OKC Thunder royalty: Fittingly Nick Collison’s number first to be retired

Nick Collison will become the first OKC Thunder player to have his number retired Sunday. It’s an honor only he deserves.

If there’s ever a nickname well suited for Nick Collison, it’s “Mr. Thunder.” Oklahoma City has a fan base unlike any other in that the team takes on the “blue-collar” mentality of the citizens. It’s the shared worked ethic and commitment to excellence which bonds the team to the city and the players to the citizens. And nobody embodied the spirit of the community more than Collison.

Explaining his popularity to an outsider or even a young Thunder fan is almost impossible, as one could only gain a full appreciation of Collison by watching his career unfold. You can’t look up stats or just watch highlights. You had to be in the building or glued to the TV for every game to watch him set solid screens, dive for loose balls or fearlessly take a charge.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1084232485544886272

Collison’s effort was rarely appreciated by national media and he wasn’t well known among casual NBA fans, at least in his later years. But, in essence, that’s why Thunder fans love him. He worked hard behind the scenes and did the dirty work every game, but didn’t need any extra attention or applause.

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He never demanded playing time, stirred drama or requested a trade. He was content to do the heavy lifting and let his teammates take the credit. And above all else, he was loyal to his team. Pair him with the spirit of Oklahoma City, and it’s a match made in heaven.

Sure, other stars will soon join him with their jersey in the rafters. Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Steven Adams and others down the line will likely have their jersey in the rafters next to Collison’s. But it’s important, and fitting in many ways, that he’s the first. If you’re from Oklahoma City or have just been a long-time fan, you understand. Again, this isn’t something outsiders can fully grasp.

OKC isn’t Los Angeles or New York where the fans’ interest goes up and down with the talent of the team. As the only show in town, the Thunder mean more to the community than just another attraction.

Collison endeared himself to the citizens and fan base everywhere by embodying everything the city loves and appreciates. Being an average player who did great things because of a superior work ethic made him likeable.

On top of his lovable personality and work ethic, he was with the Thunder since the beginning and gave the team everything he had for as long as possible. Talent came and went, drama stirred and success varied, but Collison was always there.

Several tributes, including this one, have been filling social media since the news broke on Saturday. Many of them, however, not highlighting stats or showing flashy replays because there really isn’t much to brag about in terms of crazy athletic plays. Nick wouldn’t want that anyway, it’s not his personality.

Collison is receiving the honor because he set the tone for the franchise. Hard worker, fearless hustler and loyal. Those are the basic characteristics of a Thunder player, and Collison will forever be the prime example. That’s why he’s known as “Mr. Thunder.”