Oklahoma City Thunder hire Michael Cage as an analyst

Since retiring from professional basketball in 2000, Michael Cage has tried to stay involved with the game as much as possible.

He has worked as both a broadcaster and a coach; spending time as TV analyst for the Memphis Grizzlies, FOX Sports West, Prime Ticket and Westwood One radio, while most recently coaching Mater Dei High School in Los Angeles to back-to-back state titles in 2013-14. He also served as a guest coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the 2013 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

After a short stint in coaching though, Cage has returned to his career as a broadcaster, this time landing a job as a color analyst for a team that hits a little too close to home for many Sonics' fans; the Oklahoma City Thunder.

From the Thunder's official press release:

"We are very excited and proud to have Michael Cage become part of the Thunder broadcast team," said Dan Mahoney, Thunder vice president of Corporate Communications. "Michael brings experience, energy, knowledge and passion for the game. We think our fans will enjoy his perspective and knowledge gained by playing more than 1,000 games in the NBA."

Cage was drafted in the first round with the 14th overall pick of the 1984 NBA Draft by the San Diego Clippers. After spending four years as a Clipper, Cage was traded to the Supersonics for Gary Grant and a draft pick that turned out to be Kenny Payne, and, as a Sonic, Cage would have some his best years as a professional.

The Windex Man, as he was dubbed by then Sonics' broadcaster Kevin Calabro, averaged 7.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and a steal per-game during his six seasons in the Emerald City and only missed two regular season games while helping the Sonics reach the playoffs five times. After leaving the Sonics, Cage went on to play for the Cavaliers, Nets and 76ers before retiring in 2000 and spending time as a coach and broadcaster while also working with his foundation that mentors young athletes.

Cage was quoted in the statement from the Thunder saying:

"Thank you to the Oklahoma City Thunder for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to join the franchise. I'm looking forward to working with an already terrific broadcast team," Cage said. "I've been involved in basketball, sports broadcasting and charity work for over 40 years and I look forward to getting to know the passionate Thunder fans in Oklahoma! My family and I are excited and feel very blessed."

Cage will work alongside Brian Davis, who will begin his seventh season as the TV voice of the Thunder on FOX Sports Oklahoma. He will replace Grant Long, who resigned over the summer after reports of financial misconduct surfaced.

While it may sadden some Sonics fans to see Cage sit on the sidelines in OKC while wearing a headset and collecting paychecks from a team who's owner stole the Soncis away, Seattle should be happy for a player who gave the team his all during his playing days in the green and gold and be thankful that he is able to still be a part of the NBA.

Maybe the Sonics can draft his son in a few years.