The annals of professional basketball are rich with stories, and few elements capture the essence of a franchise’s journey quite like the jerseys its players have worn. From the foundational years of the Seattle SuperSonics in 1967-68 to the modern era of the Oklahoma City Thunder, each number represents a chapter in a sprawling narrative, a testament to the athletes who donned them and shaped the team’s identity.
This ongoing exploration delves into the complete history of these iconic jersey numbers, highlighting every player who contributed to the franchise’s evolving legacy. Our focus today turns to the often-overlooked yet historically significant number 35, a jersey worn by a diverse group of eleven individuals throughout the team’s illustrious past.
Among those who sported the number 35 during the Seattle SuperSonics era was the formidable big man, Al Carson. Hailing from a distinguished college career at Oregon, Carson’s path to the NBA was unconventional, as he navigated the professional landscape after going undrafted in the highly competitive 1973 NBA Draft.
Despite the initial setback, Carson earned his spot by signing with the SuperSonics, where he exclusively wore jersey No. 35 during his tenure. His brief but memorable stint saw him contribute to the team’s efforts, averaging 2.6 points and an equal number of rebounds per game, a statistical snapshot of his presence on the court.
It is crucial to acknowledge that while a new team might one day emerge in Seattle, the history forged by the SuperSonics remains inextricably linked to the Thunder’s present identity. The contributions of players like Carson, who laid the groundwork in Seattle, are preserved as integral parts of the Thunder’s comprehensive franchise history.
This historical continuity underscores the importance of recognizing every player, regardless of their time spent with the team, as contributors to the broader narrative. The legacy woven by the No. 35 jersey, from its inaugural wearer to its most recent, reflects the continuous evolution and enduring spirit of the franchise.
By meticulously documenting each jersey number and the players associated with it, this series ensures that figures like Al Carson, whose impact might be measured in fewer games but not less dedication, receive their rightful place in the collective memory of basketball enthusiasts and the franchise’s devoted fanbase.
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