"Thumbs Up To Thunder Unis"

[DustDevil61]

Mark Cuban voted against it too because Oklahoma had been Mavericks territory.

I also think that Larry Miller would've voted against it, but at the time I believe his health was failing. You didn't tell Dad, did you, Greg?

[koizim]

OK, that sounds like more of a conspiracy theory based on the fact that you are very emotional over the loss of your team (as you should be). But saying that a multi-billion dollar sports league forged legal documents in a lawsuit with a major metropolitan city is just silly. Also, I'd love to anyone (who isn't a Sonics fan) who would say that Key Arena stacks up to the NBA's newer arenas. Face facts: the Sonics moved because Seattle was too damn cheap to build them a new arena, but now that they're gone, many fans are blaming the NBA.

No, not that crazy of a conspiracy theory (even though I love a good conspiracy). A more realistic one where Stern felt slighted and made it VERY easy for the new owners to (1) buy the team, and (2) move the team. Telling other league owners to they "should" go along with it even though leaving Seattle for OKC made no business sense for the league whatsoever. If not for his personal feelings, a good leader would have stepped in and orchestrated the purchase by one of the other local buyers that were interested instead of a group that was certain to move the team.

And the Key Arena IS a top viewing venue... perfect sight lines, close to the action, even the highest nose bleed seat is great. The main problem was that the team didn't get to cash in on parking and concession revenue (all very fixable). That is why the city didn't want to build a new arena, the existing one was and still is perfect for viewing a game.

And why would David Stern feel slighted by the city of Seattle? Because they were too cheap to build a new arena. Instead, they spent about 1/8 as much and gussied up an arena that was still very obviously built during the Kennedy administration. He didn't make it any easier for Clay Bennett to purchase the team, because Bennett was the only person who even wanted to buy the team. In fact, it wasn't even Stern who sold the team! That man was Howard Schultz. Then Bennett had to jump through the same hoops as every other owner did to move to OKC. He could have left Seattle a year earlier, but stayed for the 2007-08 season as a good faith measure to try and find a solution to replacing KeyArena (apparently that's what it's actually called). Hell, he even proposed building a new arena in suburban Seattle, but the city and state turned it down because it would use taxpayer money. If Stern had tried to "convince" the other owners to go along with his diabolical plan, then he would have been guilty of collusion and Mark Cuban (who voted against the relocation) would have at least called him out in the media, if not filed a lawsuit.

Instead of whining about David Stern's evil plot to screw over Seattle, maybe you should blame those who are actually responsible for the Sonics leaving: Howard Schultz, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, and the voters both in Seattle and state-wide. The NBA didn't do this to Seattle; Seattle did this to Seattle.

And as for the KeyArena being a "top viewing venue," almost every NBA arena has great sight lines because it's an unobstructed bowl that's oriented to encircle an open court, the scoreboard was dreadfully outdated (compare it to Staples Center, Madison Square Garden, American Airlines Arena, or even the Ford Center), and the upper deck seats should have been close to the action considering it was the lowest capacity arena in the NBA! Factor in that the team didn't even get the revenue from parking and concessions in their own building and it's surprising that the Sonics didn't skip town earlier.

[IceCap]

OK, that sounds like more of a conspiracy theory based on the fact that you are very emotional over the loss of your team (as you should be). But saying that a multi-billion dollar sports league forged legal documents in a lawsuit with a major metropolitan city is just silly. Also, I'd love to anyone (who isn't a Sonics fan) who would say that Key Arena stacks up to the NBA's newer arenas. Face facts: the Sonics moved because Seattle was too damn cheap to build them a new arena, but now that they're gone, many fans are blaming the NBA.

This.

I get that you're upset hawk, but if the Key Arena is fine as is why would the NBA force the move? Seattle is a larger market then Oklahoma City. So why would the NBA trade the former for the latter unless they had to (an out-of-date arena for example)?

I'm sorry, but generally speaking I don't put much stock in conspiracy theories, and from you it seems like Seattle is the single most screwed over team in pro sports history. First Super Bowl XL, now this. What's next, that MLB rigged the 2001 ALCS?

Not the single most but right up there with the Baltimore Colts and original Cleveland Browns.

Alrighty then. The entire professional sports world has a vendetta against Seattle. Good to know.

And, you said it, the Seattle market is much more desirable than OKC. Makes no sense why all the league owners, save for Paul Allen, voted for the sale and the move. Simple, they were told to by Stern. Plain and simple.

I'll go over it again.

Seattle is indeed a more desirable market then Oklahoma City. You claim that Stern forced the move on the NBA. Well why would Stern and the NBA want to move the out of one market to a less desirable one in the first place? There's only one logical answer; the Key Arena is old, out of date, and not up to par with more modern NBA arenas. Had the city of Seattle recognized this fact and committed to renovating it (really renovating it, not putting on window dressing like they did last time) or building a replacement, then the Sonics would have stayed. Therefore the blame for the Sonics leaving falls squarely on the shoulders of the municipal leaders of Seattle. It sucks that you lost your team, it really does, but blame the right people, your municipal government, not the NBA who did the only logical thing they could do when faced with a team with no prospects for a viable, long term arena in its then current market.

[hawk36]

This is an agree to disagree thing I suppose.

All that being said, at least the majority agree that the OKC uni and name are horrible. Let's hope the curse on OKC is as strong as that of Sterling and the Clippers after what they did to San Diego.

[DrJack]

I feel for you, hawk, I really do. I think its a travesty that the Sonics are gone. I do think there is some basis to the claims that the new owner never intended on staying in Seattle and also engaged in some very shady tactics to expedite the move to OKC. I'm not sure where you got the idea that Stern "told" the owners to vote for the move and I don't think the NBA really wanted the team to move, it was more of a situation where the team just couldn't stay in Seattle with the facilities that they had.

I also completely disagree with your notion that it doesn't matter how big of passionate a team's fan base is when it comes to keeping a team. I know that many people in Seattle loved the Sonics, but the arena was tiny and rarely if ever was sold out (in the last decade). If the fan base was so big and passionate how come you couldn't fill up a small arena? If the city of Seattle loved the Sonics so much, how come they didn't vote for a new arena when they knew it was that or lose the team. The fan base COULD have made a difference if there really was a strong fan base, there just wasn't. Diehards like yourself were royally screwed, no doubt, but not by some evil David Stern conspiracy.

I hope Seattle gets a team back soon.

And yes, the Thunder's unis are FUGLY!!!

[The_Admiral]

I don't think pro sports are really the same out west. People like them, but they're not disproportionately big deals like the east coast and midwest. Totally possible that it never occurred to greater Seattle that their basketball team would actually move to freaking Oklahoma City.

[FiddySicks]

I don't think pro sports are really the same out west. People like them, but they're not disproportionately big deals like the east coast and midwest. Totally possible that it never occurred to greater Seattle that their basketball team would actually move to freaking Oklahoma City.

I have to agree. I don't know if it's because the sports media markets are more catered to the east (but even that's quickly fading), there's more things to do out west, or something else. But if you look at the big successful franchises out west, the majority of them seem to struggle more for fan support, even during good times.

[jfurdell]

For the record: when the city (rightfully) balked at Howard Schultz wanting $250+ million in public funds for a new arena a mere 10 years after opening KeyArena, in 2006 he sold the team to Clay Bennett, who misrepresented his intentions regarding negotiating in good faith, and "asked" for a $500 MILLION arena. Stern fined the Sonics $250,000 after co-owner Aubrey McClendon admitted to the press they had no intention of staying in Seattle, and Bennett's e-mails to Stern conflicted with those he wrote to his own investors, but Stern still did nothing to discourage the move.

I hope they all die in some kind of thresher accident.

[gordie_delini]

Okay have any of you actually been to OKC? I live down in Norman and go to Thunder games all the time, and having been to Key Arena, I'd take Bricktown and the Ford Center over Key in Seattle any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Have to agree with the comments that Seattle did this to themselves, and credit the people of OKC and the metro area, they have embraced this team and have turned out in droves to watch the Thunder.

And yes, the uniforms/brand suck. Most everyone knows it, we know it (and they're our best bloody client), a lot of the Thunder staff know it, hell Ackerman McQueen who designed the thing know it. But ultimately we can only blame Clay Bennett for the nightmare that is their logo, since he's the one who approved it.

[powersurge]

Don't be surprised if the Saints still end up in L.A. As great as things are for them in NOLA now, we here in Seattle are all too familiar with how quickly things can change. All it takes is the Commish to decree it and no amount of support from NOLA will matter.

And yes, the Hornets should still be in OKC and the Sonics in Seattle. Would have been a lot better for the NBA.

Now, they and the Saints are playing in state of the art facilities. Saying that the Saints might end up moving is completely illogical, considering that in addition to a rebuilt Superdome they now have a very loyal, very large fanbase.

I agree with almost everything you are saying but this line. There is no way you can call the Superdome a "state of the art facility". It may be "rebuilt" to fix what was destroyed, but it is in no way state of the art. You might even go as far as calling it a dinosaur. They plan on pumping in another $85-90M next year to put it "on par" with some of the other NFL facilities, but it will be a far cry from the other 10-12 newer facilities that have opened in recent years.

That is why despite how loyal the fanbase is or is not, that unless they get a deal for a true "state of the art" facility (in other words something with a ton more luxury boxes and seats that are configured in this new ideal "65 thousand seat configuration" that all of these new stadiums seem to have) the team will continue to come up in relocation rumors to other US cities like Los Angeles.

I love the Super Dome. Never been there, but love the fact that its a true massive dome. But I seems like the more the years pass the closer it will become the NFL's version of the Astrodome. The state can't afford a new facility and it might be only a matter of time before another hungry non-NFL city can and will steal the Saints away.

[IceCap]

Okay have any of you actually been to OKC? I live down in Norman and go to Thunder games all the time, and having been to Key Arena, I'd take Bricktown and the Ford Center over Key in Seattle any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Have to agree with the comments that Seattle did this to themselves, and credit the people of OKC and the metro area, they have embraced this team and have turned out in droves to watch the Thunder.

Agreed. Aside from Seattle shooting itself in the foot, OKC has embraced NBA basketball. First the Hornets during the Katrina cleanup, now the Thunder. The great fan support means I really can't fell to bad about the Sonics moving.

It's the same with the Nordiques actually. Yes, it sucks that Quebec City lost its team, but seeing that the fanbase in Denver has embraced the Avalanche, it's hard to feel to bad about it.

[ESTONES6]

i been working on uniform concept and rebrand with the Thunder... but having 5 colors is really a challenge. their colors look like a mix of Golden State and Charlotte, with a random turquoise thrown in. It is hard to make it still look somewhat classy and not cluttered while being able to incorporate all 5 colors.

[jws008]

Don't be surprised if the Saints still end up in L.A. As great as things are for them in NOLA now, we here in Seattle are all too familiar with how quickly things can change. All it takes is the Commish to decree it and no amount of support from NOLA will matter.

And yes, the Hornets should still be in OKC and the Sonics in Seattle. Would have been a lot better for the NBA.

Now, they and the Saints are playing in state of the art facilities. Saying that the Saints might end up moving is completely illogical, considering that in addition to a rebuilt Superdome they now have a very loyal, very large fanbase.

I agree with almost everything you are saying but this line. There is no way you can call the Superdome a "state of the art facility". It may be "rebuilt" to fix what was destroyed, but it is in no way state of the art. You might even go as far as calling it a dinosaur. They plan on pumping in another $85-90M next year to put it "on par" with some of the other NFL facilities, but it will be a far cry from the other 10-12 newer facilities that have opened in recent years.

That is why despite how loyal the fanbase is or is not, that unless they get a deal for a true "state of the art" facility (in other words something with a ton more luxury boxes and seats that are configured in this new ideal "65 thousand seat configuration" that all of these new stadiums seem to have) the team will continue to come up in relocation rumors to other US cities like Los Angeles.

I love the Super Dome. Never been there, but love the fact that its a true massive dome. But I seems like the more the years pass the closer it will become the NFL's version of the Astrodome. The state can't afford a new facility and it might be only a matter of time before another hungry non-NFL city can and will steal the Saints away.

Yup, the Superdome is an outdated facility.

Really?

While I admit that the post-Katrina thing was a factor in this decision, I would note that the NFL chose this outdated facility to host Super Bowl XLVII in February 2013.

The Superdome beat out University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, AZ) and Dolphin Stadium (South Florida/Miami, FL) for the right to host the game on May 19, 2009 at the NFL's Spring Ownership Meetings (coincidentally, held in Fort Lauderdale, FL).

Gee, I didn't know that the Cardinals' stadium was so outdated already. And clearly, the NFL couldn't be playing a Super Bowl in South Florida's outdated stadium anytime soon.

(And sorry for the off-topic post)

[The_Admiral]

It's the same with the Nordiques actually. Yes, it sucks that Quebec City lost its team, but seeing that the fanbase in Denver has embraced the Avalanche, it's hard to feel to bad about it.

I feel bad, because Quebec City lost its team and Denver would've gotten an expansion team down the line anyway. They didn't need to, so Nashville got one instead. yay.

[IceCap]

It's the same with the Nordiques actually. Yes, it sucks that Quebec City lost its team, but seeing that the fanbase in Denver has embraced the Avalanche, it's hard to feel to bad about it.

I feel bad, because Quebec City lost its team and Denver would've gotten an expansion team down the line anyway. They didn't need to, so Nashville got one instead. yay.

Yes, that's all true, but the fact is, well, there were no prospects for a new arena in QC. As bad as it was, it had to happen.

[powersurge]

Don't be surprised if the Saints still end up in L.A. As great as things are for them in NOLA now, we here in Seattle are all too familiar with how quickly things can change. All it takes is the Commish to decree it and no amount of support from NOLA will matter.

And yes, the Hornets should still be in OKC and the Sonics in Seattle. Would have been a lot better for the NBA.

Now, they and the Saints are playing in state of the art facilities. Saying that the Saints might end up moving is completely illogical, considering that in addition to a rebuilt Superdome they now have a very loyal, very large fanbase.

I agree with almost everything you are saying but this line. There is no way you can call the Superdome a "state of the art facility". It may be "rebuilt" to fix what was destroyed, but it is in no way state of the art. You might even go as far as calling it a dinosaur. They plan on pumping in another $85-90M next year to put it "on par" with some of the other NFL facilities, but it will be a far cry from the other 10-12 newer facilities that have opened in recent years.

That is why despite how loyal the fanbase is or is not, that unless they get a deal for a true "state of the art" facility (in other words something with a ton more luxury boxes and seats that are configured in this new ideal "65 thousand seat configuration" that all of these new stadiums seem to have) the team will continue to come up in relocation rumors to other US cities like Los Angeles.

I love the Super Dome. Never been there, but love the fact that its a true massive dome. But I seems like the more the years pass the closer it will become the NFL's version of the Astrodome. The state can't afford a new facility and it might be only a matter of time before another hungry non-NFL city can and will steal the Saints away.

Yup, the Superdome is an outdated facility.

Really?

While I admit that the post-Katrina thing was a factor in this decision, I would note that the NFL chose this outdated facility to host Super Bowl XLVII in February 2013.

The Superdome beat out University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, AZ) and Dolphin Stadium (South Florida/Miami, FL) for the right to host the game on May 19, 2009 at the NFL's Spring Ownership Meetings (coincidentally, held in Fort Lauderdale, FL).

Gee, I didn't know that the Cardinals' stadium was so outdated already. And clearly, the NFL couldn't be playing a Super Bowl in South Florida's outdated stadium anytime soon.

(And sorry for the off-topic post)

Your post would have some merit if it wasn't for the fact that the NFL just basically told Miami to pump some money in to its stadium because it is outdated. And its hosting the Super Bowl THIS YEAR!!!!!

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/miami-dolphins-may-be-coming-for-your-tax-164824.html

I've read that the league chooses venues for the big game for a variety of reasons. The Superdome isn't so outdated that it can't host a big game, but it certainly isn't in the top half of the league's best and most state of the art facilities right now. I think what they have going for them is the fact that its New Orleans and not Minneapolis, Minnesota. Don't fool yourself, if the Superdome was in Minnesota they wouldn't host as many games as they have. No one wants to go to a freezing cold area for Super Bowl festivities in Feb. Thats why Jacksonville was able to host a Super Bowl with a pretty regular no frills stadium venue. Nothing special about that stadium other than location.

Thats my point. The stadium is outdated and needs to either be totally renovated or they need to get a new one to support an NFL team for years to come. One game is one thing, but 8 games a season for decades is quite another.

I don't know why the NFL doesn't have a Super Bowl game in Los Angeles to help boost the efforts for the city to get a team. There are plenty of venues in and around the area that can do it. There may not be a ton of luxury suites but you'll have the night life capital of the West Coast nearby. That's always a plus!

[The_Admiral]

No one wants to go to a freezing cold area for Super Bowl festivities in Feb. Thats why Jacksonville was able to host a Super Bowl with a pretty regular no frills stadium venue.

But Jacksonville was cold.

[powersurge]

No one wants to go to a freezing cold area for Super Bowl festivities in Feb. Thats why Jacksonville was able to host a Super Bowl with a pretty regular no frills stadium venue.

But Jacksonville was cold.

LOL! yeah, I remember them talking about that. Its easy to forget that Jacksonville is much closer to Georgia then Miami. Southern Georgia and Northern Florida can sometimes get pretty chilly that time of year.

[CubsFanBudMan]

Not that there's any chance that we'll get back on track, but...

I like the Thunder home unis a lot, and like the color scheme, too. The roads don't look like the Knicks as much as the teal-era Pistons to me.

I don't like the placement of "City" on the roads or the small font (compared to the Hornets OKC tribute uni posted earlier). And the current logo would be a fine secondary, but they need a new primary. (And in the NBA world, that means they should introduce a new secondary but use it as a primary.)

EDIT: For clarity on what looks like the Pistons.

[powersurge]

Not that there's any chance that we'll get back on track, but...

I like the Thunder home unis a lot, and like the color scheme, too. They don't look like the Knicks as much as the teal-era Pistons to me.

I don't like the placement of "City" on the roads or the small font (compared to the Hornets OKC tribute uni posted earlier). And the current logo would be a fine secondary, but they need a new primary. (And in the NBA world, that means they should introduce a new secondary but use it as a primary.)

which is what bothers me most about them. I also hate the placement of the 'City' as well. Makes no sense. Why not do it the way they do it in college?

OKLAHOMA

23

CITY

I guess they don't want to look like a college team. That would be my first guess.