A Lasting Tribute: Oklahoma City Thunder to Honor Nick Collison with Monument Celebrating His Enduring Legacy
In a heartfelt tribute to one of the most loyal and impactful figures in franchise history, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially announced plans to erect a monument honoring Nick Collison. The beloved power forward, whose unwavering dedication, leadership, and grit defined the team for more than a decade, is set to be immortalized in bronze as a symbol of the Thunder’s culture and values.
Work on the monument is scheduled to commence on September 15, 2025, with a grand unveiling anticipated in the spring of 2026. The statue will be prominently located outside Paycom Center, where Collison played the bulk of his career and helped shape the identity of the young franchise.
Collison, drafted 12th overall in 2003 by the Seattle SuperSonics before the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City, spent his entire 14-season NBA career with the organization. Known as “Mr. Thunder,” he was celebrated not for gaudy statistics but for selflessness, consistency, and heart. He played a pivotal role in the Thunder’s rise to contention alongside Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, and his leadership in the locker room was as impactful as his work on the court.
Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett praised Collison in a statement: “Nick exemplified what it means to be a Thunder player. His humility, dedication, and professionalism helped build the foundation of this franchise. Honoring him in this way is both fitting and deeply deserved.”
Collison’s No. 4 jersey was retired by the team in 2019, making him the first player in Thunder history to receive such an honor. The upcoming monument will further cement his legacy in the heart of Oklahoma City and serve as a reminder to future generations of what true loyalty, work ethic, and team spirit look like.
Fans across the state have already expressed excitement, ready to celebrate a player who gave everything to the team and the city he called home.