Thunder Legacy Series: The Story Behind Jersey No. 33 — From Seattle Roots to OKC Pride
When you dive deep into the history of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise, you’re not just looking at a team born in 2008. You’re tracing back through time, all the way to 1967, to a team originally known as the Seattle SuperSonics. That’s right—the Thunder's roots are firmly planted in the Pacific Northwest. And while OKC has built its own legacy over the past decade and a half, those early Sonics days are still woven into the DNA of the team.
One of the most fascinating ways to explore this rich history? By breaking down the jersey numbers that players have worn throughout the years. And today, we’re locking in on jersey number 33—a number that’s graced the backs of 17 players since the franchise’s birth. That’s 17 unique stories. Seventeen careers that crisscross time zones, decades, and cities.
But before we zoom in on No. 33, let’s talk about why this kind of retrospective matters.
Why Jersey Numbers Tell Bigger Stories
It’s easy to overlook a jersey number as just a label on a uniform. But for fans, it’s often much more than that. Numbers carry weight. They’re tied to moments, memories, buzzer-beaters, breakouts, and even heartbreaks.
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A jersey number can become iconic—just ask Lakers fans about No. 8 and 24.
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It can carry legacy forward from one player to the next.
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And for franchises like the Thunder, it can serve as a living timeline of the athletes who helped shape the journey from Seattle to OKC.
Flashback to Seattle: When No. 33 Meant Desmon Farmer
Let’s rewind to the early 2000s, before the franchise ever called Oklahoma home. Among the players who briefly donned the No. 33 jersey for the Seattle SuperSonics was a Flint, Michigan native named Desmon Farmer.
Desmon’s journey to the NBA was anything but typical. After wrapping up a strong college career at USC, he went undrafted in the 2004 NBA Draft. But being passed over didn’t slow him down. With grit and determination, he clawed his way into the league—eventually landing a spot on the Sonics roster.
Farmer’s stint with the team was short but notable. He played in just eight games during the 2006-07 season, but even in limited action, he showed flashes of his scoring ability and court awareness.
His averages:
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1.6 points per game
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1.1 assists per game
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Wore only jersey No. 33 throughout his time in Seattle
Though he didn't have the time to etch his name into Sonics lore, Desmon Farmer’s effort and hustle in those appearances were a reflection of what it means to fight for a roster spot in the world’s most competitive basketball league.
Desmon’s Legacy Beyond the NBA
Let’s be clear—Desmon Farmer wasn’t just a forgotten benchwarmer. He had a solid international and G League career, showcasing his skills in various countries and leagues. His story is one of perseverance, and while his Sonics days were brief, they were part of a bigger picture.
From scoring buckets in Greece to stints in the NBA Summer League, Farmer kept pushing. Players like him remind us that the road to basketball success isn’t always about All-Star appearances—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and passion for the game.
The No. 33 Legacy: A Deeper Roster Look
Over the decades, 17 players have worn the No. 33 jersey for the Thunder/Sonics franchise. That includes both role players and some who left bigger footprints.
Some notable names (besides Desmon Farmer) who’ve sported the number:
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Danny Fortson – A bruising power forward with a physical presence
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Patrick Patterson – A stretch four who contributed during the early OKC playoff runs
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Grant Long – Known for his gritty style and veteran leadership during the mid-90s
Each of these guys brought their own flavor to the number, adding chapters to its ongoing story.
The Jersey Number Shuffle: What Happens if Seattle Gets a Team Again?
Here’s an interesting twist: What happens to these Sonics jerseys if the NBA ever brings a team back to Seattle? It's not an impossible scenario—just look at what happened when the Charlotte Hornets were revived and reclaimed their history.
Right now, those old-school Sonics jerseys are officially part of Thunder franchise history, even though they represent a different city and era. If a new team pops up in Seattle, there could be some debate (and even tension) over who “owns” that legacy.
But for now, the Thunder embrace that past. The green and gold might not be on display in OKC arenas, but the franchise doesn’t forget where it came from.
Looking Forward: Thunder's Identity Is Still Evolving
In today’s NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the most exciting young teams. Led by the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, the future looks incredibly bright.
Yet, as the new faces continue to shine, the history carried by the jersey numbers remains just as vital. No. 33 may one day be picked up by another player who turns into a fan favorite or becomes a franchise cornerstone.
And that’s what makes these retrospectives so fun—they connect past and present in a way stats alone can't.
Final Thoughts: A Number That Tells a Thousand Stories
Desmon Farmer might not have had a long NBA career, but his story—like many who wore No. 33 before and after him—is part of something much bigger. It’s a reminder that every player, no matter how brief their time, leaves a mark.
So, the next time you see a jersey number in the rafters, or on a rookie’s back, just remember: that number has a history. It carries memories, hope, sweat, and sacrifice.
And for the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise, jersey number 33 continues to live on as a symbol of resilience, change, and the always-evolving story of one of the NBA’s most unique teams.
⚡Quick Recap:
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17 total players have worn No. 33 since 1967
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Desmon Farmer played 8 games in 2006–07 for the Sonics
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1.6 PPG, 1.1 APG—brief but passionate contribution
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The number has been passed down through the Seattle and OKC eras
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Potential history reshuffle if Seattle gets an NBA team again
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