Being a Fan is Fun

Throughout my career in sports journalism, I have taken great pride in covering teams neutrally. It's part of the job. It builds credibility and trust. This was something ingrained in me by Jayson Jorgensen at KRVN. I started there as an eager 18-year-old in May of 2015. That was one of the first discussions we had.

I covered high school sports and also Husker Football for the Rural Radio Network. Being in the Nebraska Press Box and on the field from 2016 to 2019, that was a challenge. To not get excited, cheer, or groan. You know, being a fan? Had to be neutral. It was part of the job, as I have stated.

It served me well not to be clouded by anything I spoke or wrote about. Now, for the Huskers, I will gladly sit and be the recliner coach or the armchair quarterback.

One thing that I could always show my fandom for was my favorite NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Growing up, I was a fan of a couple of teams, and really was a fan of a handful of players. However, when they relocated from Seattle to OKC in 2008, I chose them as my team. In 2010 when they first made the playoffs, I was sucked in. The 2012 Finals run is tattooed on my brain, too. This young team, featuring superstars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, was a lot of fun to watch. And before you say, "Wow, you mentioned all of the stars of the team, you aren't a real fan," I'll say to you that Thabo Sefolosha was one of my favorite players to watch. He defended at such a high level. And I have to mention one of the best role players ever, Nick Collison, too.

They played with passion, ferocity, and with an edge. They were a young team, too, and I had to learn after the 2012 Finals run that being a fan of a small-market team isn't for the faint of heart. I thought a young team meant they would play together forever and would never split. Boy, was I wrong.

I learned all about luxury tax, salary caps, and more. From 2012 on, I watched as star players dwindled from my squad. First, James Harden, then Kevin Durant in 2016, then there was some hope as the Thunder acquired Carmelo Anthony and Paul George in 2017, eventually letting Carmelo go in 2018, and then George and Westbrook in 2019.

Sam Presti is the General Manager for OKC. And man, has he tested my trust as a fan. But he was right.

Little did I know that the Paul George trade to the Clippers would result in a boatload of assets, excellent draft picks, and an MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As I mentioned, being a small-market fan is challenging, as evidenced by the 2020-2021 season's 22-50 record and the 2021-2022 season's 24-58 record.

But there was a vision, and in Presti we trust. The Thunder drafted smart, collected assets, all of which led up to a Championship in 2025.

Loving the Thunder is a family affair. My brothers-in-law are huge fans, and we frequently text about the team. My wife jumped right in when we began dating in 2013. My three-year-old daughter has also been a big fan. She has even caught on, and when Thunder player Lu Dort shoots a three or makes a play, she yells "LUUUUUUUUU." Similarly, when Jalen Williams makes a play, she barks at him, as fans at home games often bark at J-Dub when he makes a play. It's hilarious how she does it. She also yells at Chet Holmgren to "Block all of the shots!"

In the 2025 Playoffs, all the pressure was on OKC to win, despite their young team, with an average age of 25.6 years, according to the NBA's website. I was stressed out by it. I love having my team in the playoffs and winning, but my goodness, I think I aged 10-15 years.

I told you things got stressful. I was playing defense in the living room, as was Indie.

But on June 21st, when they captured the title over the Indiana Pacers, who played an incredible series, watching the less-than-glamorous years, and the pain of my favorite players leaving the team was worth it.

I may or may not have shed a tear.

So, the Atlanta Braves won a title in 2021, now the OKC Thunder in 2025, Green Bay Packers, no pressure, but it's your turn.

Being a fan is fun.