We marvel at their athleticism and resiliency, their passion and heart. Thunder players have produced an never-ending list of highlights and moments during the first 10 seasons of Thunder Basketball that have helped forge the special bond between the franchise and its fans.
DIRTY WORK PART OF THE THUNDER DNA Part of the Thunder identity during its first 10 seasons has been the awe-inspiring star talent that has donned the OKC colors. All-Stars, MVPs and future Hall of Famers have all been part of teams that have been characterized by an athletic profile – long, quick, agile and tall for their positions, with a scrappiness and defensive demeanor. A long line of players like Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha have helped create a defense-first mentality for the group, serving as the launch pad for sustained success during a season.
THUNDER UNIFORMS: A VISUAL TIMELINE Playing for what’s on front of the jersey has always been the mantra for the Thunder. Throughout its first 10 years, the team has had a variety of looks and colors that fans take pride in as well. First there were the originals: the home white uniform with “THUNDER” emblazoned on the front and the road blues, with “Oklahoma City” separated on two lines. In the years that followed the Thunder donned special Christmas jerseys, but also unveiled five alternate uniforms: a Navy look with “THUNDER” spelled out vertically down the side; a white, sleeved uniform; and a sunset jersey that struck a chord with Oklahomans; and this past season, the introduction of the Statement and City uniforms, each sporting “OKC” across the front to tune in with Loud City’s cheers.
TRIPS ENHANCE THUNDER ON WORLD STAGE The Thunder has had 12 players from 10 different international countries on its roster over its 10 seasons, during which time the team embarked on three separate international trips. In 2012, the Thunder traveled to Istanbul (Turkey) and Manchester (England) for a pair of exhibition games. In 2016, the team went back to Europe, this time Spain for games against Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, two of the country’s very best teams. In the midst of the 2017-18 season, the Thunder also jetted from OKC to Mexico City for one game against the Brooklyn Nets before carrying on with the remainder of its regular-season schedule. All of the trips have been great cultural and bonding experiences for the Thunder, and also touchpoint moments to expand the fan base in other countries.
PLAYER FASHION COVERS WIDE SPECTRUM For years, the back hallway in NBA arenas has served as a red carpet runway. Whether its showing off their own clothing lines, rocking the newest trends or charting a truly unique pathway, Thunder players have been on the forefront of the league’s fashion-focused wave over the past decade. Russell Westbrook has pushed the envelope more than anyone, but each player has their own unique look. The spectrum is wide, from the classy to the – ahem – casual.
