With his No. 4 banner hanging in the rafters of Paycom Center, Nick Collison received plenty of love in the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s championship celebration. His retired jersey number will soon be accompanied by an NBA title banner that’ll be unveiled in the season opener a few months from now.

Before their championship parade kicked off, Aaron Wiggins showed a side of himself that he’s hidden from the public. The usually stoic bench player has kept a calm demeanor in his answers when talking to the media. But partying with the Larry O’Brien trophy warrants peeling back a layer.

Advertisement

Wiggins let it rip. He spoke to fans at the arena who attended the pre-parade speeches. He stole the show, to put it lightly. One of the highlights of the parade celebration was Wiggins’ shoutout to Collison, who now serves as a Thunder front office member after spending his entire 14-year career with the franchise.

It touched Sam Presti from a sentimental standpoint. He’s known Collison for most of his life. He kept him on the Thunder for his entire career. A rare feat for a franchise star, much less a role player. He’s stuck around OKC since then in a front office role and can be spotted at your average game day.

“This team is special. Enjoy these players. They battle for each other and always do the right thing for the team. I’m happy they are getting to experience all of this,” Collison wrote. “Shout out to (Wiggins) and (Isaiah Hartenstein) for the love on parade day! That was totally unnecessary but meant the world to me and my people.”

After having a week to mull over it, Collison penned a heartfelt letter on Instagram about the Thunder’s championship. He discussed the Thunder’s amazing continuity from every role within the organization. The 2025 NBA championship was the culmination of nearly two decades’ worth of work.

Advertisement

“There are so many good people in this organization. The best part is seeing everyone so happy. These people work hard. These jobs are very hard on their families. I’ve been with many of them for a really long time,” Collison wrote. “Marc St. Yves has been with the organization since the year I was born. He’s getting his first ring in his 45th season! Congratulations to Clay, Sam, and Mark. They set the tone. You all have hired great people and created the environment for everyone to thrive.”

It was cool to see Collison get some recognition for the Thunder’s championship. He’s worked behind the scenes, but his impact on the franchise and city remains strong. He helped set the groundwork for the type of culture OKC envisioned when it moved in 2008. You’ve seen the fruits of that labor this year.

“I’m so happy for Oklahoma City. I will never forget celebrating with you all. So much joy in the streets. The building was electric for those games,” Collison wrote. “The city has been with us since day 1. You earned that parade! Can’t wait to see you all again next year!”

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Nick Collison pens letter to Thunder fans after 2025 NBA championship