Nick Collison


Nicholas John Collison is an American former professional basketball player who played his entire 15-year career in the National Basketball Association with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. He was drafted by the SuperSonics in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft and retired as a member of the Thunder in 2018. As a college player, Collison went to two Final Fours with the Kansas Jayhawks.

Early life and high school career

Collison was born in Orange City, Iowa and grew up in Fort Dodge and Iowa Falls. He attended Iowa Falls High School and was a McDonald's All-American in 1999.

College career

Teaming with fellow Iowan Kirk Hinrich to form one of the best duos in college basketball, Collison helped KU reach two consecutive Final Fours. Collison finished his college career as the leading scorer in the history of the Big 12 Conference. In 2003, his Jayhawks lost to Carmelo Anthony and the Syracuse Orange in the National Championship game, 81–78. He also played for the United States national team at the 2002 FIBA World Championship.
Collison's no. 4 jersey was retired by the Kansas Jayhawks on November 25, 2003 during halftime of the Kansas-Michigan State game in recognition of his achievements over his four-year career.

Professional career

Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (2003–2018)

Collison was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 12th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, but missed the 2003–04 season with injuries to both shoulders. He made his NBA debut on November 3, 2004, recording two points, five rebounds and two assists in a 114–84 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He appeared in all 82 games in his rookie season, averaging 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17.0 minutes per game. He played in all 82 games for a second time during the 2006–07 season. On January 9, 2007, he had a career-best game with 29 points and 21 rebounds in a 113–102 loss to the Phoenix Suns. In 2008, the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded as the Thunder. In 2012, he helped the Thunder reach the NBA Finals, where they lost in five games to the Miami Heat.
On February 3, 2015, Collison signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension with the Thunder.
On July 21, 2017, Collison re-signed with the Thunder to a one-year, minimum salary deal.
On May 10, 2018, Collison announced his retirement from professional basketball. On January 12, 2019, the Thunder announced that they would be retiring Collison's No. 4 jersey, becoming the first number retired by the Thunder.

Personal life

After the Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City, Collison continued to make his home in Seattle.
Collison has a daughter named Emma. His younger brother, Michael, played college basketball for their father's alma mater, Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs