7 Basketball Players who Played for Thunder and Magic
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 Orlando Magic.
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 Magic.
Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis was a player known for his scoring ability and his ability to stretch the floor as a big man, a trait that has become increasingly valued in the modern NBA. He was selected straight out of high school by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 32nd pick of the 1998 NBA Draft.
Lewis, who primarily played as a small forward and power forward, had a successful career in the NBA spanning 16 seasons. His biggest impact was during his tenure with the SuperSonics and then later with the Orlando Magic. Lewis was a two-time NBA All-Star, first in 2005 with the SuperSonics and then in 2009 with the Magic.
One of his career highlights was playing a pivotal role in the Magic’s run to the NBA Finals in 2009, showcasing his ability as a scorer and his effectiveness from beyond the three-point line. He also won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2013, although his role was reduced at that stage of his career.
Lewis Key Stats
- All-Star (Supersonics, Magic)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Supersonics)
Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka has enjoyed a successful 14-year (and counting) career in the NBA. Originally from the Republic of Congo, Ibaka was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 24th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Ibaka, a power forward and center, is widely recognized for his shot-blocking ability and strong defensive presence, regularly ranking among the league leaders in blocks. In the 2011-2012 season, he led the NBA in blocks per game, helping him earn NBA All-Defensive First Team honors.
Ibaka has played for 5 different teams in his career but is probably best remembered for his time in Oklahoma City playing with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. However, his most significant achievement came in 2019 when he helped the Raptors win their first-ever NBA championship.
DJ Augustin
Following an impressive sophomore year at the University of Texas, where he averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists, DJ Augustin was drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Over his NBA career, Augustin has displayed strong playmaking and shooting skills, particularly his three-point shooting. For example, during the 2013-2014 season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 14.9 points per game and shot an impressive 41.1% from the three-point line.
A journeyman in the league, Augustin has played for multiple teams (11 in total), consistently contributing off the bench. He’s had several seasons where he averaged double-digit points and solid assists numbers, like in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Bobcats.
Augustin Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bobcats, Magic)
Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp, nicknamed “Reign Man,” played primarily for the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Thunder) in the NBA. Drafted out of high school, he was the 17th overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft by the SuperSonics.
Kemp was best known for his athleticism and his powerful dunks, becoming a key figure during the SuperSonics’ successful run in the 90s. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA Second Team selection.
Perhaps the pinnacle of his career came in the 1995-96 season when he helped lead the SuperSonics to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Chicago Bulls.
Kemp Key Stats
- All-NBA (Supersonics)
- All-Star (Supersonics, Cavaliers)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Supersonics)
Luke Ridnour
Luke Ridnour was selected 14th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, after a stellar college career at the University of Oregon. During his time with the SuperSonics, Ridnour solidified his place as a steady playmaker, averaging career highs of 11.5 points and 7.0 assists during the 2005-2006 season.
After five seasons in Seattle, Ridnour moved on to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he spent four seasons before stints with the Timberwolves, Hornets, and Magic.
Throughout his 12 seasons in the NBA, Ridnour provided quality minutes as both a starter and backup point guard, known for his stability and leadership on and off the court.
Ridnour Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Supersonics, Bucks, Timberwolves)
Jeff Green
Jeff Green has played for numerous teams in the NBA. He was initially drafted 5th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2007 NBA Draft, though he was immediately traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he spent the first part of his career.
Green has had a journeyman career, playing for 11 different teams in his 15-year career including the Thunder, Celtics, Grizzlies, Clippers, Magic, Cavaliers, Wizards, Jazz, Rockets, Nets, and Nuggets. He was a solid contributor to the Nuggets Championship this past season.
Green’s versatility and ability to play both inside and outside have allowed him to fit into various roles on different teams. He’s been both a starter and a valuable bench player throughout his career, contributing with his scoring, rebounding, and ability to defend multiple positions.
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.
