Jersey No. 33: A Deep Dive into Thunder History and Mikki Moore’s Sonic Flash
Let’s take a walk down memory lane — NBA-style — and spotlight the iconic jersey number 33 in the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise history. But to really appreciate its legacy, we gotta go back — way back — to the origins of the team when they were known as the Seattle SuperSonics.
🏀 51 Numbers, Countless Stories
Since the team first hit the hardwood in the 1967-68 season, a total of 51 different jersey numbers have been worn by players who have suited up for the franchise — whether it was under the bright green and gold of the SuperSonics or the thunderous blue of Oklahoma City. Every number has a backstory. Every player left a mark — some more memorable than others — and today, we’re giving jersey No. 33 its flowers.
🎽 No. 33 – Not Just a Number
Now, 17 players have worn the No. 33 jersey throughout the franchise’s lifespan. That’s not a small number. From hustle guys to rim protectors, journeymen to stars-in-the-making — this number has been passed down like a torch. But here, we're zeroing in on one player in particular who donned the 33 during the Sonics’ era — a big man by the name of Mikki Moore.
But hey, don’t forget — the SuperSonics are still a huge part of this story. While there’s always chatter about Seattle getting an NBA team back someday (we’re rooting for that day to come!), the current Thunder franchise still carries the weight and glory of the Sonics era, similar to how the Charlotte Hornets reclaimed their roots after the Bobcats reboot.
📍 Moore Than Meets the Eye
Mikki Moore’s NBA journey wasn’t a straight shot. Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Moore had to claw his way into the league. He played his college ball at Nebraska, but went undrafted in the 1997 NBA Draft — a tough pill to swallow for any player. Still, he didn’t hang his sneakers up. Instead, he put in the work — grinding it out in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and spending time overseas.
If you’re unfamiliar, think of the CBA as the 90s version of today’s G League — filled with hungry, overlooked talent just waiting for that NBA call-up. Moore proved his mettle there and finally landed a deal with the Detroit Pistons in 1999, two years after going undrafted. That resilience? Pure heart.
🚀 Bounce-Around Big Man
Mikki’s NBA journey turned into something of a nomadic quest. The man put on quite a few jerseys over his career: Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, New Jersey Nets (before they became Brooklyn), and the Los Angeles Clippers — you name it, he probably played there. But it was in 2005 that he made his stop in Seattle.
For the Sonics, Moore wasn’t a headline-grabber. He wasn’t dropping 20 points or pulling down double-digit boards, but he brought solid energy and experience off the bench. During his single-season stint in Seattle, he put up 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game — numbers that don’t scream All-Star, but numbers that mattered in the minutes he was given.
🟢 Seattle Sonics Legacy: Not Forgotten
It’s important to recognize that players like Mikki Moore were part of the rich SuperSonics legacy — a legacy that lives on through the Oklahoma City Thunder, even if you won’t see those old green-and-gold jerseys repped courtside in OKC. They’re part of the franchise DNA, like it or not.
There’s still a lot of sensitivity around this topic. Sonics fans feel the franchise was taken from them (and rightfully so), but when you look at the franchise lineage, history binds these two identities together. If Seattle does get a new team, maybe we’ll see the Sonics brand revived in all its retro glory, just like the Hornets did in Charlotte. Until then, Thunder history includes SuperSonics history — full stop.
🧠 Why It Matters: Legacy Lives in Details
This series by Thunder Wire is doing more than just listing numbers — it’s keeping history alive. It’s about honoring every player who ever slipped on a jersey and stepped onto the court — whether they were a one-game wonder or a long-time contributor. And in an era when fans are more connected to teams than ever, this kind of legacy talk matters.
📊 More Than Just Stats
Let’s be honest — when we think of jersey No. 33 in NBA lore, big names like Larry Bird or Scottie Pippen might come to mind. But in the context of the Thunder/Sonics franchise, No. 33 tells a different story. It tells a story of persistence, of opportunity, of guys like Mikki Moore who may not have been household names, but still earned their place in the history books.
📌 Pointer Recap: What You Need to Know
-
51 different jersey numbers have been worn in Thunder/Sonics franchise history.
-
17 players have sported the iconic No. 33.
-
Mikki Moore, one of those 17, wore it during his one-year run with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2005-06.
-
Moore averaged 3.3 PPG and 2.8 RPG, giving solid bench minutes during his short stay.
-
He had a winding path: undrafted, CBA, international leagues, and eventually multiple NBA teams.
-
Despite Seattle’s absence from today’s NBA map, their history is still alive within the Thunder.
💬 Closing Thoughts
Mikki Moore’s time in Seattle may have been brief, and his numbers might not raise eyebrows, but his journey is what NBA dreams are made of. No draft pick. No guarantees. Just hustle, heart, and a love for the game. And that’s what makes jersey No. 33 in Thunder/Sonics history special. It’s not just about stats — it’s about stories.
So, next time you see a Thunder jersey or reminisce about the Sonics era, give a nod to guys like Moore. They didn’t just wear the number — they wore the grind.
Login