Nick Collison retirement: a trip down Mr. Thunder’s memory lane
By Alex Mcewen
In an article announcing his retirement formally Nick Collison ignited a swell of emotions from OKC Thunder fans.
After playing for two teams (one franchise), over 1,000 games and 15 years in the NBA Mr.Thunder aka Nick Collison has decided to call it a career. Collision announced his retirement on May 10, 2018.
Sam Presti has often pegged Nick Collison as one of the founding fathers of the OKC Thunder organization. Since Collison has retired only Russell Westbrook remains from the Thunder’s inaugural season.
Collison was a constant professional, his presence in the locker room and off the court will be greatly missed. It is hard to comprehend that starting in late September when training camp opens it will be the first time Nick Collison is not on the roster.
The news of Collison’s retirement is not surprising, as it was expected. There were numerous signs that pointed in the direction of retirement. The most glaring the way Westbrook addressed the crowd in the final regular-season game bringing Collison to center court with him.
Westbrook played coy stating he didn’t know if this was Nick’s last game or not. The vibe in the arena spoke volumes, the energy matched the moment. It was so loud, the decimal level could rival any game-winning shot celebration.
In the third quarter, Corey Brewer got fouled shooting a three, on the play he was injured and immediately taken out. When that situation occurs the opposing head coach decides who will shoot the free throws. Grizzlies coach JB Bickerstaff elected Collison. Nick missed all three foul shots, but the moment was cool none the less.