Naming the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise's all-time starting five

By foxsports
Published

When you think of iconic players from the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise, you probably think of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, all current members. If you like dwelling on the past, James Harden might pop into your head. Kendrick Perkins and Derek Fisher, too, but for different reasons.

 

But do you think of old Seattle Supersonics players? Like Gary Payton and Shamp Kemp? Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis? Have you even heard of Jack Sickma?

 

The Thunder, though technically a new franchise in 2008, still technically have roots as the Supersonics (even if the Sonics' history stayed in Seattle). 

 

Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo Sports decided to take a crack at naming the franchise's all-time starting five, claiming it was Jack Sickma, Shawn Kemp, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Gary Payton.

 

Here is Dwyer's breakdown of Durant:

 

"F: Kevin Durant. A SuperSonic for one, sad, season and a member of the Thunder since 2008. Not yet 27, Durant has led the NBA in total points scored in a single season five times, and his too-wily-for-his-years ways have already forced the NBA to enforce a rule change that would prevent Durant from baiting his way into free throws on the perimeter. KD just shrugged and responded with a trip to the Finals in 2012 and the NBA’s MVP in 2013-14."

 

And Westbrook:

 

"G: Russell Westbrook. Had the team stayed in Seattle, the comparisons between Gary Payton and Russell Westbrook would have already resulted in several Sports Illustrated covers touting the two’s similarities. It may seem like a bit of a jump to place Westbrook on a list that features a roster of players that dates back to 1967, but it’s just impossible to ignore what he’s done so far. On a team with Kevin Durant taking up much of the scoring load, Westbrook has averaged 21.1 points, 7.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds in only 34 minutes a night, including a 28.1-8.6-7.3 turn in a mostly Durant-less 2014-15."

 

What do you think of Dwyer's all-time lineup? Do you disagree? Did he miss anyone? Who are your five?

 

(H/t Yahoo Sport's Ball Don't Lie.)