Walk into the Paycom Center in downtown Oklahoma City today, and you’ll see plenty of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander jerseys. You’ll see Chet Holmgren’s number seven. But look closer at the crowd. You are going to see a sea of number zeros. Honestly, the russell westbrook oklahoma city thunder jersey isn’t just a piece of sports memorabilia anymore; it’s basically a local tuxedo.
It represents a very specific kind of loyalty.
When Kevin Durant left in 2016, the city didn't just lose a player; it lost its identity for a minute. Then Russ signed that extension. He stayed. That single act turned a simple blue and orange tank top into a symbol of "us against the world." Even now, with Westbrook playing for other teams late in his career, that jersey remains the gold standard for Thunder fans.
The evolution of the number zero
Most people forget that Westbrook didn't choose number zero because it looked cool. He wore number four in high school, but when he got to UCLA, Aaron Afflalo had it. He switched to zero to signify a new beginning. When he was drafted fourth overall in 2008 by the Sonics—just six days before they moved to Oklahoma—Nick Collison already had number four. So, the zero stuck.
The design of the jersey itself has gone through some weird phases. Remember the "Navy" alternates from 2012? They had the vertical "THUNDER" text going down the side. Fans kind of hated them at first, then grew to love them because Russ seemed to play like a maniac every time he wore one.
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Then came the 2015-16 Sunset Orange jerseys. Those were bold. Maybe too bold for some, but they coincided with some of the most explosive basketball we’ve ever seen. If you own an original Adidas version of that orange Westbrook jersey, keep it. Those things are becoming increasingly hard to find in good condition because the screen-printing back then wasn't nearly as durable as the heat-applied twill Nike uses now.
Spotting the real deal in a sea of fakes
If you’re hunting for a russell westbrook oklahoma city thunder jersey on eBay or at a thrift shop, you've got to be careful. The market is flooded with "reps."
- The "Loves" Patch: Authentic jerseys worn on-court or sold at the team shop after 2017 have the Loves Travel Stops patch. Most cheap knockoffs skip this or get the colors of the heart logo slightly wrong.
- The Stitching: Real Nike Swingman jerseys use heat-applied graphics that feel like a flexible plastic. If you see heavy, bulky embroidery on a "new" Nike jersey, it’s a fake.
- The Jock Tag: Look at the tag on the bottom left. On a real jersey, the serial number is crisp. On fakes, the "NBA" logo often looks like Jerry West has a bit of a slouch.
Why the MVP season changed everything
The 2016-2017 season was the peak of the Westbrook jersey craze. He averaged a triple-double—31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. It was unreal. Every time he stepped on the floor in that "Icon" Blue jersey, you felt like you were watching history.
Retailers couldn't keep them in stock. I remember people waiting in line at the mall just to get a custom-pressed version because the pre-made ones were sold out for months. That season solidified the jersey as a historical artifact. It wasn't just about a team; it was about one man dragging a franchise into the playoffs by sheer force of will.
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The Mitchell & Ness factor
Nowadays, if you want a high-quality throwback, Mitchell & Ness is the go-to. They’ve released "Classic" versions of his 2012 Finals jersey. These are "Swingman" quality, meaning they use a mesh fabric that's a bit heavier than what players wear now but way more comfortable for a BBQ or a casual game of pickup.
The 2012 Finals jersey is a personal favorite for many. It lacks the advertising patches and features the old-school NBA logo on the back neck. It feels cleaner. It reminds people of the "Big Three" era before things got complicated.
Will the Thunder ever retire number 0?
There is zero doubt. None.
The Thunder organization is famously tight-lipped about these things, but you don’t lead a franchise in points, rebounds, and assists and not get your jersey in the rafters. The real question is when. Westbrook is still an active player, but the second he retires, expect a massive ceremony at Paycom Center.
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It’ll probably be the toughest ticket in Oklahoma history.
Until then, wearing the jersey is a way of keeping that era alive. It’s a bridge between the "Believe" years and the current "Thunder Up" resurgence led by the younger core. It’s funny—you see kids wearing SGA jerseys high-fiving older guys in Westbrook jerseys. It's a passing of the torch, but nobody is letting go of the old flame just yet.
How to style and care for your jersey
If you actually wear your jerseys, don't just throw them in the wash with your jeans.
- Inside Out: Always flip it inside out to protect the heat-pressed numbers.
- Cold Water Only: Heat is the enemy of the adhesive.
- Hang Dry: Never, ever put it in the dryer. The numbers will wrinkle and eventually peel.
Next Steps for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to add a piece of OKC history to your closet, start by checking official secondary markets like Grailed or specialized jersey groups on Reddit. Focus on the 2016-2019 Nike era for the most "modern" feel, or hunt down a 2008-2010 Adidas "First Generation" jersey if you want that true rookie-era look. For those who want brand new gear, the Mitchell & Ness "Hardwood Classics" line is currently the only way to get an officially licensed, high-quality Westbrook Thunder jersey without scouring the used market.