OKC Thunder raise Nick Collison’s jersey to rafters

Fan favorite Nick Collison a.k.a. Mr. Thunder became the inaugural member of the OKC Thunder to have his jersey raised into the rafters. Here’s my first hand recall of the event.

Earlier this year the OKC Thunder announced they would raise the first jersey into the rafters of the franchise. Beloved teammate and player Nick Collison was earmarked as the man of the moment.

Wednesday evening, the big night finally arrived. The entire city was in celebration mode. Even the mayor joined in the festivities. In fact, Oklahoma City mayor David Holt signed a declaration proclaiming March 20, as Nick Collison Day.

Prior to the big day, and upon arriving at the arena, fans were urged to be in their seats by 8:00 pm. The lines to get in were excessively long and backed-up. There was an OKC Thunder employee with a megaphone exclaiming to the crowd waiting to enter the arena, “if you are here for Nick, you must be in your seat by 8:00 pm, all festivities will begin at 8:00 pm”.

That was not the case, perhaps the variables of the evening were running behind, but the events and ceremony seemed jumbled together. With each game-night inside the Peake, there are traditions that occur. Such as the on-court emcee Malcolm Tubbs pumping up the crowd, while one lucky fan cranks a large siren. Immediately, following the siren a video plays on the jumbotron, featuring highlights from various games.

Typically the video is completed. Then, the team runs out onto the court for shootaround. On this night, the team took to the court while the video was still airing above. The Thunder had roughly 10-minutes for shootaround. The Toronto Raptors were allotted less time because the visiting team always hits the hardwood second.

Next, it was time for the national anthems, due to the Thunder playing the Raptors, both the American and Canadian national anthems were performed by Cavelle-Nell Romeo. Immediately following Romeo’s performance, the jersey service began.

The Main Event

To set the scene, the entire arena bowl went dark. Then, a video featuring Collison’s career highlights began to play. The video was rather short, running only about a minute. Once the clip concluded, the banner displaying Collison’s number-four was hanging from the rafter. There was no formal raising of the jersey. No one was promoted to direct their attention to Collison’s number being unveiled. In fact, the unveiling was rather low-key if you blinked it was easily missed.

The crowd inside the Peake provided a raucous ovation, as Collison took center court, and began to make his speech. Collison had to pause many times, due to such an overwhelmingly positive reception. Unlike most jersey retirements where former coach’s and teammates speak about the player receiving the honor. Only Collison himself addressed the crowd.

He discussed the team’s early days when they were forced to practice at an old ice rink. Which, sat directly across from a dog food factory. He thanked OKC Thunder General Manager Sam Presti, chairman Clay Bennett and noted none of this would be possible without Mr. Bennett.

Next, he spoke about his various coaches, mentioning how it was nice to have former OKC Thunder head coaches P.J. Carlesimo and Scott Brooks in the building for the event. Then Nick touched on his long-time teammate Russell Westbrook, emphasizing the importance of their relationship.

Collison proceeded to thank, and speak about his parents, followed by sharing a sweet message about his long-time girlfriend Jessica Faith. Last but not least, Mr. Thunder concluded his speech by talking about his daughter Emma. It was at this point the emotions got to Collison.

While the crowd showered Mr. Thunder with one final standing ovation. Collison began to make his way off the court, one final time. First, he hugged Presti then he hugged Russ, then he performed his signature handshake with his apprentice Steven Adams, before giving Adams a bear-hug, finally, he and injured OKC Thunder guard Andre Roberson exchanged a warm embrace, then Nick exited the court for the final time as the crowd continued to roar.

Once, Mr. Thunder vacated the court. Starting player intros took place per the usual, then the team’s mascot did his final pregame ritual to bang a drum to a specific beat, to get the crowd clapping in a synchronized rhythm. Then the contest tipped-off.

Along with former coaches, some of Collison’s former teammates were in attendance as well. Including the likes of Kevin Durant and Anthony Morrow. Although no player introductions occurred.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvQTDb4HOQ2/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Closing Thoughts

More from Thunder News

• 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

If I was asked to sum up the ceremony with one word; it would probably be nontraditional. Overall, it was a special evening, because it was meant to celebrate Nick, and commemorate his jersey will be in the rafters forever.

With that said, in-hindsight holding the ceremony at halftime might have been more appealing, perchance it would not have been as rushed. The banner itself is somewhat dull and generic, it used a basic font, and does not resemble an actual OKC Thunder jersey.

In 10-15 years, when Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant’s jersey goes up next, maybe the Thunder will conduct things differently. Maybe, they will not, the team has always preferred to go about business the Thunder way.

All in all, it was another important chapter in the still early OKC Thunder history books. Despite, losing the game which dropped the team to eighth in the Western Conference, when the night is reflected upon it will always be remembered as Nick’s night.