What does Nick Collision have in common with Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki? All four of these players have been with their respective franchises for nine or more years.
Second, Collison is on a short list of role players who become franchise cornerstones.
Look at that list of 11 NBA players who have been with their current franchise at least nine years. Seven absolute stars (Kobe, Dirk, Pierce, Wade, Parker, Ginobili and Duncan). Two solid starters who helped produce a championship (Prince, Haslem). (Via: NewsOK)
Originally drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in 2003, Collision stayed with the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise despite his well-publicized affinity for the city of Seattle and its fans.
Collison and Kevin Durant are the only two players to have ever worn a Sonics jersey and still be on the Thunder roster. Collison played four full seasons in Seattle before the team relocated to Oklahoma after the 2007-08 season.
Will Collison still be playing once/if the Sonics are back in Seattle? The answer to this question remains to be seen, but he has proven he can be loyal.