Due to marital problems, a vital Thunder player declared his retirement.
After 15 years in the NBA, Collison has announced his retirement from the Thunder. After being selected by the Seattle Supersonics with the 12th overall pick in the 2003 draft, Collison has been a member of the team for his entire playing career.
The Kansas graduate averaged 5.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 20.4 minutes per game during his career, playing in 910 regular-season games.
“I always wanted to pursue basketball as a career, and I consider myself fortunate to have spent 15 seasons in the NBA,” Collison stated. “As my career as a basketball player draws to an end, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me along the way, including my family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, hometown, Kansas University, and the Thunder organization. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am proud of the amazing journey I have taken, and I could not have accomplished it on my own.
Collison was the first person Clay Bennett, the chairman of the Thunder, saw in the practice gym after the team was purchased.
“I will always remember our first meeting, and I am grateful that he is still the same wonderful man you have never met, as genuine as they come. Because he was here, the Thunder will always be a better team.
With 602 games played, Collison ranks second on the Thunder’s all-time list of players. He also ranks fourth with 638 assists, fourth with 258 blocks, fifth with 2,561 rebounds, fifth with 296 steals, and sixth with 2846 points. The only current players who have been with the Thunder for all ten of their seasons are Collison and Westbrook.
Collison, according to Thunder General Manager Sam Presti, is the ideal player to contribute to the team’s early development.
“Nick has become synonymous with the Thunder Shield and has contributed to defining the daily norms we adhere to both on and off the court. He is a hardworking, selfless, and modest craftsman,” stated Presti. “Every day he came in the door, he gave it his all—a career’s worth of work.” His contributions to our community and culture will endure because of his longevity and consistency. In any industry, but particularly in professional sports, that is uncommon.”
