Season in Review: Nick Collison
Nick Collison is not known as the most exciting player on the Thunder, but he plays a vital role. Success in the NBA is so much more than what happens on the court and Collison’s leadership is key to OKC’s success.
When looking back on the 2015-2016 Oklahoma City Thunder season, it’s natural to examine the key players who made it a successful year. As starters, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams, and Andre Roberson are all names that frequently pop up in season review discussions.
But, there are other players whose roles–at least, on the surface–may have been less noticeable. Players who, despite limited game minutes, had just as significant an impact on the season as the starters.
Take, for example, our old buddy Nick Collison.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Collison was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2003, making him the longest tenured Thunder player. He just completed his 13th season with the same organization, and has earned a fan base that respects his loyalty and experience.
On paper, his ’15-’16 season wasn’t his best. He only played 59 games and actually recorded career lows in many categories. He took the least amount of shots this year than any other year in his career. At .459 percent, his field goal percentage was the second lowest he’s seen. And, he walked away with a 0% three point percentage.
As the NBA get smaller and relies more on quicker players than on traditional bench power forwards, Collison’s defensive power has also dipped. This year, he earned his career low in total rebounds, with 171, his career low in steals, with 15, and his career low in blocks, with 16.
But, his stats aren’t what make him important to the Thunder organization. Because, as always, Collison came through when the team needed him. When Adams sat out a game against the Dallas Mavericks during the regular season, Collison started in his place. He grabbed nine rebounds that night.
Instead of playing younger guys who could certainly benefit from the development opportunities being on the court brings, Coach Billy Donovan often opted to play Collison. According to Donovan, his reason for giving Collison time is simple.
“Nick’s reliability coming down the stretch, on both ends of the floor, is what I went with,” he said.
That word is what comes to mind for a lot of Thunder fans and analysts when they think about Collison. Reliability.
He’s like a father figure to the team, whether he’s on the court, on the bench, or in the locker room. Sure, he’s only 35. But, in the world of professional basketball, he’s basically ancient. Early on, his experience and wisdom quickly made him a mentor to Kevin Durant. Collison even said he would chat with Durant about his looming free agency decision. Knowing how much weight Durant puts into Collison’s opinion, a Durant-Collison heart-to-heart certainly can’t hurt OKC’s chances of keeping the star player.
Additionally, Collison’s help molding the Thunder’s big men, like Enes Kanter and Steven Adams, has made a significant impact on the team’s success.
Collison has only one year remaining on his contract, and he hasn’t announced any decisions about his plans for 2017.
Forget, for a moment, about this summer and the KDD (Kevin Durant Decision). Think, instead, about 2017. It’s a year that scares many Thunder fans.
Collison, Westbrook, Ibaka, Adams, Morrow, and Roberson’s contracts are all up in 2017. That’s four of the team’s current starters and two bench players, one of whom brings a wealth of experience to a young team.
Related Story: Season in Review: Kevin Durant
Some are certain that Collison’s retirement is coming. And, maybe that’s true. But for now, the Thunder is certainly lucky to have him. He’s a trusted voice. He’s a cornerstone for the organization. He’s a locker room hero. A voice of reason. A cheerleader. A mentor. A leader. A company man.
In a way, his loyalty makes him the unofficial face of the Thunder. And, at least for one more year, the team is better for that.