The Seattle SuperSonics are now officially moving to Oklahoma. After long, drawn out court proceedings, name calling, and finger pointing the settlement was made to allow owner Clay Bennett to move the team. One of my favorite instances from the whole lawsuit and debate was the Sonics claiming that Seattle doesn't even like them anymore. Of course we like them, but hearing such ridiculous arguments gets a little old.Though this last Sonics season is nothing to boast about and I am glad we will not have to hear much more about Howard Schultz suing the city, etcetera, I still want to take a moment to commemorate Seattle basketball and the city's first major league sports team.
The Sonics achieved what few Seattle teams have, a National Championship (in their 1978-79 season). Though the 1970s were considered the team's heyday, at 10 years old, watching Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Detlef Schrempf (who apparently is a fan of the McDonald's by University Village, right Gabs?) play the Chicago Bulls in the 1996 National Championships was exhilarating. My own city's team gave Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Scotty Pippen, and one of the greatest teams ever in basketball a run for their money that year in the Championships. Shawn Kemp offered Seattle much entertainment and rappers still rhyme about Gary Payton.
Named after Boeing's supersonic transport contract (that was canceled only a few years after the team was named), it does not seem fitting that the Sonics will move to Oklahoma. But I guess all good things must end. At least we still have the Seahawks. And those women sure did a good job keeping the Storm in Seattle. It is unfortunate the men couldn't do the same for the Sonics.
Farewell SuperSonics, I promise to remember you fondly and hope that Oklahoma treats you well.
Here are two photos I took at a Sonics versus Lakers game on December 14, 2004. The Sonics won. I was proud we kicked butt against Kobe Bryant.
Rip Seattle sonics
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