The Top 10 Seattle Supersonics of All-Time
The Top 10 Seattle Supersonics of All-Time
By Edcel Panganiban April 15, 2024 14:40
The Seattle SuperSonics, now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder, have a rich history in the NBA, with a number of legendary players who have left a lasting impact on the franchise.
From the team's inception in 1967 to their relocation in 2008, the SuperSonics produced a number of iconic players who have become a part of the team's lore.
Here, we take a look at the top 10 Seattle SuperSonics of all time, considering their impact on the team and their contributions to the sport of basketball.
1. Gary Payton
Position: Point Guard
Years with the SuperSonics: 1990-2003
Gary Payton, also known as "The Glove," is arguably the greatest player in the history of the Seattle SuperSonics.
He was known for his exceptional defensive skills and his ability to control the game from the point guard position.
Payton was a nine-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996. He remains the SuperSonics' all-time leader in points, assists, and steals.
2. Shawn Kemp
Position: Power Forward
Years with the SuperSonics: 1989-1997
Shawn Kemp, also known as the "Reign Man," was an explosive and powerful forward who became a fan favorite in Seattle.
His partnership with Gary Payton formed one of the most formidable duos in the NBA during the 1990s.
Kemp was a six-time NBA All-Star and played a vital role in leading the SuperSonics to the NBA Finals in 1996.
3. Jack Sikma
Position: Center
Years with the SuperSonics: 1977-1986
Jack Sikma was a key player for the SuperSonics during the late 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his versatile offensive game, which was rare for a player of his position during that era.
Sikma's impact on the court was instrumental in the SuperSonics' success, including their 1979 NBA Championship.
He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and remains one of the greatest centers in the history of the franchise.
4. Lenny Wilkens
Position: Point Guard
Years with the SuperSonics: 1968-1972
Lenny Wilkens was a player-coach for the SuperSonics and played a pivotal role in the early success of the franchise. He was a masterful floor general and a respected leader both on and off the court.
Wilkens' impact on the SuperSonics extended beyond his playing days, as he later went on to coach the team to their only NBA Championship in 1979.
5. Detlef Schrempf
Position: Small Forward/Power Forward
Years with the SuperSonics: 1993-1999
Detlef Schrempf was a versatile forward who made significant contributions to the SuperSonics during the 1990s. He was known for his scoring ability and his versatility as a forward, capable of both scoring inside and outside.
Schrempf was a two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and a key player in the SuperSonics' deep playoff runs during his time with the team.
6. Fred Brown
Position: Shooting Guard
Years with the SuperSonics: 1971-1984
Fred Brown, also known as "Downtown Freddie Brown," was a prolific scorer and a long-time fan favorite in Seattle.
Brown remains the SuperSonics' all-time leading scorer and was a crucial part of the team's journey to winning the 1979 NBA Championship.
7. Xavier McDaniel
Position: Small Forward
Years with the SuperSonics: 1985-1990
Xavier McDaniel, known for his physical style of play, was a dominant force for the SuperSonics during the late 1980s.
His aggressive playing style and scoring ability made him a standout player for the team. McDaniel was a key contributor to the SuperSonics' success during his tenure and remains one of the most memorable players in the franchise's history.
8. Nate McMillan
Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard
Years with the SuperSonics: 1986-1998
Nate McMillan, known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the court, was a vital player for the SuperSonics throughout the 1990s. He was known for his tenacious defense and his ability to facilitate the offense as a point guard.
9. Ray Allen
Position: Shooting Guard
Years with the SuperSonics: 2003-2007
Ray Allen, known for his exceptional shooting and scoring ability, made a significant impact during his time with the SuperSonics. .
Allen was a six-time NBA All-Star and played a crucial role in the SuperSonics' offense during his tenure with the team.
10. Spencer Haywood
Position: Power Forward/Center
Years with the SuperSonics: 1970-1975
Spencer Haywood, a dominant force in the frontcourt, was a key player for the SuperSonics during the early years of the franchise.
Haywood was a four-time NBA All-Star and played a vital role in establishing the SuperSonics as a competitive team in the NBA.
Ultimately, the Seattle SuperSonics have been home to a number of iconic players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport of basketball.
The top 10 players listed here have each contributed in their own unique way to the success and legacy of the SuperSonics, and their impact continues to be felt within the basketball community.
LATEST
- NEWS
- |
- ARTICLES
- |
- VIDEOS
FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK
