk about Thunder jersey numbers without acknowledging where it all started: Seattle. The SuperSonics were founded in 1967, and they built a passionate fan base over four decades before the franchise moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. The move sparked controversy and heartbreak for Seattle fans, but for better or worse, the Thunder now carry the weight of that shared history.

Fun fact: Unlike Charlotte, which reclaimed its original "Hornets" name and records after the Bobcats’ rebranding, Seattle hasn't yet seen its NBA team return—though hopes remain high. As a result, players from the Sonics era are still part of Thunder history, making the franchise’s lineage both rich and complex.

That brings us back to jersey No. 30—a number that’s been passed down like a torch from player to player, each adding their own twist to its legacy.

Cory Blackwell: A Brief But Noteworthy NBA Journey

One of the more notable names to wear No. 30 during the SuperSonics days was Cory Blackwell. If you're not deeply immersed in '80s NBA trivia, you might’ve missed him—but he’s an interesting piece of the puzzle.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Blackwell had a standout college run at Wisconsin. His hustle, length, and heart caught the attention of NBA scouts, and in 1984, the Seattle SuperSonics picked him 28th overall in the second round of the NBA Draft.

Although Blackwell’s professional basketball career was brief, it’s worth remembering. He played just one season in the NBA, all of it with Seattle during the 1984–85 campaign. Wearing jersey No. 30, he contributed 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds per game—not eye-popping numbers, but numbers that etched his name in the team’s lore.

Let’s be real—making it to the NBA is no small feat. For every All-Star with a max contract, there are dozens of guys like Blackwell: talented, hardworking athletes who grind for their shot and make the most of every minute on the hardwood.

The Legacy of No. 30: More Than Just a Number

Cory Blackwell was just the sixth player to wear No. 30 in the history of the franchise, but he certainly wasn't the last. Over time, 13 different players have suited up in that number, each bringing their own flair to it.

Here’s a breakdown of why jersey No. 30 stands out:

• Historical Depth: The number has been worn by players across two eras—SuperSonics and Thunder.

• A Symbol of Transition: Many players who’ve worn No. 30 were either young talents hoping to break through or veterans looking to find new life in a different setting.

• A Touch of Mystery: Unlike other iconic numbers (like Michael Jordan’s 23 or Kobe Bryant’s 8 and 24), No. 30 has never been linked to a single superstar for the franchise. That unpredictability makes it interesting.

For hardcore fans and jersey collectors, No. 30 represents a bit of a wildcard—never fully tied to one era or player, but rather to a string of contributors who all added a little something to the Thunder’s (and Sonics') ongoing story.

Digging Into the Archives: Who Else Wore No. 30?

Although Blackwell is the focus of this chapter, it’s only fair to give a quick shoutout to others who wore No. 30 with pride:

• Veterans looking for a fresh start

• Young guns trying to make their mark

• Role players grinding out key minutes

Every player has a backstory, and that’s part of what makes following jersey numbers so fascinating. No. 30 is like a time capsule—you can trace the evolution of the league and the franchise just by looking at the names attached to it.

Why This Matters to Thunder Nation

You might be asking: why go this deep into a single jersey number?

Well, because these stories matter. They connect fans to the team’s history in a personal way. You’re not just cheering for the name on the front of the jersey—you’re celebrating the legacy stitched into the number on the back.

Whether you remember the Sonics from the glory days of the '70s and '90s, or you’re a die-hard Thunder fan who’s been riding since the KD-Westbrook-Harden trio, every number holds a chapter of this franchise's story. And No. 30, with its 13 torchbearers, is no exception.

Looking Ahead: Will No. 30 Be Worn by a Future Star?

As the Thunder continue to develop one of the most promising young rosters in the league, who’s to say jersey No. 30 won’t become the next iconic number in OKC?

We’re seeing a wave of talent coming through the door—players with grit, flair, and the drive to make history. Maybe one of them will slip on that No. 30 jersey and take it to heights never seen before.

Could the next player to wear No. 30 be a key part of a title run? An All-Star in the making? Or maybe just a fan-favorite who plays with hustle and heart? Only time will tell, but history shows us that anyone who wears that number has a story to tell.

Quick Recap: Why No. 30 is Worth Celebrating

Let’s wrap it up with a few quick pointers:

• 13 players have worn jersey No. 30 since 1967.

• Cory Blackwell, the sixth to do so, played one season with the Sonics in 1984–85.

• He averaged 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds per game.

• No. 30 has spanned both the Seattle SuperSonics and Oklahoma City Thunder eras.

• The number remains unclaimed by a franchise superstar, but maybe not for long.

So next time you spot someone wearing a No. 30 Thunder jersey, remember—there’s a lot of history stitched into that fabric. From Seattle roots to Oklahoma City thunderclaps, jersey No. 30 is still waiting for its moment in the spotlight. Maybe the next big story is just around the corner.

Stay tuned, Thunder Nation. This number’s legacy is far from finished.