Today’s OKC Thunder and Their Historic NBA Counterparts

#8 – Current Thunder Player – Nick Collison

David’s Historic Counterpart – Tom Meschery

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This one feels more right than it should, to be honest. Meschery is one of the true characters of NBA history, a European immigrant that discovered basketball late in life and, in his own words, “became obsessed” with the sport. He had a stellar career in the Bay Area before signing on with the Philadelphia Warriors and was a teammate of Wilt Chamberlain‘s (one of his fondest memories is being a rookie when Wilt scored 100 points versus the Knicks). He was never a superstar but always a solid complementary player and, after retiring, went on to write novels and poetry.

Collison has similarly been a teammate of a historically great player and been witness to some amazing performances. He’s beloved by Thunder fans and has always had a workman-like approach that belies his talent. But he often seems happy just to be in the moment and he’s never wanted the bright lights that other NBA players seem to crave.

Plus, when I remembered that Meschery’s nickname was “The Mad Russian”, the comparison and this image came to mind.

Next: #7 - The Undervalued Shooter