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.
Collison Career accolades
Collison’s career achievements do not jump off the page, yet his statistics deserve to be recognized nonetheless.
- Third, in total games played in franchise history 910 | Second most in Thunder history 602.
- Ninth in minutes played in franchise history (18,603) | Fourth in Thunder minutes played 11,158.
- Fourth in franchise history in total rebounds 4701. | Fifth in Thunder total rebounds 2561.
- Fourth in OKC Thunder assists 638.
- Sixth in franchise history in blocks 469. | Fourth in Thunder history in blocks 258.
- Second in franchise history in personal fouls 2607. | Second most fouls in Thunder history 1503.
- Sixth in OKC Thunder scoring 2846 points scored.
Note: franchise minutes represent time spent as a Seattle SuperSonic as well
Other notable statistics
Nick Collison posted 69 double-doubles during his 15-year career, including 16 in OKC. His last double-double occurred December, 29th, 2012 against the Houston Rockets. Collison never recorded a triple-double, which is not an indictment on Mr.Thunder. Rather a testament to how extraordinary what Russell Westbrook has done in regard to the triple-double.
Collison has appeared in 910 regular season games. Only 231 NBA players have appeared in 900 or more regular season games. Furthermore, Collison is the 89th player in league history to play in 900 or more games without being selected to an All-Star team.
The pinnacle of Nick Collison
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- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
One of the most defining moments for Mr.Thunder occurred April, 3rd 2012. OKC was playing the Spurs in San Antonio. Collison caught an elbow from a Spurs defender late in the third quarter, a large gash opened on his forehead.
The wound required four staples, not stitches staples. The best part of the ordeal four staples later Collison was cleared to return to the game. If that isn’t the pinnacle of toughness what is?
Happy retirement
Although May 10th will forever be a sad day for the Thunder organization, Thunder Nation, and the NBA family. It will be a day with mixed emotions for Mr.Thunder himself. At just 37 years old which is very young anywhere else, it makes him an old timer on the hardwood. Good luck Collison on your next chapter in the book known as life.
Yes, Nick Collison should and will be the first Thunder jersey that will hang in the rafters. The hard decision will be whether the jersey letters will read Collison or Mr.Thunder.
Personally what I’ll miss most about Collison will be his epic Halloween/Birthday party the costumes that would flood social media timelines were legendary and will live on forever in my book.