5 Basketball Players who Played for Thunder and 76ers
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Thunder and the 76ers.
James Harden
James Harden is one of the most dynamic scorers in modern NBA history. The shooting guard is renowned for his elite scoring, playmaking ability, and distinct style of play.
After being drafted third overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden quickly showed his potential and won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in his third season.
However, it was after his trade to the Houston Rockets in 2012 that Harden’s career truly took off. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2018 with the Rockets, where he had several seasons leading the league in scoring.
Harden Key Stats
- NBA MVP (Rockets)
- All-NBA (Rockets)
- NBA All-Star (Rockets, Nets, 76ers)
- 20+ PPG Season (Rockets, Nets, 76ers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Rockets, Nets, 76ers)
Al Horford
Al Horford played collegiately at the University of Florida where he was an integral part of the team that won back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007. His effective inside game and defensive skills caught the eye of NBA scouts, leading him to be selected as the 3rd overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2007 NBA draft.
In Atlanta, Horford immediately made an impact with his rebounding, defense, and efficient scoring. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2010 and has gone on to be a five-time All-Star.
Horford had stints with the Celtics, 76ers and Thunder before returning to the Celtics in 2021. Over the course of his career, he has been lauded for his leadership and consistency on both ends of the court.
Horford Key Stats
- All-NBA (Hawks)
- All-Star (Hawks, Celtics)
- 10+ Rebound/Game Season (Hawks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Celtics)
Ersan Ilyasova
Ersan İlyasova is a professional basketball player who has played in various leagues around the world, including the NBA and EuroLeague. Born in Turkey, Ilyasova’s professional career started in 2004 with Yeşilyurt in the Turkish Basketball League.
He was later drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring ability and rebounding, Ilyasova played multiple stints with the Bucks and also spent time with several other NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
For his career, Ilyasova averaged 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the NBA.
Ish Smith
Ish Smith was drafted as the 17th pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Development League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Though he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, he made his NBA debut later that year with the Houston Rockets.
Primarily known as a journeyman point guard and a valuable role player, Smith’s quickness and ability to distribute the ball have been his standout attributes.
Over his NBA career, Smith has played for an incredible 13 different teams, including the Grizzlies, Warriors, Magic, 76ers, Pistons, Wizards, Hornets and Pistons (and that’s barely over half!).
Smith Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Pelicans, Pistons, Wizards)
Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel was selected as the 6th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2013 NBA Draft and was later traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on draft night.
Noel has been primarily known for his defensive abilities, particularly as a shot-blocker.
He led the NBA in block percentage during his rookie season and has consistently ranked among the league leaders in blocks. He has also been an effective rebounder and has contributed on the offensive end as well, but it’s his defensive presence that has been his calling card in the NBA.
