Advocacy for Seattle SuperSonics NBA Return Grows Among Fans and Former Players

Basketball enthusiasts in Seattle have long felt the void left by the departure of the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008. The franchise, now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder, has thrived in its new home, but the absence of an NBA team in Seattle for the past 16 years has left fans yearning for a return. Recent comments from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver suggest that the possibility of expansion may soon be on the table, rekindling hopes that the SuperSonics could once again call Seattle home.

The Call for a Comeback

In September, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hinted that discussions about league expansion are on the horizon. This news has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, many of whom are optimistic about the potential revival of the SuperSonics. George Karl, the former head coach who guided the Sonics to the NBA Finals in 1996, is among the advocates for the team’s return. He expressed his belief in a strong “karma” surrounding the prospect, stating, “It can happen. It should happen.”

Community Support

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell shares this enthusiasm, emphasizing the city’s readiness for an NBA team. In fact, he postponed his own birthday celebrations to rally support for the cause. “We need to ensure the decision-makers understand that Seattle is a very attractive market with a passionate fan base,” Harrell remarked, noting that a new generation of fans has emerged since the team’s departure.

Voices from the Past

• Rashard Lewis: A former NBA champion who played for the SuperSonics from 1998 to 2007, Lewis believes it’s imperative for the NBA to return to Seattle. “Seattle has a part of me; I became a man here,” he reflected, recalling the spirited connection fans had with the team.
• Brent Barry: Now an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns, Barry reminisces about the vibrant community surrounding the Sonics. He described the post-game atmosphere as electric, where fans would spill into local establishments to celebrate together. “To lose all that was a gut punch to a city that loved basketball,” Barry lamented.

While the NBA’s future expansion remains uncertain, the sentiment for the SuperSonics’ return is undeniably strong among former players, city officials, and passionate fans. The hope is that Seattle’s rich basketball history will soon be complemented by a thriving future in the NBA.