The Ultimate Thunder/Sonics Team

[@jonnyarnett]

Just imagine the highlights of this team... SHEESH! Ultimate Playoff Team??

[@bezllama3325]

Yes but idk about the defense but great spacing I may have started Allen since we know he's clutch while SGA has never been in the playoffs

[@hardwoodgems]

Oh Jonny, I have been waiting for this team. Sweet.

[@johncraig4820]

I like this team a lot, but they are probably a play in team. I'd have Lakers Warriors, Rockets, Spurs, Nuggets, Kings (people may need to rewatch Your GOAT Kings) Kemp will be a missed match against the elite centers.

[@Bigedub101]

​@@johncraig4820Kings to me was a sleeper. But I can see this team maybe making playoffs

[@OnlyGoodSHHH]

@jonnyarnett I did it! I was able to find and download a file of Michael Jordan's FIRST Regular Season NBA game, against the Bullets on October 26th 1984! Is there a free file-sharing site I can send this to you?!

[@king_supreme1102]

I love this team. Deep and has shooting for days. Also they better wear Sonics jerseys in the 2K simulation, this is non negotiable.

[@fortynights1513]

Which Sonics jerseys? 90’s and turn of the millennium are my favorites for them

[@superiorgaming9399]

Yea, Sonics jerseys are infinitely better than OKC jerseys. Those Sonics jerseys are just iconic.

[@noobidiot4628]

@@fortynights1513def the 2000’s alt jerseys. Those were so fire

[@ur_wrong1209]

The yellow alternates are beautiful

[@juliocesargarciafernandez4995]

Facts. A top 5 favorite team of this ultimate team series: 1. Ultimate Cavs. 2. Ultimate Sonics/Thunder. 3. Ultimate Spurs. 4. Ultimate Lakers. 5. Ultimate Rockets.

[@awestarzzzfps]

Russell Westbrook is severely underrated these days i guess, a literal MVP, scoring champion, first triple double average since Oscar Robertson, matchup nightmare for most PGs

[@stanleykwan7759]

Jonny was valuing compatibility and team chemistry too. Westbrook is not a good fit with KD, while Payton and Kemp are one of the best duos in the 90s.

[@johnjackson229]

Eh, he's a great stat guy but doesn't play a winning style of basketball.

[@steven8269]

@@stanleykwan7759 u forgot they were a multiple time conference finals team together and made finals in 2012?

[@cdeleon3494]

​@@steven8269 for fit, gp is better in the starting unit

[@c99kfm]

I would have Steven Adams as one of the three reserves. With limited minutes, he has the hustle and the heart to do everything that doesn't show up on the stats sheet - his screens and defensive presence are priceless, in the right moments.

[@rhyanwesthassel7980]

Not to mention being an absolute beast with offensive rebounds

[@3243_]

And he could be their enforcer, although they had plenty of enforcers throughout their history.

[@paksta]

Wow, this is definitely one of the best and most fun teams yet.

[@azagoren235]

Ibaka could tip a series in their favor in the sim, cause he’s a blocking machine in 2K

[@Bigedub101]

Facts

[@MiguelsVibe23]

I can just hear Jeff Van Gundy being mad that people are still associating Thunder history with the SuperSonics 😂

[@jonnyarnett]

I’ve never liked Van Gundy. Always thought he was annoying, goofy, random and whiny, so if I irritate him, it would feel fitting, seeing how I’ve never been on the same page with him 😂

[@Old_School_NBA_Fan]

​@@jonnyarnettQuestion: If you had the opportunity to coach any of these teams which team would you coach?

[@HOGISIMJAYUN]

​@@Old_School_NBA_Fan He's a Lakers Fan. You know the answer 😂

[@Old_School_NBA_Fan]

@@HOGISIMJAYUN Yeah I know, just hoped it could have been different

[@pranksterboy8371]

@@jonnyarnettlol. Jeff was annoying but in a charming and loveable way, sort of like 3-Cp0.

[@brianjackson5541]

Would have loved to see a spot for Gus Williams. Even as our NW rivals here in PDX, there were always some Sonics that were truly fun to watch.

[@kevinhouse4376]

Jonny, I think I have fewer criticisms with your choices for this team than any other video you've done in this really fun series, and I was thrilled that Spencer Haywood made the starting lineup. He was amazing in the early '70s. I wish there were room for Gus Williams and Downtown Freddie Brown (great long-distance shooter) in the top 13, but that just shows how many really good guards the Sonics/Thunder have had. And finally, I strongly agree with your take of Payton over Westbrook in the starting lineup. Good job!

[@zstrikerlol]

Sga over Ray Allen is absolutely INSANE Edit: A. So long as Jokic and Luka exist, Sga isn’t getting MVP B. Prime Ray Allen in todays game would be FEASTING

[@onlyfacts3178]

its called biased reaction to inflated stats ERA...SGA is overrated...GIDDEY just had a 31 points 60% game when SGA didnt play.. proving thta SGA stats are more a system result than a player.

[@SauceGod22]

Both these tales are horrible ray allen was never an MVP level player SGA is and might win conversation over

[@kaunghlyan6726]

​​@@onlyfacts3178If what you're saying is true, Mark Daigneault might be the greatest coach in history for creating a system that can make any player, good or bad, score 30 PPG and also win 55-60 games a season 💀💀. You oldheads really just come on the internet and lie for no reason other than meatriding.

[@onlyfacts3178]

@@kaunghlyan6726 SGA couldnt Score last season..and i wonder why he needs all those rigged ft attempts throwing himself against defenders

[@onlyfacts3178]

@@SauceGod22 SGA is not in the MVP conversation..ONLY black media trying to push him INTO the conversation..

[@RequiemOvoid1314]

Loved this as a Thunder fan. My only hope is that Chet develops into a prime time center over time

[@fortynights1513]

I hope the Sonics come back and develop a rivalry with OKC

[@millerman3129]

@@fortynights1513that would be amazing, but would the sonics history pre 2008 be thunder history or sonics history?

[@RequiemOvoid1314]

@@fortynights1513 same and I would happily welcome them back

[@fortynights1513]

⁠@@millerman3129I would say Sonics history. Side note: Other than the Celtics and Lakers, and the Celtics and Sixers, how many team on team rivalries does the NBA have that span generations? Seattle vs OKC could easily be that.

[@priestmarx]

Genuinely surprised CP3 and Harden didn’t make it, but glad to see more of the history of franchise being on display

[@Bigedub101]

Because this team lacked defense Paul wasn't as good defensively on Thunder and they really need a defensive guard like Payton and I say actually underrated

[@timmyg831]

Harden wasn’t a big factor on the OKC, he was a 6th man. We are not looking at a player’s career but what he meant to that franchise.

[@d.ferris3964]

As always, your content is so good. Now, I find myself agreeing with you about 99.7% of the time and this is one of these rare moments; I personally would have gone with Ray Allen at starting SG. Now with that said, this is an insanely fun squad and wouldn’t have really thought they would have so many great players.

[@kirkiedakingpin]

I didn’t think OKC and Seattle would be so talented. I would find some way to put Rashad Lewis in there. Great list as always

[@michaelsloane9955]

This Thunder team goes into the 5-8 range with the Suns, Mavericks, and Kinga. They'll be competing for a top 5-6 seed to avoid the play in. The Lakers, Rocket, Spurs, and Warriors are clearly superior. The starting lineup is fantastic. Kemp and Payton can do their thing together as alley oop partners. Payton's playmaking can set up more scoring opportunities for KD and SGA. Payton is an all time great defender and Durant is an all time underrate defender. Haywood can focus on rebounding. In the second unit George and Sikma can focus more on defense while Chambers and Allen provide scoring and shooting and Westbrook can be that dynamic point guard. DJ and Ibaka are a good end of bench choices in case you need more good defenders and Ellis is an excellent end of bench choice if you need more perimeter shooting. Pretty good team and pretty well built. Not a top 4 team but a top 8 team that might avoid the play in tournament if they do well head to head with the Suns, Kings, and Mavericks.

[@maxdobasquete]

Jimmy you're The best!!! First your highlights of them players are GREAT! And you remembered DALE ELLIS 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@vicentecampos2893]

What a team. I wasn't expecting a team so packed. It would go all the way.

[@cadecrusader]

Thanks Jonny! Although I kinda wish that Sonics and Thunder have their own all time teams but I get tough.

[@carljustinenuestro8771]

As a Laker fan, I still considered the Seattle SuperSonics as a defunct team while the Oklahoma City Thunder as an expansion team since 2008 but what a nice pick. In my humble opinion, the Sonics are always be associated with the city of Seattle not with Oklahoma City.

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

As a blazers fan, it's INSULTING to combine the thunder and sonics. Screw okc.

[@ninoschouten9727]

I just love this series

[@stephenwashingtonjr1625]

This is my favorite team of all time. I’m a huge Thunder fans been a fan since they were the SuperSonics back in Key Arena. I’m satisfied with this lineup

[@MrCubFan415]

Yooo 2 ultimate team vids in 2 days? Nice!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Great team. I am glad you’ve included some great defenders here.

[@d.columbia9603]

Another great vid in a great series. I do think it would be fun if you added the coach for these teams.

[@elijahmorris9864]

Keep up the good work loving this series

[@showtimenick824]

I was expecting Shawn Kemp at the 4 and Jack Sikma at the 5 but Spencer Haywood is definitely a guy more of the younger generation definitely needs to learn about. Same with Jack Sikma or anyone on that 79 championship team.

[@steven8269]

not starting westbrook is crazy, him and kd played great basketball together

[@keres9580]

6:13 I thought Allen had the athleticism more so in his days with the bucks than with the sonics but cool for sharing that anyways

[@wolfgangfegelein2450]

The crazy thing is you could make a solid ultimate team just based off their time in OKC. So much talent has been in that city in such a short amount of time.

[@williamcorliss3664]

Been waiting for this one. From oklahoma.

[@davidschmidt1793]

Great team. McDaniel,Schrempf,Mcmillan and the defensive specialist Derrick Mckey came to mind, but you can only fit 3 guys in rotation and I don't disagree at all. This team ended up being better than I expected when I clicked on the video.

[@JosiahBkell]

That’s crazy that Russ isn’t starting 😂

[@jonnyarnett]

Honestly, I think it's crazy to want it the other way. Gary is a waaaay better defender, he's a more pure Point Guard (which works well with stars), he isn't as turnover prone and he's easier to get along with.

[@TheChosenMoose01]

Nah it fits the team better to have him off the bench

[@kevinjohnson4498]

GP was better. And gels better with superstar teammates.

[@ShooterSanoff]

Why did you think he would? Unless he was going to play SG then he wasn’t going to start over the Glove

[@stress.relief]

russ is good but i rather start GP

[@johnjackson229]

Wow, this team turned out far better than I would have thought. So many awesome scorers. I don't think there's enough D and rebounding compared to the other all time greats, even with the glove, but really fun and interesting team.

[@kingdxy3808]

Can’t wait for the ultimate Providence Steamrollers team!

[@williamcorliss3664]

Same

[@Uglyduckling-1]

Lol

[@brianlimq]

should add coaches to the ultimate teams from now on personally

[@qik1977]

These videos are brilliant.. I would put Ray allen & Jack sickma in the starting spots though.

[@greywolf2155]

I think I agree with Sikma. I think Jonny went with Kemp because of the chemistry with Payton, and he's not wrong. But Sikma would be my pick for starting Center as well

[@qik1977]

Oh kemp still would start at power forward. I'll just put haywood on the bench

[@greywolf2155]

@@qik1977 agree to disagree on that one, hah

[@republikentalks4454]

If Payton Russ and Kemp were in the starting lineup that would be crazy

[@johncraig4820]

I'd lay odds on DJ playing his way into the starting lineup. Sonics era Dennis Johnson was outrageously good.

[@republikentalks4454]

@johncraig4820 but imagine the lobs tho. The lobs would be crazy

[@ГэриПэйтон-щ9и]

Vin Baker, Sam Perkins to the honorable mentions

[@aramsarkisyan8061]

U know this team is good when Dennis Johnson is just the rotation guy

[@kirkiedakingpin]

This is my favorite seris

[@Torrence_TJ]

I didn't realize how stacked this team was

[@mbzm1342]

Detlefs flat top alone should have gotten him a spot

[@dahybrid33]

Tom Chambers was simply "That Dude". One of my favorite players and is simultaneously underrated and underappreciated. He's shown up in 2 of these in the span of a couple of weeks. We need a video about him and as controversial as this sounds, I think he has a case for the HOF. 🔥🔥🔥

[@paquitocauli5229]

if he's not in the hall of fame, he should be. he was a damn good player

[@dahybrid33]

@@paquitocauli5229 I'd love an ongoing series about players who'd thrive in the modern NBA. Tom Chambers, Mark Price, Detlef, Dale ,Ellis ,Drazen Petrovitch, Vinnie Johnson (and so many others) would feast in today's NBA.

[@sirbradfordofhousejones]

This team is definitely making the playoffs- the lack of size is only an insurmountable issue against a few teams (lakers, spurs, rockets) out west. Everyone else will be scared as hell to go against both units, honestly. I love this team, and yes I’m biased. #RIPSONICS

[@rokopesa4725]

I was waiting for this one!!!!!!!❤

[@nooby2907]

W team & w video, a suggestion I had if ur still doing top 10/top 5 videos is top 10 defenders to never win dpoy

[@timmyg831]

I always thought Detlef Schrempf was overlooked. As well as Xavier McDaniel.

[@DoakFelix-qr8uw]

Building a team here… That means no harden. DJ was a finals MVP. Larry Bird says he’s the best teammate he ever had. Love seeing Haywood, Ellis, Chambers, and Ibaka on this team. Basketball comes down to imposing your will and style on the other team. And this team is much better than I expected. The sonic thunder can be chewed up inside if they don’t dictate the style of play.

[@khaitranngoc4176]

With an array of shooters in KD, Allen, PG13 and Ellis I think they will play the perimeter style more and also rely on lob passes with Payton and Kemp.

[@JulianLopez-xo4wz]

Did not Jack Summa was a Hall of Famer. The Glove, Dennis Johnson, Kevin Durant, Reign Man, SGA, Ray Allen the star of the team in the early 2000s, Tom Chambers, Spencer Haywood. Brodie, PG13 good team. Might have to remake this in the future. If the Seattle Supersonics come back.

[@showtimenick824]

It took until 8:05 to mention anyone from the 79 championship team wow!

[@jonahsingman8229]

I strongly think this team could make a deep playoff run.

[@jomm7671]

First five should've been: PG: Gary Payton 6'4 SG: Russell Westbrook 6'4 SF: Paul George 6'9 PF: Kevin Durant 6'11 C: Shawn Kemp 6'10 You have defense, speed/athleticism, length, & decent floor spacing.

[@king_supreme1102]

The guard situation is tough, with so many great ones. But I agree that Russ would be best suited for being a 6th man.

[@zsmoove3108]

That is what he's currently doing in LA, correct?

[@hyperiondeeper3493]

Would like to see a separate version of this team

[@michaelbritt7397]

Shawn Kemp with the Thunderous slams!

[@Ball2930.]

It’s great having Gary Payton starting with such great facilitating around great isolation players like KD and SGA and Kemps off ball plays but then switch this to such burst of athleticism from Russell Westbrook is an insane play. It’s like Clippers current game, slow play with Hardens pick n roll with Ibaka and switch the force to PG and Kawhis isolation game right off to Russell Westbrook who brings the entire team into the offence off the bench to one of the quickest pace in the league.

[@claytonphillips85]

This is a nice Sonics team definitely

[@williamcorliss3664]

Sorry it's a nice thunder team.😂

[@claytonphillips85]

@@williamcorliss3664 why the Thunder and not the Sonics

[@ItsVaxirus]

Growing up around the Seattle era if you associate the thunder with the SuperSonics the people act like they are completely separate and a lot of them feel like the Sonics history should be it’s own thing considering how much talk their has been to bring a team back to Seattle and even the commissioner said himself Seattle is the most likely destination for the upcoming expansion. But if that does happen do the thunder keep all history for the sonics like the players and the 1979 Championship or would it be brought to the new team. This is something that has been on my mind for a while now with the Sonics

[@dyloiris8876]

Yeah i hate how hornets history is confusing but the sonics absolutely deserve their history back

[@gawdsage5229]

Anyone remembers the New Orleans Jazz or the Denver Rockets, I wonder how the KC people feel about their Kings... I don't give a damn who said what the New Orleans Pelicans are the original Charlotte Hornets, not the new team, and that won't change with Seattle it'll be a new team starting a new history...

[@ItsVaxirus]

@@gawdsage5229 that’s easier to say for a franchise with less history and HoF players tied to that specific team but I do see where you’re coming from why would the NBA take any special treatment for the Sonics, New history new everything makes sense

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

The sonics will be getting their history back. This has been made clear since the move.

[@ItsVaxirus]

@@Jarekthegamingdragon You a Sonic’s fan bro?

[@sandrop.92]

Imagine being able to leave off Harden and CP3 and having Chet in the pipeline. Stacked.

[@ManEFresh]

This team is very solid and feels like that team that will easily win play-in games to make the playoffs. A playoff series? That's honestly asking a bit much. Have you seen their history post 1979? Nothing but choking. This current Thunder core may change that soon though. But keep that in mind for a sec, because the roster is also pretty good, where it can also be argued as well rounded. Russ as the 6th man is actually one of the best ideas I've heard from Jonny yet and honestly convinced me to change my mind on where I may adjust the lineups. The highlights will be all time greatness as well with crazy lobs, baskets and playmaking galore. And again, Serge Ibaka should be the guy relied on for rim protection. So what's my problem? Rebounding. I was surprised to see Kemp at the center because...I don't think he'll do that well against Western Conference centers like Shaq, Wilt, Hakeem, Robinson, Jokic, Cousins, etc. Maybe I'm underrating his rebounding though, who knows. They got Jack Sikma too, so it's not all bad, but still. Back to the current Thunder core though, this is where I'm hoping Chet Holmgren will fix that in the near future. We shall see. But hey, those are just my thoughts. See you for the Timberwolves.

[@chrilpy]

This team’s only weaknesses are rim protection and center depth, especially in a conference with prime Shaq and prime Wilt

[@LuiWithTheUzi]

I’m not sure if this was answered or not, but will you be choosing a coach to go along with these teams?

[@MyYTwatcher]

I like that Tom Chambers gets some credit. Both here and also for Suns team. I think he is the best white flyer.

[@willg3220]

Your footage is nice. Most baskets youtubers use lazy, old, or irrelevant clips. I use the option on them to not recommend the channel to me

[@matthewbardos4424]

Vin Baker deserves at the very least to be on the honorable mention list. He was a major star in Seattle.

[@onunka16]

This team will be scary in transition.

[@Bigfitz2]

Like imagine a line up with Payton Russ Pg Kd Kemp

[@bennettslavin3975]

This team has a ton of depth and a phenomenal balance of offense and defense, the pace of play and dawg mentality will make them difficult to beat

[@ammonhurst3026]

This team is looking so good, up there with the Lakers and Celtics

[@ethanledford6181]

Solid team! No dispute from me from 1-10 but that 11-13 spots you have to put James harden and rashard Lewis in 2 of those 3 open spots.

[@greywolf2155]

In terms of talent, sure. But they need the size And you don't need OKC Harden (before he really broke out) when you have Ray Lewis and SGA, you don't need Rashard Lewis (much as I loved him) when you have KD and Sonics Ray Lewis

[@ethanledford6181]

@@greywolf2155 ray Lewis played football 😂

[@greywolf2155]

🤣🤣🤣​@@ethanledford6181obvs I meant Ray Allen . . . but honestly, don't bet against Ray Lewis either. I hear he's a real killer

[@ethanledford6181]

@@greywolf2155 I knew what you meant I'm just giving you shit but it was to funny to pass up 🤣. And true he is a killer 😂.

[@yansonfilpo1818]

I can't believe he left out Harden! Definitely a stacked team

[@Checkerchamp]

How many other ultimate teams have an MVP off the bench?

[@jonnyarnett]

A decent amount, actually. Off the top of my head, the 76ers, Lakers, Celtics and Rockets.

[@Ari19904]

Yoo this team is kinda op ngl

[@henryasokan3503]

Chet holmgren BY FAR is the most slept on pick im actually disappointed you didn’t have him included, usually im always very pleased with your picks, but CHET must be on this team.

[@seananthony7494]

As long as this team doesn’t face, the Rockets, grizzlies, Spurs or Lakers, they will be good

[@baltimoreborn36712]

Grizzlies??

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

Agreed.

[@seananthony7494]

@@baltimoreborn36712 the Gasol brothers, will eat the sonics team in the post. And Tony Allen will make sure to give Ray Allen and Durant a hard time on defense.

[@3243_]

Or the Celtics, Sixers, or Knicks, all of whom had more great centers.

[@JayydaShadow]

another good vid🔌

[@musix3197]

Damn WB at the bench genuinely surprised me. Cause for me he is one of the greatest in the franchise. He can run with the starting because they have shooters in the starting.

[@AaronStark1993]

Here's my picks for just the Sonics... Starters: PG: Gary Payton SG: Dennis Johnson SF: Xavier McDaniel PF: Spencer Haywood C: Shawn Kemp Second Unit: PG: Gus Williams SG: Ray Allen SF: Dale Ellis PF: Rashard Lewis C: Jack Sikma Rotational Players: PG: Lenny Wilkens SF: Detlef Schrempf PF: Tom Chambers

[@tiapo6]

Kd being in every team he's ever played with, respect

[@greywolf2155]

He's starting for like a third of the league, yup

[@MarkLaw13]

So does LeBron, Kawhi. So it's not so special.

[@quackmemes5410]

Russ not starting is crazy

[@yokxng1225]

Good content

[@jamieconnelly5719]

I think id pick rookie Chet near the end because his skillset is already pretty extreme as a shot blocker and floor spacer. The guards and wings are already so stacked that he could fill out a rotation nicely

[@markedwards6106]

😅he hasn't even played a full season SMH

[@showtimenick824]

I'm surprised Gus Williams didn't make the cut but I'm also unsure of who to replace with him.

[@koolreal8639]

I rlly like this team, unfortunately against an all time team like the lakers they would struggle down low, they might come into the offseason as a top 5 seed, but I don’t see them getting past the second round

[@ur_wrong1209]

You should’ve put Nick Collison on the end of the bench for moral support lol.

[@gotwobag7876]

Have a great Thursday!!

[@dwightburns6699]

Maybe shremf ,Jonny for in rim protection and 3-pointers there too

[@cdgui267]

Westbrook behind payton is INSANE

[@MrReese]

That OKC team of the early 2010s really should have won something.

[@Freedom_Front]

When you do the simulation do a fan bracket as well and see how close the fans get to the computer. Do a vote type bracket for fans.

[@Italiancwb125]

I feel like Durant and Rashard Lewis would have been a match made in heaven.

[@animeguitarguy]

I think the biggest weakness this team has is the mentality of some of it's players. I think GP would make those players even better with his general mentality

[@marcosmartinez8088]

Wait, what about Nick Collison???

[@greekfreakfan]

Love the lineup, I would have out russ starting over SGA, but otherwise great team

[@justinallen1092]

This team could upset a lot of teams in the West

[@VinceWhitacre]

Haven't started yet... I'm guessing Jonny puts the Glove at 1 and slides Brodie over to the 2. That's what I'd do lol... or maybe the reverse.

[@VinceWhitacre]

Ok I'll take SGA. Fair enough.

[@VinceWhitacre]

Definitely more efficient than Russ... Damn, that's a HELL of a defensive backcourt. With Kemp (and Ibaka off the bench) in the paint, this team will shut down a lot of opponents and let KD and 6th man Westbrook (and Allen, and Sikma, and Chambers, and Lewis - WHERE IS RASHARD LEWIS, JONNY) take charge.

[@ShooterSanoff]

I’m shocked no Harden but you needed more paint players than guards and PG and Allen were better in their short times with this franchise

[@sidseverino]

I think it would be better if there's no duplicate players in every team. Only one team for each player. Payton Shai KD Haywood Kemp Russ Ellis Schrempf Ibaka Sikma Gus Williams Xavier McDaniel Bob Rule REMOVE: Allen (Celtics) PG (Pacers) Chambers (Suns) Dennis Johnson (Celtics)

[@Allensanor]

Honestly it really should have been. Russel Westbrook SGA PG KD SHAWN KEMP

[@ZeeZeeFaa]

Ricky Pierce was dope. Detlef too

[@bmanjamin]

people are gonna get mad russ isn’t starting but he’s the kind of player who has massive highs but also massive lows so you have to build the entire team around him which is not worth benching payton for