Oklahoma City Thunder Undisputed All-Time Starting 5 (No Debate)
Oklahoma City Thunder Undisputed All-Time Starting 5 (No Debate)
The Oklahoma City Thunder, though a relatively young franchise in the NBA, have already established a rich and storied history since their relocation from Seattle in 2008. From the moment they landed in the heart of the Midwest, the Thunder quickly became one of the most exciting and promising teams in the league. In a short period of time, the team has seen several legendary players walk through their doors, leaving their mark on the court and the city itself.
As fans reflect on the Thunder’s history, the question often arises: who would make up the undisputed all-time starting five for the team? This list is a culmination of players who not only achieved individual greatness but also helped elevate the franchise to the heights it has reached today. For this all-time starting five, we’re looking at players who have had the most significant impact in Oklahoma City, and that means blending raw talent, leadership, and success within the organization. No debate necessary — these five players have earned their spots.
Let’s dive into the undisputed Oklahoma City Thunder All-Time Starting Five.
When you think about the Oklahoma City Thunder, one name that comes to mind immediately is Russell Westbrook. He is the very definition of what it means to be a Thunder player: relentless, passionate, and relentless. Westbrook’s name will be etched into the Thunder’s history for as long as the franchise exists.
The Stats: Westbrook was drafted by the Thunder in 2008 (the same year the team moved to Oklahoma City), and he quickly became the face of the franchise. He played the majority of his career with the Thunder before moving to the Houston Rockets in 2019, and during his time with the team, he was a nine-time All-Star and the 2017 NBA MVP.
In 2016-2017, Westbrook had one of the most memorable individual seasons in NBA history. Averaging a triple-double for the season with 31.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 10.7 assists, he became the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average a triple-double for an entire season. That achievement cemented his legacy as one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
Westbrook’s ferocious competitiveness and his ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game — scoring, rebounding, and playmaking — made him a nightmare for opposing teams. His explosive athleticism, combined with an unrelenting drive, made him one of the most feared players of his generation. He single-handedly carried Oklahoma City to the playoffs year after year, even when the roster around him was thin.
Why Westbrook is the undisputed PG: Westbrook’s leadership, ability to carry a team, and historic statistical achievements put him in a league of his own when it comes to Thunder point guards. His role as the Thunder’s offensive engine during their most successful years in the 2010s is unmatched.
The shooting guard spot on the Thunder’s all-time starting five belongs to none other than James Harden. While Harden’s tenure with Oklahoma City was relatively brief, it was immensely impactful, and his time with the Thunder set the stage for his legendary career.
The Stats: Harden was drafted by the Thunder in 2009, just one year after the team’s relocation to Oklahoma City, and he quickly became the sixth man for the team during their 2012 NBA Finals run. Although he only spent three seasons with the Thunder before being traded to the Houston Rockets, his contributions during that time were essential to Oklahoma City’s success. Harden played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive schemes, showcasing his elite scoring ability and playmaking prowess as the team’s sixth man.
In just those few years with the Thunder, Harden made a name for himself as one of the league’s most versatile players. As a scorer, facilitator, and defender, he was a critical part of the team’s deep playoff runs. In the 2012 playoffs, Harden was crucial in Oklahoma City’s run to the Finals, and his performances in the Western Conference Finals, where he helped knock off the San Antonio Spurs, proved his worth.
Why Harden is the undisputed SG: Harden’s place on this all-time starting five is justified by his ability to elevate the Thunder during their peak years. While his MVP-worthy seasons with the Rockets are his defining career moments, it was his contributions in the Thunder’s young core alongside Westbrook and Kevin Durant that helped propel the team into legitimate title contention.
No list of the Thunder’s greatest players can be complete without Kevin Durant. Durant is arguably the best player in Oklahoma City Thunder history and undoubtedly the most talented. His time with the franchise changed the trajectory of the team and left a lasting legacy.
The Stats: Durant played eight seasons with the Thunder (2008-2016), becoming the face of the franchise during that period. Durant won the NBA MVP in 2014, leading the league in scoring four times, including a career-high 32 points per game in the 2013-2014 season. His elite scoring, smooth shooting stroke, and versatility on both ends of the floor made him one of the most dominant players in NBA history.
Durant was a six-time All-Star with the Thunder, and during his tenure, he helped Oklahoma City reach the NBA Finals in 2012. Despite the Thunder’s loss to the Miami Heat that year, Durant’s ability to carry the team through the playoffs and into the Finals cemented his place among the league’s best.
Why Durant is the undisputed SF: Durant is the franchise’s all-time leader in points, and his time in Oklahoma City was filled with numerous accolades and historic performances. Although his decision to leave for the Golden State Warriors in 2016 left a sour taste for many fans, there’s no denying that Durant was the Thunder’s franchise player, and his individual success during his time in Oklahoma City is unparalleled.
Power Forward: Serge Ibaka
At power forward, there’s only one choice for the Thunder: Serge Ibaka. While Ibaka was not as flashy as some of the other stars on the roster, his contributions to the team’s success and his role as the team’s defensive anchor make him an essential piece of the all-time starting five.
The Stats: Ibaka joined the Thunder in 2009 and quickly became one of the league’s premier defenders. Known for his shot-blocking and rim protection, Ibaka earned a reputation as one of the most feared defenders in the NBA. He was an integral part of the Thunder’s success, especially during their run to the NBA Finals in 2012. Ibaka’s ability to protect the rim allowed Oklahoma City’s offense to thrive, knowing they had an elite defensive presence in the paint.
Ibaka led the league in blocks during the 2011-2012 season and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team twice during his time with the Thunder. His defensive versatility, combined with his ability to space the floor offensively with mid-range shooting, made him a unique asset to the team.
Why Ibaka is the undisputed PF: Ibaka’s place in the starting five is solidified by his defensive dominance, leadership, and the impact he had on both ends of the floor. His presence in the paint was crucial to Oklahoma City’s success during their peak years and provided a solid foundation for the team’s elite defense.
While many might think that a true center like DeAndre Jordan would fill this role, in fact, this spot is reserved for Nick Collison. Collison’s heart, soul, and leadership with the Oklahoma City Thunder solidified his place as a key piece of the franchise’s DNA.
The Stats: Collison, though never a star in terms of scoring, made his living as one of the most selfless players the NBA has ever seen. Playing the bulk of his career with the Thunder (2003-2017), Collison was known for his hustle, grit, and ability to set screens, rebound, and play defense. His leadership and veteran presence were invaluable to the Thunder, and while he never received All-Star recognition, his contributions to the team’s identity were undeniable.
Known as one of the most consistent defenders and high-IQ players, Collison played a crucial role in setting the tone for the Thunder’s defense. His ability to rebound and do the dirty work allowed the team’s stars to shine, and he was a key asset during their playoff runs. Though his numbers may not stand out in the box score, his impact on the court was immense.
Why Collison is the undisputed center: Collison was never the flashiest player, but he embodied everything the Thunder stood for: heart, hustle, and dedication. His leadership in the locker room and steady play on the court made him one of the most important players in the team’s history.
There’s little doubt that these five players — Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison — represent the very best that the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise has ever seen. Each of these players left an indelible mark on the team, contributing in ways both on and off the court that helped shape the identity of the franchise.
From Westbrook’s relentless energy and MVP campaign to Durant’s scoring dominance and Harden’s all-around brilliance, this starting five represents the pinnacle of what Oklahoma City has accomplished in a short amount of time. Add to that Ibaka’s defensive prowess and Collison’s leadership,
and you have a group of players that would be feared by any opponent.
This team was not just built on talent but also on heart, passion, and a shared commitment to making Oklahoma City a basketball powerhouse. No debate — this is the undisputed all-time starting five for the Thunder, and they will be remembered for years to come as the players who brought the team to the top of the NBA.
