Will the Seattle Supersonics ever come back?

[Mr. Incredible]

I hope so. It sickens me thinking Durant was a Sonic for a year and could of been the greatest in team history.Happy for Oklahoma City though.

[Killbot]

Probably not for another 10-20 years.

[sodap]

I hope raptors get moved to seattle and renamed.

[Meticode]

I hope so.

[9erEmpire]

Seattle fans have nothing to be sad about. OKC is doing very well. At least the team they root for is doing well.

[burnsy87]

Seattle fans have nothing to be sad about. OKC is doing very well. At least the team they root for is doing well.

Except they are in a different city now... Nothing to be sad about? Are you ****ing retarded?

[RoseCity07]

Until Durant gets traded or retires I consider them the Sonics. Until OKC has no original members they are not the Thunder to me. Basically anything they win with Durant is for the city of Seattle.

[AMISTILLILL]

Do you mean will the Thunder ever go back to Seattle, or will Seattle ever have another Sonics franchise again? If the latter, how would that work? Would they take all of the Thunder's history back... since OKC holds onto all of the Sonics history currently? If Seattle got a new Sonics team, I don't know how it would work.

[Mr. Incredible]

Until Durant gets traded or retires I consider them the Sonics. Until OKC has no original members they are not the Thunder to me. Basically anything they win with Durant is for the city of Seattle.I disagree. Thank God I'm not a Sonic Fan. I'd be so mad watching the Thunder crowd going nuts after watching a player (That the franchise drafted to be their savior) drain a game winning three against the defending champions.

[Mr. Incredible]

Do you mean will the Thunder ever go back to Seattle, or will Seattle ever have another Sonics franchise again? If the latter, how would that work? Would they take all of the Thunder's history back... since OKC holds onto all of the Sonics history currently? If Seattle got a new Sonics team, I don't know how it would work. no what I mean is will they get a new owner and start a new franchise with the same name and history. Like the Cleveland Browns did after they moved to Baltimore to be the Ravens then came back as the Browns.

[9erEmpire]

Seattle is doing just fine with the Thunder.

Thunder is a very good team...I don't think they are as mad as you think. Winning cures everything.

[AMISTILLILL]

no what I mean is will they get a new owner and start a new franchise with the same name and history. Like the Cleveland Browns did after they moved to Baltimore to be the Ravens then came back as the Browns.

Well, if that's the case, I doubt it. I don't know how that would work with OKC using the Sonics history and previous accomplishments. I find it hard to believe that the Thunder would just be like "here you go" and hand the Sonics back their records/achievements.

[Thunderstruck]

Until Durant gets traded or retires I consider them the Sonics. Until OKC has no original members they are not the Thunder to me. Basically anything they win with Durant is for the city of Seattle.

If that makes you feel better when you wake up in the morning...

Clay Bennett hired Sam Presti who drafted Kevin Durant, so he was drafted by the organization that eventually became the Thunder and who are completely responsible for it's present success. There are no guarantees the franchise would be this good if it were still the Sonics. I know it stings, but it's the truth. Sorry Seattle.

[Killbot]

I disagree. Thank God I'm not a Sonic Fan. I'd be so mad watching the Thunder crowd going nuts after watching a player (That the franchise drafted to be their savior) drain a game winning three against the defending champions.

:( It's a tough loss and the relocation of the Sonics had terrible timing.

[9erEmpire]

If that makes you feel better when you wake up in the morning.

Clay Bennett hired Sam Presti who drafted Kevin Durant, so he was drafted by the franchise that would eventually become the Thunder and is completely responsible it's success. I know it stings, but it's the truth. Sorry Seattle.

Spoken like a true fan. Big ups. Now I wish Seattle fans would stop whining and support their team.

[Killbot]

Seattle is doing just fine with the Thunder.

Thunder is a very good team...I don't think they are as mad as you think. Winning cures everything.

No Seattle is not.

Some Sonics fans decided to not watch NBA anymore. Any true Sonic fan can tell you their hatred of Stern, Schultz, Bennett, and Nickels.

Seattle sport franchises have not been doing good recently other than the Sounders and Storm, but who watches WNBA?

[UtahJazzFan88]

Seattle needs a new arena if they want a franchise back, there's been discussion of one that's south of Safeco Field, but they aren't getting an NBA team without one.

Clay Bennett is one mother ****er who robbed Seattle of a team, after watching Sonicsgate, Seattle got robbed of an arena deal, and Bennett got away with robbery by going to OKC early.

[Maniak]

I hope raptors get moved to seattle and renamed.

The Raptors have one of the biggest fanbases in the NBA. It amazes me how many people suggest they get moved.

[b0bab0i]

Hornets need to be moved to Seattle.

[Bless Mathews]

I'm from the 2-oh...

Been a sonic fan since downtown Freddy brown and jack sikma...

I hate Bennett...

I like OKC. Love Durant. I think anyone that don't like the thunder are dumb. Im a believer in rooting for the person first then the team...hence why i grew up a laker fan and now can't root for em because of Kobe's primadona dumbass..

Durant is a cool ass n.I.g.g.a...when he was here he treated the krew good

So, I root for OKC ... I wish they were here. Coulda took my kids to the NBA championship this year!!!

We do need a new arena. Key arena itself was a joke, but the atmosphere around Seattle center is one of the best I ever been to in NBA arenas..

All these ritch ass Microsoft/Boeing people need to step up and put up the money for an arena and a team..

[9erEmpire]

I'm from the 2-oh...

Been a sonic fan since downtown Freddy brown and jack sikma...

I hate Bennett...

I like OKC. Love Durant. I think anyone that don't like the thunder are dumb. Im a believer in rooting for the person first then the team...hence why i grew up a laker fan and now can't root for em because of Kobe's primadona dumbass..

Durant is a cool ass n.I.g.g.a...when he was here he treated the krew good

So, I root for OKC ... I wish they were here. Coulda took my kids to the NBA championship this year!!!

We do need a new arena. Key arena itself was a joke, but the atmosphere around Seattle center is one of the best I ever been to in NBA arenas..

All these ritch ass Microsoft/Boeing people need to step up and put up the money for an arena and a team..

Seattle has got some of the worst fanbase in sports. That is why they moved because no arena. No arena due to low attendance.

I am glad you are still rooting for the Thunder, they are a great team.

[Bless Mathews]

Seattle has got some of the worst fanbase in sports. That is why they moved because no arena. No arena due to low attendance.

I am glad you are still rooting for the Thunder, they are a great team.


Worse fanbase in sports???

LOL you are a dumb idiot for that one pal...

Ever heard of Qwest field???? Known as the loudest stadium in the NFL , AND IT'S AN OUT DOOR STADIUM??? Caused the most offsides by opponents because the "12th man" is so loud they jump offsides.. idiot...

Safeco field has great attendance even though the mariners have SUCKED the last 5 years

Sounder games are always sold out...

Storm games are up...

University of Washington football games ALWAYS sold out even though they haven't been a power house team since the Don James era..

You don't know what your typing about cracker.

[UtahJazzFan88]

Seattle has got some of the worst fanbase in sports. That is why they moved because no arena. No arena due to low attendance.

I am glad you are still rooting for the Thunder, they are a great team.

You're an idiot. Go back to your Kobe forum before you actually know why there was low attendance at KeyArena. Management was an absolute joke when Howard Schultz bought the team in 2001 (owner of Starbucks or whatever) decided to do cheap moves, and didn't care about the actual product on court. Howard Schultz was cheaper than Robert Sarver is in PHX when Schultz owned the Sonics.

[9erEmpire]

Worse fanbase in sports???

LOL you are a dumb idiot for that one pal...

Ever heard of Qwest field???? Known as the loudest stadium in the NFL , AND IT'S AN OUT DOOR STADIUM??? Caused the most offsides by opponents because the "12th man" is so loud they jump offsides.. idiot...

Safeco field has great attendance even though the mariners have SUCKED the last 5 years

Sounder games are always sold out...

Storm games are up...

University of Washington football games ALWAYS sold out even though they haven't been a power house team since the Don James era..

You don't know what your typing about cracker.

there is a reason why you have so many red bars troll.

Be happy you guys have the Thunder to root for.

[UtahJazzFan88]

there is a reason why you have so many red bars troll.

Be happy you guys have the Thunder to root for.

There's also a reason you have a red bar when there isn't even negs anymore. Good thing there isn't negs anymore or you'd have 5-6 red bars.

Go do your homework and watch Sonicsgate and come back to me why Sonics attendance was low.

[9erEmpire]

There's also a reason you have a red bar when there isn't even negs anymore. Good thing there isn't negs anymore or you'd have 5-6 red bars.

Go do your homework and watch Sonicsgate and come back to me why Sonics attendance was low.

lol @ telling me to watch Sonicsgate.

You don't know jacksh1t about what's going on and you claim to know more than me by watching Sonicsgate....:oldlol:

I was looking for some intellectual answer to this but all you have to say is go watch that movie. Sorry dude...don't believe everything you read or watch.

[UtahJazzFan88]

lol @ telling me to watch Sonicsgate.

You don't know jacksh1t about what's going on and you claim to know more than me by watching Sonicsgate....:oldlol:

Considering I was a big follower of the Sonics, yes I do know what happened. Howard Schultz and management got cheap and didn't want to bring in players to make a big playoff run after the 2004-05 season, the roster was an absolute joke outside of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. No clue how that team went 52-30 with Reggie Evans, Jerome James, Luke Ridnour in the starting line-up. :facepalm

[9erEmpire]

Howard Schultz tried to get funding to update the arena and the city declined.

No arena means the team would lose it's value, so he sold it.

The new owners thought maybe they can persuade officials to fund the update of the arena....and it was declined.

Finish out the remaining lease and leave...because the city called their bluffs.

Too bad Seattle but at least you got a good team to root for....Thunder are a very good team.

[Bless Mathews]

there is a reason why you have so many red bars troll.

Be happy you guys have the Thunder to root for.


You type nothing to support your claim and/or rebute mine, and result to name calling, the exact definition of a troll.. an idiot troll..

Coming from someone who puts a pic of a man on his avatar..

Moron...

[UtahJazzFan88]

Howard Schultz tried to get funding to update the arena and the city declined.

No arena means the team would lose it's value, so he sold it.

The new owners thought maybe they can persuade officials to fund the update of the arena....and it was declined.

Finish out the remaining lease and leave...because the city called their bluffs.

Too bad Seattle but at least you got a good team to root for....Thunder are a very good team.

That has nothing to do with the attendance decline which you've been going on about.

Clay Bennett did nothing to keep the team in Seattle, he had a mission to move the team to the Ford Center in OKC.

There was also an owner (Steve Ballmer) that Howard Schultz could have sold to that would have put up 150 million for an arena deal that had a decent chance of getting in place.

[9erEmpire]

That has nothing to do with the attendance decline which you've been going on about.

Clay Bennett did nothing to keep the team in Seattle, he had a mission to move the team to the Ford Center in OKC.

If attendance was so great then Schultz wouldn't need funding.

I know he's a very rich man but to think he was going to fork out that much money to upgrade that arena is crazy. He probably doesn't even have that much.

He tried to save the Sonics by suing but he later dropped the suit. Schultz did care...the people didn't care.

[Bless Mathews]

Howard Schultz tried to get funding to update the arena and the city declined.

No arena means the team would lose it's value, so he sold it.

The new owners thought maybe they can persuade officials to fund the update of the arena....and it was declined.

Finish out the remaining lease and leave...because the city called their bluffs.

Too bad Seattle but at least you got a good team to root for....Thunder are a very good team.

We just passed Qwest and safeco for hundreds of millions...

People had a thing against Howard schultz asking for money, cus word was out he was going to sell the team anyway..

[UtahJazzFan88]

If attendance was so great then Schultz wouldn't need funding.

I know he's a very rich man but to think he was going to fork out that much money to upgrade that arena is crazy. He probably doesn't even have that much.

He tried to save the Sonics by suing but he later dropped the suit. Schultz did care...the people didn't care.

Schultz was trying to make a profit by being extremely cheap with roster moves, that's why attendance was low. Steve Ballmer of Microsoft was willing to put up 150 million for a big KeyArena renovation, and city officials who also failed the Sonics/fans, didn't do their part either, they put in no effort.

[9erEmpire]

It was all about the arena. That is what he wanted and even if he did sell, he intended for the team to stay in Seattle.

Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise because now the Thunder are a great team owned by great owners who care about winning.

Sucks that you lost a team but be happy they are doing good with new ownership and better fans to cheer them on. Be glad they have fans to support these guys.

[UtahJazzFan88]

It was all about the arena. That is what he wanted and even if he did sell, he intended for the team to stay in Seattle.

Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise because now the Thunder are a great team owned by great owners who care about winning.

Sucks that you lost a team but be happy they are doing good with new ownership and better fans to cheer them on. Be glad they have fans to support these guys.

It's not my team, I just followed them extensively since I was in Seattle that Summer and part of that year. Not sure why any Seattle Supersonic fan would be happy for a team that's in an entirely different city either, nice trolling tho.

[9erEmpire]

It's not my team, I just followed them extensively since I was in Seattle that Summer and part of that year. Not sure why any Seattle Supersonic fan would be happy for a team that's in an entirely different city either, nice trolling tho.

I am not trolling...it is what it is. The team left and perhaps it was a blessing in disguise because under new ownership they are a better team and combine that with Durant and Westbrook, whom played for Seattle...it worked out.

It just sucks that Seattle can't enjoy it.

[9512]

bubba bennett tanked their last 2 seasons to drive the fans away and lo and behold...the timing was perfect as OKC fans are now enjoying the fruition of said tanking.

as a sonics fan, it's hard to cheer for a team whose owner's true intention was never invested in keeping the team in seattle in the 1st place. he was lying through his teeth about his "respect" for the history of Seattle basketball...

People are criticizing the fans of Seattle as they didn't show for games and that's true but fans are paying customers. And as any other customers or consumers of any business, they pay to see a good product and it's hard to pay to see a product that was poorly put together.

as the shrewd business man he is bubba knew that...Let's kill the potential excitement of the Ray Allen and KD35 scoring tandem...and let's "rebuild"...lol

it was a no win situation for the Sonics fans and a huge gain for bubba.

Bubba got his team. Seattle was given a bribe by said bubba and Sonics fans are the ones lost and gained nothing positive.

[9512]

I keep suggesting this alll the time but...couldn't Bill Gates fork out some money? i am sure he could shake some out of his couch change to pay for half of the arena...:roll: :roll:

[Jotaro Durant]

about as likely as Wilt coming back

:cry:

[UtahJazzFan88]

bubba bennett tanked their last 2 seasons to drive the fans away and lo and behold...the timing was perfect as OKC fans are now enjoying the fruition of said tanking.

as a sonics fan, it's hard to cheer for a team whose owner's true intention was never invested in keeping the team in seattle in the 1st place. he was lying through his teeth about his "respect" for the history of Seattle basketball...

People are criticizing the fans of Seattle as they didn't show for games and that's true but fans are paying customers. And as any other customers or consumers of any business, they pay to see a good product and it's hard to pay to see a product that was poorly put together.

as the shrewd business man he is bubba knew that...Let's kill the potential excitement of the Ray Allen and KD35 scoring tandem...and let's "rebuild"...lol

it was a no win situation for the Sonics fans and a huge gain for bubba.

Bubba got his team. Seattle was given a bribe by said bubba and Sonics fans are the ones lost and gained nothing positive.

This sums it up pretty nicely.

[9erEmpire]

I am sure most people in Seattle are over it, seeing how good the Thunder are....

[Killbot]

Seattle has got some of the worst fanbase in sports. That is why they moved because no arena. No arena due to low attendance.

I am glad you are still rooting for the Thunder, they are a great team.

What? KeyArena is not a suitable arena for David Stern. He wanted an upgrade because he thought it was "outdated". It wasn't because of low attendance.

[UtahJazzFan88]

I am sure most people in Seattle are over it, seeing how good the Thunder are....

:lol :roll:

Whatever you say. :rolleyes:

[Killbot]

lol @ telling me to watch Sonicsgate.

You don't know jacksh1t about what's going on and you claim to know more than me by watching Sonicsgate....:oldlol:

I was looking for some intellectual answer to this but all you have to say is go watch that movie. Sorry dude...don't believe everything you read or watch.

Sonicsgate gives you an inside and in depth look at what's going with the crappy management of Sonics and Bennett's backstabbing motives.

[9512]

I am sure most people in Seattle are over it, seeing how good the Thunder are....

your intuition sucks...many sonics fans are over it because of time. not because of how good the thunder are..many fans i know of are still not forgetting them leaving...

[Killbot]

The new owners thought maybe they can persuade officials to fund the update of the arena....and it was declined.

Finish out the remaining lease and leave...because the city called their bluffs.

Too bad Seattle but at least you got a good team to root for....Thunder are a very good team.

The reason it declined was because Clay Bennett was asking way too much money to build an arena. Not only that, but he wanted the city to pay half of that cost for the arena. When the asking price was cheaper, there were Costco CEOs willing to give some money to fund for the arena. Later, Bennett increased the price.

Last I checked, the lease wasn't finished. Bennett wanted to move the Sonics to Oklahoma on the last year. Nickels, who was also retarded, agreed on a settlement by requesting Bennett to pay a fee and then they get to move the Sonics.

[9erEmpire]

The funny thing about everyone complaining and not happy but in reality the Thunder are a contender.

If another city re-locates to Seattle and call themselves the Super Sonics, every person in Seattle will go ape shit and cheer for them. They will soon forget who's team they stole as long as they see that Sonics jersey.

You don't see Memphis fans mad....it will be long forgotten. It sucks to lose a team but get over it....with better management and crazy fans, the Thunder are doing quite well.

This is your Sonics...they will forever be in your hearts....

http://opea.org/Websites/opea/Images/Images/OKC_Thunder.jpg

[UtahJazzFan88]

The reason it declined was because Clay Bennett was asking way too much money to build an arena. Not only that, but he wanted the city to pay half of that cost for the arena. When the asking price was cheaper, there were Costco CEOs willing to give some money to fund for the arena. Later, Bennett increased the price.

Last I checked, the lease wasn't finished. Bennett wanted to move the Sonics to Oklahoma on the last year. Nickels, who was also retarded, agreed on a settlement by requesting Bennett to pay a fee and then they get to move the Sonics.

Yeah, I remember Nickels bailing out on trying to get something done in Seattle by giving it two years for them to stick around at KeyArena, but instead, nah Clay, you can move the team as long as you give us $75 million!

Not to mention there was also Steve Ballmer who might have been able to put up money...

[9erEmpire]

Yeah, I remember Nickels bailing out on trying to get something done in Seattle by giving it two years for them to stick around at KeyArena, but instead, nah Clay, you can move the team as long as you give us $75 million!

Not to mention there was also Steve Ballmer who might have been able to put up money...

If they were going to leave, the best thing was to get some money out of it.

It's similar to team's wanting to trade players before their last year...if they don't comeback. Something in return.

[Killbot]

If attendance was so great then Schultz wouldn't need funding.

I know he's a very rich man but to think he was going to fork out that much money to upgrade that arena is crazy. He probably doesn't even have that much.

He tried to save the Sonics by suing but he later dropped the suit. Schultz did care...the people didn't care.

Yeah Schultz cared by suing Bennett for moving the team. :rolleyes:
It wasn't about the possible profit or fixing his reputation. It was his care for the team that he oh so helped so much into getting the Sonics into the playoffs. He didn't "know" Bennett, from Oklahoma, would move the team away after OKC got some NBA exposure from watching the Hornets play.

[UtahJazzFan88]

If they were going to leave, the best thing was to get some money out of it.

It's similar to team's wanting to trade players before their last year...if they don't comeback. Something in return.

Yeah, except for the fact they still had two years left on the lease at KeyArena, two years to negotiate a deal when Steve Ballmer had 150 million in an investment group for an arena deal. :rolleyes:

...but I'm sure those Seattle fans who got their f*cking franchise ripped out from under them are sure cheering for that Thunder team! Which btw will beat the Lakers in a 7 game series.

[9512]

^^^

LOL...correct...the erroneous lawsuit was some ploy to restore some positive joujou to the Starbucks name...

HOward shitz knows nothing about basketball...LOL @ Ray being some sort of franchise player... i love ray and all...but he would never carry the Sonics anywhere as their best player...he is great as a second or third option. See Celtics years...

[UtahJazzFan88]

^^^

LOL...correct...the erroneous lawsuit was some ploy to restore some positive joujou to the Starbucks name...

HOward shitz knows nothing about basketball...LOL @ Ray being some sort of franchise player... i love ray and all...but he would never carry the Sonics anywhere as their best player...he is great as a second or third option. See Celtics years...

Howard Schultz ran the Sonics into the ground which is a big reason for the drop off in attendance, Nate McMillan deserved COY in 2004-05, not sure how they got Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis (yes in their primes), and maybe 3 other decent guys in Ridnour, Radmanovic, Antonio Daniels to a 52-30 record.

Pretty sad that Jerome James and Reggie Evans was the starting front court in 2004-05.

[sacredcow]

Howard Schultz tried to get funding to update the arena and the city declined.

No arena means the team would lose it's value, so he sold it.

The new owners thought maybe they can persuade officials to fund the update of the arena....and it was declined.

Finish out the remaining lease and leave...because the city called their bluffs.

Too bad Seattle but at least you got a good team to root for....Thunder are a very good team.

Some fans may root for the Thunder, but a majority that I have encountered never will. You should see how many come down to Blazers games to root against the Thunder, it's amazing. Even the old Mascot shows up. The signs that I see "David Stern ruined my childhood" speak volumes. I hate how people will say go watch Sonicsgate though, that's not an informative method of raising awareness about what happened, so I will summarize it for you. It was a situation that was full of a lot circumstances that led to what happened. Key Arena is in the worst possible location, no amount of money will fix the logistical issues with that venue. It's in a residential neighborhood for christs sake.

-You had city officials who said the team brought no economic impact and made it very clear that they didn't care about the NBA.

-The state and city were having budget issues galore. Quest Field and Safeco Field (The Seahawks and Mariners stadiums) were built when the economy was great, and there was far more private funds involved. The NBA arena issue occurred during a budget crisis and outrageously high taxes were in place.

-Schultz made an offer on a new arena proposal to the state. He was only willing to match the public funds with $18 million of his own. It was an absolutely joke.

-Schultz sells the team for roughly $150 million above the actual market value after a great playoff run in 2004-2005 to a new owner from Oklahoma, Clayton Bennett; fire sale on the good players ensues.

-Durant was virtually unavailable to the media, how were fans supposed to connect to a team when they don't get to know about the number 2 pick? It alienated the fan base even more.

-The public starting to realize the team would leave and the team that was assembled that final season reflected that, just an awful squad.

-Emails begin to surface from a minority owner in the group saying they didn't buy the team to keep them in Seattle. The public resentment increases tremendously.

-The new ownership group made a proposal for a new arena that cost a half billion dollar. The complex was proposed to be in one of the worst areas for an arena in that area with almost no private matching from them. It was a half-ass attempt. The location is Renton, WA. Anyone from Seattle will tell you that location is atrocious and even worse than Key Arena. That was it, that was the only proposal. Portland had numerous proposals when the Rose Garden was designed.

-The city and state government wouldn't help with the new arena so the team announces they're going to relocate, would you go to a game when you know there's nothing you can do to stop this? Putting money into the pockets of someone who is moving your team?

-A lawsuit is filed to keep the team in Seattle, during this process a local group of private investors (including Steve Ballmer, the founder and CEO of Microsoft who makes the ownership group of the Thunder seem dirt poor) offered to buy the team, and build a new arena with a majority of private funding.

-Lastly, the city caved before the decision in the lawsuit, which if it went there way would have forced them to stay until the lease was finished.

It really was just a lot of circumstances that presented themselves that really made it uglier than it should have been. Seattle fans have a right to be hurt, 41 years of history is a lot. If the Blazers moved when it was rumored in 2004, I would have been heart broken. Those are childhood memories that are ripped away. Fathers taking their sons to games, only for those sons to grow up and not be able to take their sons.

[Killbot]

It was all about the arena. That is what he wanted and even if he did sell, he intended for the team to stay in Seattle.

Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise because now the Thunder are a great team owned by great owners who care about winning.

Sucks that you lost a team but be happy they are doing good with new ownership and better fans to cheer them on. Be glad they have fans to support these guys.

Have you not seen the mails leaked out to the media between Bennett and one of his staff members? They didn't care for the city of Seattle. They wanted to move them to OKC. That's why Stern fined Bennett's henchman (forgot his name).

You talking about being happy for a team in another city that was taken away from us? Are you nuts? Unless you are not from the Washington area, no right minded Washingtonian would root for the Thunder. Thunder team has good fans, but better is debatable. The sample size in years for the average attendance is much too small.

[9erEmpire]

^^^

LOL...correct...the erroneous lawsuit was some ploy to restore some positive joujou to the Starbucks name...

HOward shitz knows nothing about basketball...LOL @ Ray being some sort of franchise player... i love ray and all...but he would never carry the Sonics anywhere as their best player...he is great as a second or third option. See Celtics years...

If it would make you feel better or others on here....I can photoshop the Sonics logo for you.

I can make it say Seattle Thunder

[9512]

The funny thing about everyone complaining and not happy but in reality the Thunder are a contender.

If another city re-locates to Seattle and call themselves the Super Sonics, every person in Seattle will go ape shit and cheer for them. They will soon forget who's team they stole as long as they see that Sonics jersey.

You don't see Memphis fans mad....it will be long forgotten. It sucks to lose a team but get over it....with better management and crazy fans, the Thunder are doing quite well.

This is your Sonics...they will forever be in your hearts....



i dont doubt some fans will suffer if Seattle takes a team from another city...But when the Hornets were winning in 2007-2009 with CP3 and co (Peja, David West, etc...)...fans in NO still didn't care...

[Killbot]

bubba bennett tanked their last 2 seasons to drive the fans away and lo and behold...the timing was perfect as OKC fans are now enjoying the fruition of said tanking.

as a sonics fan, it's hard to cheer for a team whose owner's true intention was never invested in keeping the team in seattle in the 1st place. he was lying through his teeth about his "respect" for the history of Seattle basketball...

People are criticizing the fans of Seattle as they didn't show for games and that's true but fans are paying customers. And as any other customers or consumers of any business, they pay to see a good product and it's hard to pay to see a product that was poorly put together.

as the shrewd business man he is bubba knew that...Let's kill the potential excitement of the Ray Allen and KD35 scoring tandem...and let's "rebuild"...lol

it was a no win situation for the Sonics fans and a huge gain for bubba.

Bubba got his team. Seattle was given a bribe by said bubba and Sonics fans are the ones lost and gained nothing positive.

Pretty much this. Plus the fans hated Bennett, so attendance was piss poor in the 2007-2008 season.

[UtahJazzFan88]

I hate how people will say go watch Sonicsgate though, that's not an informative method of raising awareness about what happened, so I will summarize it for you. It was a situation that was full of a lot circumstances that led to what happened.

No offense, but how is all these points in your post different from what a majority of what Sonicsgate talked about? Seemed the same to me.


i dont doubt some fans will suffer if Seattle takes a team from another city...But when the Hornets were winning in 2007-2009 with CP3 and co (Peja, David West, etc...)...fans in NO still didn't care...

The Sonics will be back soon, I have a feeling they will. I just don't see the NBA holding on forever, waiting for a New Orleans buyer to come when it's taking forever... and I highly doubt the NBA is willing to contract at this point. I think it's a matter of 3-4 bad years (which is likely) to find out that New Orleans' time in the NBA is over with.

[sacredcow]

No offense, but how is all these points in your post different from what a majority of what Sonicsgate talked about? Seemed the same to me.

It is the same, I just don't think saying "go watch a movie" is going to inform someone. So I summarized it the best I could.

[Killbot]

The funny thing about everyone complaining and not happy but in reality the Thunder are a contender.

If another city re-locates to Seattle and call themselves the Super Sonics, every person in Seattle will go ape shit and cheer for them. They will soon forget who's team they stole as long as they see that Sonics jersey.

You don't see Memphis fans mad....it will be long forgotten. It sucks to lose a team but get over it....with better management and crazy fans, the Thunder are doing quite well.

This is your Sonics...they will forever be in your hearts....

http://opea.org/Websites/opea/Images/Images/OKC_Thunder.jpg


Uhh no. I'll never forget about the Sonics being torn apart from Seattle. They can bring a new team all they like, but it is not going to be the same as the original team that lasted 40+ years.

[Killbot]

Yeah, I remember Nickels bailing out on trying to get something done in Seattle by giving it two years for them to stick around at KeyArena, but instead, nah Clay, you can move the team as long as you give us $75 million!

Not to mention there was also Steve Ballmer who might have been able to put up money...

I'm glad he's no longer mayor. That dumb fck never cared for the Sonics. He only started showing he cared when they were about to leave. He asked for a very low price for reimbursement of losing the Sonics.

Exactly. Nickels rushed this thing way too fast. He should have waited, but no, he gave that sleazebag Bennett what he wanted.

[UtahJazzFan88]

He traded Gary Payton to the Bucks to get Ray to Seattle.

Lack of compunction in that post, I know how they got him, but meant that I'm not sure how that group went 52-30, speaks volumes to Nate as a coach, IMO.

Howard pretty much ousted Gary from Seattle too when he wanted to stick around, although it actually probably ended up being a smart move looking at Ray Allen's career still and how fast Gary's declined.

[Killbot]

It is the same, I just don't think saying "go watch a movie" is going to inform someone. So I summarized it the best I could.

Thank you for that. Those people who are lazy to watch Sonicsgate can read that.

[9erEmpire]

Some fans may root for the Thunder, but a majority that I have encountered never will. You should see how many come down to Blazers games to root against the Thunder, it's amazing. Even the old Mascot shows up. The signs that I see "David Stern ruined my childhood" speak volumes. I hate how people will say go watch Sonicsgate though, that's not an informative method of raising awareness about what happened, so I will summarize it for you. It was a situation that was full of a lot circumstances that led to what happened. Key Arena is in the worst possible location, no amount of money will fix the logistical issues with that venue. It's in a residential neighborhood for christs sake.

Thank you. I totally agree with the part of people telling me to watch Sonics Gate. It's real bias at best.

-You had city officials who said the team brought no economic impact and made it very clear that they didn't care about the NBA.

Like I said, the people of Seattle didn't care. They lost their team.

-The state and city were having budget issues galore. Quest Field and Safeco Field (The Seahawks and Mariners stadiums) were built when the economy was great, and there was far more private funds involved. The NBA arena issue occurred during a budget crisis and outrageously high taxes were in place.

They could have found other ways. Raising sales tax to up 1 percent is asking little to keep a team.

-Schultz made an offer on a new arena proposal to the state. He was only willing to match the public funds with $18 million of his own. It was an absolutely joke.

It's a joke but he had to ask considering other stadiums were funded. Bad on his part but I understand why he did this.

-Schultz sells the team for roughly $150 million above the actual market value after a great playoff run in 2004-2005 to a new owner from Oklahoma, Clayton Bennett; fire sale on the good players ensues.

Sell and make a profit after a good season when the value was up. He knew he couldn't convince the city.

-Durant was virtually unavailable to the media, how were fans supposed to connect to a team when they don't get to know about the number 2 pick? It alienated the fan base even more.

Durant should have used Social Media like he is now.

-The public starting to realize the team would leave and the team that was assembled that final season reflected that, just an awful squad.

agree.

-Emails begin to surface from a minority owner in the group saying they didn't buy the team to keep them in Seattle. The public resentment increases tremendously.

Minority owner; also we don't know when the timeline was. It could be when they knew Seattle couldn't build an arena.

-The new ownership group made a proposal for a new arena that cost a half billion dollar. The complex was proposed to be in one of the worst areas for an arena in that area with almost no private matching from them. It was a half-ass attempt. The location is Renton, WA. Anyone from Seattle will tell you that location is atrocious and even worse than Key Arena. That was it, that was the only proposal. Portland had numerous proposals when the Rose Garden was designed.

Half a billion dollar is not half ass attempt. That's a lot of money and they should have called Bennett's bluff.

-The city and state government wouldn't help with the new arena so the team announces they're going to relocate, would you go to a game when you know there's nothing you can do to stop this? Putting money into the pockets of someone who is moving your team?

no.

-A lawsuit is filed to keep the team in Seattle, during this process a local group of private investors (including Steve Ballmer, the founder and CEO of Microsoft who makes the ownership group of the Thunder seem dirt poor) offered to buy the team, and build a new arena with a majority of private funding.

What happened there?

-Lastly, the city caved before the decision in the lawsuit, which if it went there way would have forced them to stay until the lease was finished.

Why have them stay?

It really was just a lot of circumstances that presented themselves that really made it uglier than it should have been. Seattle fans have a right to be hurt, 41 years of history is a lot. If the Blazers moved when it was rumored in 2004, I would have been heart broken. Those are childhood memories that are ripped away. Fathers taking their sons to games, only for those sons to grow up and not be able to take their sons.

Who cares if Blazers left. Don't try to brainwash your kid into following the team you follow. What if he wanted to root for the Lakers.

[UtahJazzFan88]

Thank you for that. Those people who are lazy to watch Sonicsgate can read that.

Sonicsgate is a good movie though, and I've enjoyed the emotion and what not it in from Seattle fans to gather a grasp.


Half a billion dollar is not half ass attempt. That's a lot of money and they should have called Bennett's bluff.

How is that not a half-assed attempt? They got an easy out of "trying" to stay in Seattle by putting an arena plan that costs HALF A BILLION in Renton, Washington (which is a terrible location for an arena/sports team in Seattle if anyone's been there). It was their easiest way to scapegoat their way to OKC.

[9erEmpire]

Lack of compunction in that post, I know how they got him, but meant that I'm not sure how that group went 52-30, speaks volumes to Nate as a coach, IMO.

Howard pretty much ousted Gary from Seattle too when he wanted to stick around, although it actually probably ended up being a smart move looking at Ray Allen's career still and how fast Gary's declined.

Sonics Gate and Gary Payton said otherwise but I bet Howard let go of GP for basketball reasons..lol

He was on the decline so they got rid of him...it's not being disrespectful to Gary or anything.

[Killbot]

Sonicsgate is a good movie though, and I've enjoyed the emotion and what not it in from Seattle fans to gather a grasp.

It certainly is a good movie. They tried to cover both sides of the story, but Clay Bennett and David Stern declined to comment. That made the movie seem to lean a little more towards one side.
I learned a couple of interesting things from Sonicsgate through the interviews and background information even though I live around this area. I definitely advise people to watch Sonicsgate.

[UtahJazzFan88]

Sonics Gate and Gary Payton said otherwise but I bet Howard let go of GP for basketball reasons..lol

He was on the decline so they got rid of him...it's not being disrespectful to Gary or anything.

I know this, but Howard Schultz and Gary Payton had a large disdain for each other for a while. So it did end up being a smart move as Ray Allen was the better player after the trade (obviously).

[Killbot]

How is that not a half-assed attempt? They got an easy out of "trying" to stay in Seattle by putting an arena plan that costs HALF A BILLION in Renton, Washington (which is a terrible location for an arena/sports team in Seattle if anyone's been there). It was their easiest way to scapegoat their way to OKC.

Requesting half a billion dollars for an arena is a stupid idea. No one is going to pay that much for it.

Yes. Renton is not a good location. Traffic is horrible as it is already (I-405). If Sonics were to build a new arena there, congestion would be much more terrible. I-5 to Seattle is already terrible, but there are much more bus routes linked to Seattle from the metro King County area. Plus, more people already reside there.

[9512]

Lack of compunction in that post, I know how they got him, but meant that I'm not sure how that group went 52-30, speaks volumes to Nate as a coach, IMO.

Howard pretty much ousted Gary from Seattle too when he wanted to stick around, although it actually probably ended up being a smart move looking at Ray Allen's career still and how fast Gary's declined.

lol i realized it too and tried to delete before you saw it.

That 2004-2005 season was a mystery...and it rightfully so...fluke season to me lol...And the Sonics sunk back to mediocrity since that season.

I agree about Howard ousting him. Him and GP didnt see eye to eye. I remember him not showing to training camp. I think Howard acted like a spoiled child with too much power. Gary did decline but i think hi, being traded had as much to do with his dislike of GP as it was a smart GM move.

[Bless Mathews]

Jack Sikma for life

Kevin Callabro= GOAT play by play announcer , hands down.

[sacredcow]

Thank you. I totally agree with the part of people telling me to watch Sonics Gate. It's real bias at best.


No problem, I'm sympathetic for them but I can't stand the "YOU DON'T KNOW! GO WATCH THE MOVIE AND LEARN!" attitude with some of the anti-Thunder people. It is a well produced movie though. I have nothing against Thunder fans, they're great fans and it's healthy for the league. I think a lot of parties are guilty, not just Stern/Bennett, but the city/state officials as well as the previous ownership group.

They could have found other ways. Raising sales tax to up 1 percent is asking little to keep a team.

No disagreements there, then again I live in Oregon where we have no sales tax so 1 percent wouldn't bug me. :)

It's a joke but he had to ask considering other stadiums were funded. Bad on his part but I understand why he did this.

The ratio of public/private funds was much different. Paul Allen (co-founder of Microsoft/current Seahawks-Blazers owner) matched the public funds with a large amount of private capital. I think he was over his head and wanted out in any way possible.

Sell and make a profit after a good season when the value was up. He knew he couldn't convince the city.

No disagreement there. Simple business move.

Durant should have used Social Media like he is now.

Social media in 2008 was a lot different than today. It wasn't universal and a major influence in how to connect with fans and players. Myspace was the big thing at the time *cringe*

Minority owner; also we don't know when the timeline was. It could be when they knew Seattle couldn't build an arena.

It was before the half billion dollar proposal according the movie.

Half a billion dollar is not half ass attempt. That's a lot of money and they should have called Bennett's bluff.

Well technically they did by not funding it, but it was more less the location and the single proposal that I feel was half-assed. The design was actually beautiful, but again logistically it was a nightmare and I feel there were a lot of locations across Lake Washington that could have served well.

What happened there?

David Stern didn't pursue it. Not much else is really known about it.

Why have them stay?

To possibly find a new ownership group

Who cares if Blazers left. Don't try to brainwash your kid into following the team you follow. What if he wanted to root for the Lakers.

That's like a Muslim marrying a Jew here in Portland! lol JK But I'd let my son be a fan of who he wants, its more less being able to take him to see an actual NBA game. I'll never forget my first game that's for sure (watching Jordan rape my Blazers in the 92 NBA finals)

[UtahJazzFan88]

Jack Sikma for life

Kevin Callabro= GOAT play by play announcer , hands down.

I miss Calabro's commentating for ESPN.


lol i realized it too and tried to delete before you saw it.

That 2004-1005 season was a mystery...and it rightfully so...fluke season to me lol...And the Sonics sunk back to mediocrity since that season.

I agree about Howard ousting him. Him and GP didnt see eye to eye. I remember him not showing to training camp. I think Howard acted like a spoiled child with too much power. Gary did decline but i think hi, being traded had as much to do with his dislike of GP as it was a smart GM move.

It wasn't fluky to me, it was a Nate McMillan coached team, I think Nate does a lot with a little, he has done it with the injuries in Portland. Nate's playoff record hasn't been very good though.

[Killbot]

Jack Sikma for life

Kevin Callabro= GOAT play by play announcer , hands down.

Exactly. Perfect voice and when he gets excited, it's not overdone and he is actually true to his emotions.

[Killbot]

I miss Calabro's commentating for ESPN.



It wasn't fluky to me, it was a Nate McMillan coached team, I think Nate does a lot with a little, he has done it with the injuries in Portland. Nate's playoff record hasn't been very good though.

Last I seen him on ESPN was him commentating the Thunder. Can't believe they made him do that.
Nate hasn't exactly got the greatest luck. Not much talent in his team in the Sonics days and the injury prone players in his Trailblazer days, especially when the Western Conference was brutal.
Alright that's enough for today for me.

[9512]

I miss Calabro's commentating for ESPN.



It wasn't fluky to me, it was a Nate McMillan coached team, I think Nate does a lot with a little, he has done it with the injuries in Portland. Nate's playoff record hasn't been very good though.

credit has to be given to Nate for that season...after they didnt resign Nate...Sonics went lottery bound.

[9512]

Last I seen him on ESPN was him commentating the Thunder. Can't believe they made him do that.
Nate hasn't exactly got the greatest luck. Not much talent in his team in the Sonics days and the injury prone players in his Trailblazer days, especially when the Western Conference was brutal.
Alright that's enough for today for me.

this Sonics' debacle increases my blood pressure every time i talk about it so I know what you meant with "enough for today" :cheers:

[9erEmpire]

this Sonics' debacle increases my blood pressure every time i talk about it so I know what you meant with "enough for today" :cheers:

Keep ya head up!

You always got the Thunder to root for...and they are very good too.

:cheers:

[Zenji]

Only thing i got out of this thread is that 9erEmpire is indeed a retard.

[burnsy87]

It is the same, I just don't think saying "go watch a movie" is going to inform someone. So I summarized it the best I could.


Nobody is saying "go watch a movie". They are saying "Go watch a movie that details every single event that led up to the Sonics moving to OKC"

You act like someone is telling them to go watch Die Hard 2.

How does watching the documentary NOT inform you? Are you really that dumb?

[returnofthemack]

Well, if that's the case, I doubt it. I don't know how that would work with OKC using the Sonics history and previous accomplishments. I find it hard to believe that the Thunder would just be like "here you go" and hand the Sonics back their records/achievements.

if im not mistaken the city of cleveland sued art modell to retain the rights to the name colors of the browns. before the browns were gone the wheels were in motion to bring the team back. i dont know what the chances are of seattle bring back a team named the sonics but it would be great. as for hte history everyone in seattle knows what happend there and that history belongs to them and can not be taken away. it always sucks to see a team thats loved moved.

[CeltsGarlic]

Keep ya head up!

You always got the Thunder to root for...and they are very good too.

:cheers:

Tell me another time bro.

[97 bulls]

Why would the NBA even want to start another franchise? They can't even keep the ones they already have competitive since every nba star is a ready made bitch. Anthony, james, wade, bosh, paul, howard, williams, bryant, love, I'm sure I'm missing some others.

The only star players I respect now is rose, durant, and stoudemire.

[Bless Mathews]

Exactly. Perfect voice and when he gets excited, it's not overdone and he is actually true to his emotions.


Yep. And he's old school radio play by play, does TRUE PLAY BY PLAY, not like marv Albert or Mike green who are glorified entertainment tonight gossipers.

Him and Marcus Johnson were absolutely funky. Had soul, a rythm like no other duo...

[Bless Mathews]

Only thing i got out of this thread is that 9erEmpire is indeed a retard.


Yes. And that he likes repping grown men in a homo erotic pose ..

[9erEmpire]

I was sympathetic with Seattle when they lost their team but judging from the Seattle fans on this thread.

I am proud that the NBA moved the Sonics. They are better than they were before.

:applause:

[OKCThunderUP]

Only thing i got out of this thread is that 9erEmpire is indeed a retard.

repped

[9erEmpire]

repped

bandwagoner.

[UtahJazzFan88]

Why would the NBA even want to start another franchise? They can't even keep the ones they already have competitive since every nba star is a ready made bitch. Anthony, james, wade, bosh, paul, howard, williams, bryant, love, I'm sure I'm missing some others.

The only star players I respect now is rose, durant, and stoudemire.

Who said the NBA would? Seattle is getting another franchise if they get a team.