First They Came For the Sonics...

Photo from Sonics Beat.

I've tried to remain quiet on the subject of the Sonics possible (and now certain) departure from Seattle for a couple of reasons. First, I don't really know anything about the team's dealings with the city of Seattle that better, more informed sources haven't already told you. My opinions on the subject would only be rehash and repeat of the angst that a lot of other writers had already scribed. But second, because the subject is just too damn depressing. I don't see how you become interested in this league without being a fan on some level, and I've articulated that point repeatedly throughout this blog's life. Whether you're a fan of a player or a team it makes no difference; people who watch this game become attached to those within it. It's just what happens when you dedicate a couple nights a week to a certain team or player. And to all fans of the late Seattle Supersonics everywhere, I am so sorry. Likewise to all the Durant fans, Jeff Green fans, and the Nick Collison fan (That's you, Mrs. Collison). This situation is so unbearably shitty that I feel like I need to write something about it.

I will love this league to the day I die and I consider myself a pretty big Stern apologist, but I don't know if I will ever forgive the NBA and the commissioner for what has happened to the Sonics. It's so hard to put this in perspective because I've never had to deal with anything even remotely similar in my experience as a fan, but even thinking about it makes me a little sick. You know the arguments of why the Sonics should stay. You've seen the evidence that Clay Bennett is a two-timing cock. The fact that all of these things couldn't keep the NBA in Seattle more than two seasons is disgraceful. And don't even get me started on Bennett bringing a copy of the championship banner with him to OKC.

One can only hope that Seattle can bring the NBA back, but even a victory on that front would be bittersweet. They would have to completely rebuild a franchise from the ground up, and it definitely won't be easy. Odds are, if attendance is poor because the "new" Sonics are suffering (as all expansion teams do), Stern and Bennett will only throw it in all of our faces as Exhibit A of why the (Barons/Outlaws/Bombers) now reside in Oklahoma City.

And on the subject, this isn't about you, Oklahoma. No one really cares about you right now. Sure, you had your audition with the Hornets, and maybe you'll even be a good NBA city. That doesn't mean you have the right to steal 41 years of history and a roster with a future. Make a fucking expansion team, for God's sake. Get your own GM, your own draft picks, and your own coach. So please, Oklahomans or any nearby future fans of the franchise at the OK Corral, pipe down for now.

For me, this is the saddest day in my NBA fandom. It isn't an "Ohh....well, then." like the first Donaghy news, an "Ooooooh snap." like the Kings-Lakers allegations, or the emotions surrounding a player's death as we try to personalize the player and step out of our fan "safe zone." For me, there has never been so much lament, anger, and forlornness all rolled into one. I'm sorry to be melodramatic, because that's hardly what this situation needs, but I just wanted to put that out there.

In conclusion:

To David Stern and Clay Bennett: Go fuck yourselves.

To Sonics fans everywhere: my condolences.