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muffler dragon

Bien. Bien chiludo.
Former Weekly Upsets Champ
FOX Sports on MSN - NBA - Report: Sonics would leave name in Seattle

You can take the Sonics out of Seattle, but if you do, they won't be the Sonics anymore.


Sonics chairman Clay Bennett told team sponsors at a function in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday that he wants to negotiate a deal where the city retains everything about the franchise except it's players and coaches, according to a report Tuesday in the Seattle Times.

cont.

Anyone got some recommendations for the team in Oklahoma City?

How 'bout the "Whogivesashits"?

I must admit that I hear a fair amount about this since I live in the PNW. The whole gamut of emotions has been evident on radio shows. I do have to admit though that I don't understand the rationale on the part of David Stern in supporting this change of venue. Yes, I realize that OKC was quite hospitable to the Hornets and such; however, there are two major differences (among others) between Seattle and OKC:

1) 6,000,000 people in Seattle v. 500,000 in OKC.
2) Seattle is a top 15 media market in the nation whereas I don't think OKC registers.

The facilities are going to have sales tax ties, and I just don't see how a city of such a small populace is going to afford it.

I would reckon that if moving the Sonics out of Seattle gets Bennett out of there; then maybe there will be a chance for a management group to come in, use the name, and field a competitive team that wants to be there.
 
muffler dragon;1123901; said:
FOX Sports on MSN - NBA - Report: Sonics would leave name in Seattle



Anyone got some recommendations for the team in Oklahoma City?

How 'bout the "Whogivesashits"?

I must admit that I hear a fair amount about this since I live in the PNW. The whole gamut of emotions has been evident on radio shows. I do have to admit though that I don't understand the rationale on the part of David Stern in supporting this change of venue. Yes, I realize that OKC was quite hospitable to the Hornets and such; however, there are two major differences (among others) between Seattle and OKC:

1) 6,000,000 people in Seattle v. 500,000 in OKC.
2) Seattle is a top 15 media market in the nation whereas I don't think OKC registers.

The facilities are going to have sales tax ties, and I just don't see how a city of such a small populace is going to afford it.

I would reckon that if moving the Sonics out of Seattle gets Bennett out of there; then maybe there will be a chance for a management group to come in, use the name, and field a competitive team that wants to be there.

Green Bay what?
 
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muffler dragon;1123907; said:
Do you really consider that a similar situation?

Not really. OKC is five times as big as GB. :p

Do I think it will be the same? Probably not. Do I think it has a chance to succeed? If Green Bay can support (better than most NFL cities) a Pro team, give 'em a chance. If it doesn't work out, move them or contract
'em.
 
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BUCKYLE;1123910; said:
Not really. OKC is five times as big as GB. :p

Do I think it will be the same? Probably not. Do I think it has a chance to succeed? If Green Bay can support (better than most NFL cities) a Pro team, give 'em a chance. If it doesn't work out, move them or contract
'em.

I guess I just give tradition and history a LOT of credit to the existence of the Packers; not to mention that the city owns them.

I agree that it's worthwhile to give OKC a chance. I just don't think it should be at the expense of the fans in Seattle.
 
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muffler dragon;1123913; said:
I guess I just give tradition and history a LOT of credit to the existence of the Packers; not to mention that the city owns them.

I agree that it's worthwhile to give OKC a chance. I just don't think it should be at the expense of the fans in Seattle.


I admit I'm in the dark here. I didn't even know they were planning on moving. What does the owner want that the people aren't providing as his cause to move?
 
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BUCKYLE;1123914; said:
I admit I'm in the dark here. I didn't even know they were planning on moving. What does the owner want that the people aren't providing as his cause to move?

To be able to go 3 blocks without hitting a Starbucks?
 
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BUCKYLE;1123914; said:
I admit I'm in the dark here. I didn't even know they were planning on moving. What does the owner want that the people aren't providing as his cause to move?

Apparently, Key Arena is a dump, and he was wanting the city to fork over the entire amount of money for a renovation or new building.

It's become evident over time and from Bennett's financial partners that they never had any intention of keeping the team in Seattle. So, after the Seahawks and Mariners got their new homes, the public didn't want to have to fork over more money to an owner that had no local ties and didn't seem all that interested in keeping the team at bay anyways.

This may end up being a good thing for both parties in that an unwanted owner will be gone, and the name will remain with the city. Similar to Cleveland in that regard.

BB73;1123916; said:
To be able to go 3 blocks without hitting a Starbucks?

Definitely a plausible consideration. :biggrin:
 
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