All-NBA Thunder/SuperSonics Team

G- Gary Payton: 1990–2003

Gary “The Glove” Payton was the face of the Seattle SuperSonics’ franchise from 1990 until his departure in 2003. The team was a perennial playoff team, playing in the postseason in all but three of Payton’s 13 seasons with the team. In 1996, Payton led the team to the NBA finals where they lost in six games to the Chicago Bulls.

In 1996 Payton edged himself into NBA history, winning the defensive player of the year award as a point guard. At 6’4, Payton is the smallest player to win the award. In addition to being a tenacious defender, Payton was also an underrated offensive player. He led the team in points per game over the final 10 seasons with the team, averaging over 20 points per game in seven times.

Payton was named to nine All-NBA Teams (2x First Team, 6x Second Team, 1x Third Team). He was also a consistent member of the All-NBA Defensive teams, appearing on the All-Defensive First Team nine times.

He’s the franchises all-time leader in games played, minutes played, field goals, points, assists, steals, and win shares.

G- Russell Westbrook: 2008-Present

Since being drafted fourth overall in 2008, Russell Westbrook has emerged as one of the most athletic players to ever take the court. Whether he is leaping through the air for a thunderous finish or contorting his body in a way that the body wasn’t meant to contort, Westbrook is a beauty to watch.

In his eight seasons, Westbrook is averaging 21.5 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. He also leads the NBA in triple-doubles over the last two seasons, including a stretch in which he averaged a triple-double for a span of two weeks in February of 2015. If there were ever another player to average a triple-double in a single season, Westbrook could be that guy.

With the departure of Kevin Durant, Westbrook is now the face of the franchise- the true leader. He thrives in positions like this. He’s never been afraid to take the big shot and he has never shied away from the criticism he has received.

Westbrook has played in five all-star games and has been named to five All-NBA Teams (1x First Team, 4x Second Team).

Barring him leaving (something I don’t think he will do) Westbrook will finish his career as the franchise’s all-time leader in almost every statistical category.

F- Kevin Durant: 2007–2016

From the moment he was drafted in 2007 to the day he left in 2016, Kevin Durant was the face of the franchise. Upon his arrival, he immediately became the go-to-guy for the team, leading the team in scoring in every season.

During his nine seasons Durant established himself as one of the best players in the entire NBA, winning four scoring titles, appearing in seven all-star games, and appearing on six All-NBA Teams (5x First Team, 1x Second Team).

He led the team to the playoffs in six of his nine seasons- bringing the team back from mediocrity to superiority. In 2012 he led the team to an appearance in the NBA finals, where they lost to the Heat in five games.

Despite the biter feelings fans of the Thunder may feel about Durant’s departure to the Warriors, they cannot deny the impact Durant had on the franchise as a whole. Without him the team’s move from Seattle to Oklahoma City would not have been as successful as it has been.

F- Shawn Kemp: 1989–1997

Like Payton, Shawn Kemp was among the key faces during the Sonics’ playoff success in the 90’s. Kemp’s athletic stature and highflying mentality made the Sonics one of the most exciting teams to watch in the 90’s.

Kemp played his best basketball as a member of the Sonics, making five of his six all-star appearances as a SuperSonic. From 1993 to 1996, Kemp appeared on the All-NBA Second Team, playing a vital role in the SuperSonics run to the NBA finals in 1996.

Kemp ranks second in total rebounds and second in total blocks in the team’s history, leading the team in rebounds and blocks in every season he was on the team.

Kemp was the perfect Robin to Payton’s Batman, in that, Kemp’s mentality and temperament complimented Payton’s. Both players fit perfectly together and were the perfect leaders for the 90’s era SuperSonics.

C- Jack Sikma: 1977–1986

Jack Skima wasn’t flashy like Kemp or Payton, didn’t put up eye-popping numbers like Westbrook or Durant, but rather was a consistent, more traditional big man. Skima’s prolific ability at grabbing rebounds and defending other team’s bigs were enormous reasons as to why the Sonics took home their only NBA championship in 1979.

From 1978 to 1985, Skima was among the best centers in the game, appearing in seven All-Star games. Despite his size and tenacious style of play, he consistently played 82 games per season.

He is the franchise’s All-Time leader in rebounds.