The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a long list of legendary players rock the blue and orange over its 16 years of existence. Since converting and moving to Oklahoma City from the Seattle SuperSonic organization, the Thunder have consistently been one of the marquee teams in the NBA. The Oklahoma City Thunder have a history of success and dominance, even though a championship has yet to be secured.
Fans worldwide wish every day they could create a superteam and unite all of the best players who have played for their team over the years. Here is a closer look at what the Oklahoma City Thunder’s squad might look like if it were possible to get all these legends back on one team.
*This list will feature an expected starting lineup and bench rotation from the Thunder’s best players since becoming a team in 2008. This list is based on the players’ true position and play performance on the Oklahoma City Thunder, outlying other achievements and performances for different organizations.*
Starting Lineup
Point Guard (PG) – Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is the most beloved Thunder player in its history. After being drafted in 2008, Westbrook delivered 11 legendary and unforgettable seasons in Oklahoma City. Bringing home an MVP, nearly bringing home a championship, and being crowned Mr. Triple-Double are just a few of the countless highlights fans witnessed over his illustrious tenure with the team. Thunder fans were excited every time he touched the floor with his showstopping and unbelievable abilities. Westbrook is arguably the best Thunder player ever and is a sure start at the point guard position.
Shooting Guard (SG) – Paul George
Paul George has played for multiple organizations, but some argue he had his best year in the 2018-2019 season with the Thunder. George averaged 28 points per game, eight rebounds, and four assists per contest. George finished as a finalist for the MVP award and helped lead the Thunder to the playoffs. Though his tenure with the team only lasted two seasons, his 2018-2019 campaign is among the best by a shooting guard in organization history.
Small Forward (SF) – Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, though still widely disliked by Thunder fans for leaving for the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in 2016, had a great run in Oklahoma City. Durant followed the team to Oklahoma City following a selection as the 3rd overall pick by the Seattle Supersonics in 2007. During his time with the organization, he won an MVP award, helped lead the Thunder to an NBA Finals appearance, and had multiple other achievements. The Thunder community even enjoyed the movie “Thunderstruck” which featured the superstar while still playing in Oklahoma City. He is the clear-cut starting small forward and arguably the best player in franchise history.
Power Forward (PF) – Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka is one of the best defenders to suit up for the Thunder. He played as both a power forward and a center for the team during his seven-year tenure and was on the only team to reach the finals in franchise history in 2012. His best year with the team was arguably in the 2014-2015 season, where he averaged 15 points per game, nine rebounds, and three blocks per matchup. Though he does not have the big-name presence of other players on this roster, his play was impressive enough to earn the starting spot for now.
Center (C) – Steven Adams
Steven Adams was a fan favorite during his time in Oklahoma City. He has been referred to as the NBA’s “Aquaman” by fans around the NBA and is much loved. His impressive rebounding and defensive efforts helped the Thunder reach the playoffs numerous times and were a problem for opposing frontcourts in every contest. His best year with the organization was arguably in the 2018-2019 season after he finished with a double-double average of 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. Though the Thunder have had multiple other talented centers, Adams is the most consistent and had the longest span with the team.
Bench
Point Guard (PG) – Shai Gilgeous Alexander
Shai Gilgeous Alexander is currently the face of the Thunder franchise. After nearly winning his first MVP award last season, SGA has made a name for himself among the Thunder greats. However, he will have much more to do for OKC to take the starting spot away from Westbrook. Winning a championship would surely help his case, and along with the other two parts of the current Big 3, this should be a realistic goal for years to come. SGA is arguably the best point in the NBA, and he is just getting started.
Shooting Guard (SG) – James Harden
James Harden had most of his better years in Houston with the Rockets but also found success with the Thunder. He won 6th Man of the Year in the 2011-2012 season, and he typically served as the 6th man for most of his time with the team. Alongside others on this list, Harden was on the lone championship-appearing team in 2012 and had a nice three-year span in Oklahoma City. He would eventually be named the league MVP in 2017 and has finished as a finalist in multiple other seasons.
Small Forward (SF) – Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams is a young favorite for Thunder fans. Williams is a big part of the organization. He currently serves as an important player for the team’s Big 3. His personality is another reason fans love him in Oklahoma, and he is a nucleus of the team’s chemistry. Williams’s best fit is at the small forward spot, though reliable at multiple positions. He will have a hard decision once his rookie contract expires in the 2026-2027 season by deciding if he will stay with the team or sign elsewhere. He has the potential to be a Thunder legend, depending on his and the team’s performance going forward.
Power Forward (PF) – Nick Collison
Nick Collison was the original fan favorite for the Thunder and the ultimate team veteran. After being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2003 NBA Draft, Collison would stay with the franchise until retiring after the 2017-2018 season. His best season was arguably the Thunder’s first season as an official team, where he averaged eight points and six rebounds per game off the bench. He was a solid role player for the team throughout his entire career and was also on the championship runner-up team in 2012.
Center (C) – Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren completes the current Big 3 for the Thunder alongside Williams and SGA. After missing his rookie season due to injury, he exploded onto the scene last year in his technical rookie season. Averaging 17 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game, Holmgren finished as a finalist for Rookie of the Year and helped lead the Thunder to the Western Conference Semifinals. He easily has the potential to make a name as the best big man in team history and one of the greats in the NBA.
Utility (UTIL) – Chris Paul
Chris Paul is one of the best point guards of all time. Though his tenure with the team was very short, he performed at a high level and guided SGA during the early parts of his career. Paul averaged 18 points, seven assists, and two steals during the 2019-2020 season and helped save a Thunder team that was expected to fail. His year spent in Oklahoma City was later in his career, so his veteran experience and high IQ of the game benefited the organization tremendously.
Utility (UTIL) – Thabo Sefolosha
Thabo Sefolosha spent six years with the organization and was a key role player for the championship runner-up team during the 2012 season. Though his best year was arguably in the 2008-2009 season, where he averaged 9 points, five rebounds, and two steals per game, Sefolosha was a consistent piece for the Thunder. Some of his best seasons came in Oklahoma City, and he is the last player to round out this stacked team.
Final Thoughts
Though this team will never get to play together, the thought of it is exciting for fans and shows the best players in team history. While some players were left off, this was the generalized best overall unit for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team has a much shorter history than other organizations but matches in success and legendary moments. The team has yet to win a championship, but things are looking up for the coming years.
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