The Oklahoma City Thunder were not always going to be named the Thunder. In fact, there were a number of other options for Oklahoma City's team. Reddit user u/jl1995 brought up the franchise's decision from 10 years ago where Oklahoma City narrowed down the list to six possible names.
Obviously, Thunder was eventually chosen, but other names in the running were Bison, Wind, Barons, Marshalls, and Energy. Perhaps some of these names could work, but now the Thunder name is synonymous with OKC.
Wind sounds like it could work. People would probably get used to Energy. Bison and Barons aren't terrible. But Marshalls just sounds off. Were they named after a department store?
Most likely, the idea meant Marshals, which are federal or municipal law enforcement officers. This would make a lot more sense, but it still doesn't seem like the best fit. The franchise made the right decision going with Thunder.
One can argue, though, that there is a legion of basketball fans in Seattle that must cringe every time they hear the word Thunder. If anyone is looking for the best option for a team name, look no further than the SuperSonics.
The franchise relocated from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008. It was a devastating blow to Seattle and its fans are still waiting for the NBA to bring a team back to the city. Everything about the Seattle SuperSonics epitomized cool. The name, the jerseys, and the players.
They were never bringing the name with them to Oklahoma City. But at least the franchise picked the best of the various options they had.
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