” The SuperSonics and Seattle reach a last-minute deal. ” So ESPN headline on July 2, 2008 about the formalization of the sale, and therefore the departure, of the Sonics to Oklahoma City. The Seattle team, which will be renamed the Thunder, thus left behind its ” name, colors and 41 years of history “.
Fifteen years after this page of history, there are still many in the Emerald City who regret this move. George Karl is one of them. He knows the subject very well since he was coach of the team from 1991 to 1998. A mandate marked by accession to the NBA finals in 1996, and a defeat against the Bulls of Michael Jordan.
” I still don’t quite understand why the team left. I heard all the explanations. My daughter works at the legislative level and told me what happened. I also hear what the authorities of the league say: it seems to me that this should not have happened. I feel like it was just a few angry people who were like, ‘Fuck it, let’s move on’ », testifies the former technician who makes appearances on the “Iconic Sonics” podcast.
We recall that at the time, the businessman Howard Schultz, at the head of the club between 2001 and 2006, had not succeeded in finding an agreement to build a new room and leave the old KeyArena. He had therefore quickly decided to get rid of the club, selling it to Clay Bennett, an Oklahoma City investor who quickly maneuvered to move the franchise to his city.
believe in karma
Years later, Howard Schultz would explain that it was ” one of the biggest regrets of my professional life. It’s a public wound that I can’t heal. For that, I will forever be deeply sorry. »
” Almost everyone blamed me [pour le déménagement des SuperSonics], and after initial denial I realized they were right to do it. I had squandered the public trust I had bought into “, had still written the former CEO of Starbucks.
While waiting for the NBA to decide whether or not to move or create a new franchise in Seattle, former Sonics fans must console themselves with the Storm in the WNBA but also the big league preseason games. The opportunity for locals to continue to make their voices heard.
” I believe in karma and the loyalty of the fans has not only shown the league authorities but also the whole world that they want a team back here. I hope it will happen concludes George Karl.
