Sonics name staying?

[DJT]

Report: Sonics would leave name in Seattle by FOXSports.com
Updated: March 25, 2008, 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.

Sonics spokesman Dan Mahoney confirmed Bennett's statement to the Times on Monday.

Bennett is pushing for a buyout of the Sonics' lease in Seattle in an effort to move the team to Oklahoma City. His ownership group made a $26.5 million offer that was rejected by city officials, prompting Bennett to send a letter to city attorney Tom Carr that read: "We understand the city's desire to reserve the Sonics name for a future franchise and will support the city's effort with the NBA on this issue."

Gov. Christine Gregoire spoke with Bennett on March 5, according to the report, at which time Bennett re-affirmed his desire to move.

"He made it very clear to me — and not in a nasty way at all — in his words, unequivocally, 'Not for sale,'" Gregoire told the Times earlier this month. "At some point, we have to accept that."

Verbal protests chimed through KeyArena on Monday as the Sonics played host to the Portland TrailBlazers, the crowd chanting "Save Our Sonics" at every opportunity.

"Messed me up a little bit," Sonics rookie Kevin Durant said of the reaction. "But I heard them and that's something I love. The crowd was into it tonight and that shows they're going to stick behind us."

If the proposed buyout goes through, Monday's game could've been the last between the longtime rivals.

A large group of supporters purchased a block of tickets behind the Portland bench, holding signs and leading chants showing their support for keeping the NBA in Seattle.

In response, a noticeable security presence was at the arena. A Sonics spokesman said the increased security was because of information received that fans may try and disrupt the game. There were no incidents, just the end of Seattle's second losing streak of 10 or more games this season.

"As we got going in the second half and when we made our runs and opened up the lead, they got into the game," Seattle coach P.J. Carlesimo said. "Our fans have been great all year."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This makes me feel better about the whole situation.

 

[Pugz]

They[Seattle] should get to keep the name, I'd like to see them keep the name, that way OKC could get a whole new idenity.

 

[.GR]

Yeah, I agree. I think it should always be like that when a team moves.

 

[RipCity32]

Yeah good idea. OK Sonics sound bad anyways.

 

[DJT]

Looks like its gonna happen that way.

 

[Pugz]

NBA Owners Group To Visit Oklahoma City
March 25, 2008 - 5:29 am
Seattle Post-Intelligencer -
NBA spokesperson Tim Frank has confirmed that Commissioner David Stern and four owners on the NBA relocation committee will tour the Ford Center on Tuesday and meet with city and team officials to learn the latest on owner Clay Bennett's efforts to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer is reporting.

The four owners' representatives taking part in the tour are Jeanie Buss (Lakers), Herb Simon (Pacers), Peter Holt (Spurs), and Lewis Katz (Nets).

Well there getting closer and closer to be moved.

 

[.GR]

When r they suppose to move there?

 

[RipCity32]

The hell they going to be calling themselves then?

I really can't think of anything.

 

[jarrod2323]

they most likely will have a fan-based survey to get a name, then a logo..
that's how the San Jose Earthquakes handled it when they moved to Houston.

it gets the community involved and stirs up the buzz about the team.

look for something similar to minor league teams or an old name used in a previous decade

 

[.GR]

Arent they moving back to San Jose BTW jarrod?

 

[RipCity32]

Hmm, it's going to be weird as hell for us at first.

 

[jarrod2323]

like these defunct teams/logos:

Wranglers

89ers

Though, I do like the name Outlaws - used in USFL

 

[jarrod2323]

Arent they moving back to San Jose BTW jarrod?

aww - hell no... houston is actually building the Dynamo a soccer-only stadium.. they love em here

 

[RipCity32]

Oklahoma City Outlaws.
Yah, I like the ring to that one.

 

[DJT]

they most likely will have a fan-based survey to get a name, then a logo..
that's how the San Jose Earthquakes handled it when they moved to Houston.

it gets the community involved and stirs up the buzz about the team.

look for something similar to minor league teams or an old name used in a previous decade

Yep i'm sure. Just look at what Charlotte did when they got the Bobcats. They opened up voting and took ideas...everything.

I think the Oklahoma City Cyclones sounds all right.

 

[Pugz]

Oklahoma City Bombers?
Turn something negitive into a positive.

If they move there it will prolly be in 2010, or maybe next season who knows.

 

[RipCity32]

I thought they were moving at the end of this season?

 

[DJT]

I hope they move at the end of this season...but somehow I think it might take another year to work out all the kinks. And to get the Ford Center all up and ready.

 

[Pugz]

I hope they move at the end of this season...but somehow I think it might take another year to work out all the kinks. And to get the Ford Center all up and ready.

Thats what I'm thinking, they'll be there after next season prolly. But the NBA is were amazing happens, maybe they'll be there after this season.

 

[DJT]

So any guesses on what color scheme they will use? I'd like to see a team have gray involved.