Welcome Back Seattle
It’s been a long time coming, but one of the most passionate basketball cities in America, is buzzing again with hope of an NBA return. And what better way to honor that legacy than by looking back at the greatest players to ever wear the green and gold
From the roaring crowds at the Key Arena to the historic days inside the Kingdome, the Sonics left a legacy that can’t be erased. The team delivered unforgettable moments: from the 1979 NBA Championship to the 1996 NBA Finals appearance vs. Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
Local Seattle hoops factories like Rainier Beach, Garfield, and Seattle Prep gave us stars like Jamal Crawford, Doug Christie, Nate Robinson, Martell Webster, and Spencer Hawes.
It’s time to celebrate the past while we dream of the future. Let’s take a look at the best to ever suit up for the Seattle SuperSonics.
Seattle Sonics All-Time Team - Starting Five
Gary "The Glove" Payton - PG
Years Active: 1990–2003
Seattle Stats: 18.2 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.2 RPG, 2.9 SPG
College: Oregon State
Gary Payton was the heart of the Sonics for over a decade. Drafted in 1990 out of Oregon State, he became one of the most feared defenders in NBA history. He earned nine All-Star selections and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1996—the only point guard to ever win the award. Payton averaged over 18 points and seven assists during his time in Seattle, leading the team to multiple playoff runs, including the 1996 NBA Finals. His tenacity, leadership, and trash talk made him a legend in the Emerald City.
Gus "The Wizard" Williams - SG
Years Active: 1977–1984
Seattle Stats: 20.5 PPG, 6.2 APG, 3.5 RPG
College: USC
Gus Williams emerged as a dynamic scorer and playmaker for the Sonics from 1977 through 1984. He averaged roughly 20 points and 6 assists per game in Seattle, earning two All-Star selections. Williams was at his peak during the 1979 championship run and propelled the franchise’s first title with his lightning-quick offense. He remained a fan favorite known for his polished scoring and clutch performances.
Ray "Jesus Shuttlesworth" Allen - SF
Years Active: 2003–2007
Seattle Stats: 24.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.3 SPG
College: UCONN
Ray Allen arrived in Seattle in 2003 and instantly became the team's top scorer. Known for his silky shooting stroke and off-the-ball movement, he averaged nearly 25 points per game during his Sonics years. Allen made four All-Star appearances while in Seattle and solidified his place as one of the game's all-time greatest shooters. Though his stay in Seattle was shorter than others, his impact was undeniable and he remains one of the franchise’s most talented offensive players.
Shawn "Reignman" Kemp - PF
Years Active: 1989–1997
Seattle Stats: 16.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 2.0 APG
College: Trinity Valley
Shawn Kemp brought electricity to the KeyArena every time he stepped on the court. Drafted straight out of junior college in 1989, he quickly became one of the most explosive and athletic forwards in the league. Kemp averaged around 18 points and 11 rebounds at his peak and made six All-Star teams. He was the emotional and physical force behind the Sonics’ 1990s playoff runs, forming one of the league’s most exciting duos with Gary Payton.
Jack Sickma - C
Years Active:1977–1986
Seattle Stats: 15.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.4 BPG
College: Illinois Wesleyan University
Jack Sikma was a model of consistency and skill in the middle. A stretch big before the term existed, Sikma had a soft shooting touch and strong rebounding instincts. He played nine seasons in Seattle, averaging around 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. He was selected to seven straight All-Star teams and played a key role in leading the Sonics to their only championship in 1979. Known for his high-release jumper and footwork in the post, Sikma remains a fan favorite and a franchise cornerstone.
Seattle Sonics All-Time Bench
"Downtown" Freddie Brown - PG
Years Active: 1971–1981
Seattle Stats: 14.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, 2.8 RPG
College: Georgetown
The original long range threat. Freddie Brown spent his entire 13-year career in Seattle after starring at Iowa. He averaged about 14.6 points and 3.3 assists per game, becoming one of the league's early threats from long range, earning his nickname “Downtown.” A 1976 All-Star and a key contributor to the 1979 championship team, Brown ranks among Seattle’s most consistent and loyal backcourt presences.
Dennis Johnson - SG
Years Active: 1976–1980
Seattle Stats: 15.9 PPG, 3.3 APG, 4.1 RPG, 2.3 SPG
College: Pepperdine
Dennis Johnson began his pro career with the Sonics in 1976 and quickly became a key piece of their rise. A smart, tough, two-way guard, Johnson played a pivotal role in the team's 1979 championship run and was named Finals MVP. Known for his clutch defense and ability to perform under pressure, he was a two-time All-Star with Seattle before moving on to continued success in Boston. His early years in Seattle laid the foundation for a Hall of Fame career.
Rashard Lewis - SF
Years Active: 1998–2007
Seattle Stats: 15.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.7 APG
College: N/A
Drafted straight out of high school in 1998, Rashard Lewis developed into one of Seattle’s most potent scorers. Over his nine seasons, he averaged nearly 15 points and five rebounds while setting franchise records for three-pointers. Lewis was named an All-Star in 2004–05 and delivered memorable performances—such as a 50-point game in Japan—cementing his status as a cornerstone of the early-2000s Sonics.
Xavier McDaniel - PF
Years Active: 1985–1990
Seattle Stats: 17.2 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.9 APG
College: Witchita State
Selected fourth overall in 1985 out of Wichita State, Xavier McDaniel made an immediate impact in Seattle. He averaged over 17 points and 11 rebounds as a rookie, earning runner-up for Rookie of the Year. McDaniel scored more than 20 points in multiple seasons, highlighted by a 42-point playoff game in 1987. His physical, blue-collar style and scoring versatility made him one of the Sonics’ toughest and most reliable forwards.
Tom Chambers - C
Years Active: 1985–1989
Seattle Stats: 20.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 APG
College: Utah
Tom Chambers brought rare athleticism and scoring punch to Seattle from 1985 to 1989. Standing 6‑10 with guard skills, he averaged over 20 points and six rebounds per game across nearly 400 appearances in Seattle. A four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, Chambers dazzled fans with high-flying finishes and a smooth jump shot becoming one of the league’s most exciting big men of his era.
Dale Ellis - SG
Years Active: 1986–1992, 1998–1999
Seattle Stats: 21.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.7 APG
College: Tennessee
Dale Ellis joined the Sonics in 1986 and returned in the late 1990s, forming one of the deadliest 3-point shooting backcourts alongside Gary Payton and Xavier McDaniel. Over 451 games in Seattle, he averaged about 21 points per night and earned an All-Star appearance in 1989. Known as the NBA’s original sharp-shooter, Ellis also won the Most Improved Player award in ’87 and once held the league record for career 3-pointers.
Detlef Schrempf - PF
Years Active: 1993-1999
Seattle Stats: 14.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.0 APG
College: Washington
As Seattle’s lone international player on this list, German-born was a polished forward with a finesse game. He averaged around 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists during his peak seasons in Seattle. Schrempf was a versatile two-way presence, helping lead the team to the 1996 NBA Finals and earning multiple Olympic appearances before eventually being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Head Coach
Lenny Wilkens
Lenny Wilkens is not only the most iconic coach in Seattle SuperSonics history, but one of the most respected figures in NBA history. He coached the Sonics in two separate stints, most notably from 1977 to 1985, leading the franchise to its only NBA championship in 1979. Wilkens brought structure, discipline, and a calm leadership style that resonated with a gritty, talented roster.
Before becoming a full-time coach, Wilkens also played in the NBA and briefly served as a player-coach. As Seattle’s head coach, he compiled a record of 478 wins and 402 losses. His steady hand guided the Sonics to three consecutive Western Conference Finals from 1978 to 1980. Known for his basketball IQ and quiet confidence, Wilkens later became the NBA’s all-time wins leader (at the time) and was inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach—one of only a few to earn that distinction.
Honorable Mention Seattle Sonics
Slick Watts – Guard
A cult hero in Seattle, Slick Watts became known for his flashy style, signature headband, and relentless defense. He led the league in assists and steals in 1976 and was named to the All-Defensive First Team. His charisma and hustle helped shape the Sonics’ early identity.
Kevin Durant – Forward
Durant played just one season in Seattle before the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City. Despite the short stint, he showed flashes of greatness, averaging 20.3 points per game and winning Rookie of the Year. Fans still wonder what could have been had the team stayed in Seattle.
Spencer Haywood – Forward
Haywood was a dominant force for Seattle in the early 1970s, averaging over 24 points and 12 rebounds across five seasons. Though his career was marked by off-court struggles, he was one of the league’s first true superstar forwards and laid the groundwork for future player rights in the NBA.
Vin Baker – Forward
Baker made two All-Star appearances during his time in Seattle and averaged nearly 20 points and 8 rebounds in his first three seasons. Though his production declined later, he was a key contributor during the Sonics’ late-90s playoff runs.
Paul Silas – Forward
Known for his rebounding and toughness, Silas gave the Sonics a physical presence during the early 1970s. He averaged double-digit rebounds and brought leadership to a young roster before moving on to win titles elsewhere.
Hersey Hawkins – Guard
Hawkins joined Seattle in the mid-90s as a savvy veteran and perimeter shooter. He played a vital role in the 1996 Finals run, spacing the floor and guarding opposing scorers with discipline and effort.
Nate McMillan – Guard
McMillan spent his entire 12-year playing career in Seattle and was known as “Mr. Sonic.” A gritty defender and floor general, he led by example and was beloved by fans. He later served as an assistant and head coach, cementing his legacy with the franchise.
Drop us a comment and let us know who we missed.