not what that says and likely not the reality ..

salt lake is SMALLER then OKC and had the all star game last year ..

I believe they got approved when the requirements were less. This is the new requirements moving forward. Cleveland or Indianapolis also wouldn't qualify but Indianapolis got theirs under the 2017 rules which were less than they are now.

It's almost guaranteed that players complained about having to go to Indianapolis for an all star game. It was snowy and for young guys not a lot to do. I'm sure they want it in a warmer place or a big place like NYC. Who knows and hopefully they can relax it a bit to have an all star game at smaller markets. I always liked that the NBA did it in new places unlike the other major leagues that tend to only be in a few places.

2025 and 2026 are both in California. I guess we will know soon who gets 2027.

Players must have *really* hated being in Indy. Big markets getting it only now. Sucks to see really.
But that's not what the article said..? It was instead what I have said for years on this site when people bring up the All Star game. The issue is one of facilities and logistics. When people on this site are fantasizing about the All-Star game it is pretty evident to me that they almost certainly have never attended one. For the record neither have I (though I have been to NBA games in a half-dozen cities besides OKC), but I HAVE spoken at length on this topic with the folks who would be involved in OKC, including with the Thunder, at the City of OKC, the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau and others.

Many of the people I've spoken with are the ones who have facilitated our past playoffs, which themselves require vastly more planning, logistics, media, accommodations and transport for teams, NBA personnel, media and others. Some have ALSO been to All-Star games with NBA executive personnel just to gain an understanding of playoff and All-Star Game logistics. Playoffs past the first round are massive undertakings that are quite different from regular season games, and All-Star games are far, FAR more needy and complex than even the NBA Finals.

First of all, the All-Star Game is not just a game. It is a massive industry trade show (hence the article's mention of convention space). Vendors like Nike by themselves require convention space in the tens of thousands if not 100K for a single vendor. As stated, we don't have that space. As stated in the article, there must also be far more hotel rooms than we currently have, all within a ten minute walk of the arena. And a large percentage of those must be defined as luxury. We've closed that gap considerably since the Finals in 2012 - when the NBA had to make massive concessions regarding what type of hotel league personnel had to stay in - but still are nowhere close to the luxury rooms requirements.

Then there is the travel. Again, we've improved in recent years, but our number of direct flights is still far below the league's requirements, and international flights are nonexistent. I don't think folks understand how many international visitors come to the All Star Game. Those aren't player stipulations; most arrive via team or other charters, etc.. Instead it's about league personnel, media and fans.

And does everyone understand that ASG events take place on multiple courts, in multiple buildings? Did anyone watch the events this year that featured the LED floor? The skills competition, the 3-point contest, the slam dunk competition and the shooting matchup between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu all took place NOT in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Colts play. All of Saturday's events were NOT in the home arena for the ASG. This is the way it always works, and OKC would not have a viable solution for this. Before you say Paycom, please understand that it will be demolished very quickly after the new arena is online.

One of the things not talked about in that article is a proliferation of nightclubs and other nighttime entertainment. Vendors and others host large parties in venues all over the ASG city throughout the week of the event. OKC doesn't yet have enough venues that would meet the criteria.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but just as the mayor says in that article, even with a world-class NBA building we are still light years from hosting. It's not a player thing. It's a very simple business decision, based on how huge the event itself has become.

But that's not what the article said..? It was instead what I have said for years on this site when people bring up the All Star game. The issue is one of facilities and logistics. When people on this site are fantasizing about the All-Star game it is pretty evident to me that they almost certainly have never attended one. For the record neither have I (though I have been to NBA games in a half-dozen cities besides OKC), but I HAVE spoken at length on this topic with the folks who would be involved in OKC, including with the Thunder, at the City of OKC, the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau and others.

Many of the people I've spoken with are the ones who have facilitated our past playoffs, which themselves require vastly more planning, logistics, media, accommodations and transport for teams, NBA personnel, media and others. Some have ALSO been to All-Star games with NBA executive personnel just to gain an understanding of playoff and All-Star Game logistics. Playoffs past the first round are massive undertakings that are quite different from regular season games, and All-Star games are far, FAR more needy and complex than even the NBA Finals.

First of all, the All-Star Game is not just a game. It is a massive industry trade show (hence the article's mention of convention space). Vendors like Nike by themselves require convention space in the tens of thousands if not 100K for a single vendor. As stated, we don't have that space. As stated in the article, there must also be far more hotel rooms than we currently have, all within a ten minute walk of the arena. And a large percentage of those must be defined as luxury. We've closed that gap considerably since the Finals in 2012 - when the NBA had to make massive concessions regarding what type of hotel league personnel had to stay in - but still are nowhere close to the luxury rooms requirements.

Then there is the travel. Again, we've improved in recent years, but our number of direct flights is still far below the league's requirements, and international flights are nonexistent. I don't think folks understand how many international visitors come to the All Star Game. Those aren't player stipulations; most arrive via team or other charters, etc.. Instead it's about league personnel, media and fans.

And does everyone understand that ASG events take place on multiple courts, in multiple buildings? Did anyone watch the events this year that featured the LED floor? The skills competition, the 3-point contest, the slam dunk competition and the shooting matchup between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu all took place NOT in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Colts play. All of Saturday's events were NOT in the home arena for the ASG. This is the way it always works, and OKC would not have a viable solution for this. Before you say Paycom, please understand that it will be demolished very quickly after the new arena is online.

One of the things not talked about in that article is a proliferation of nightclubs and other nighttime entertainment. Vendors and others host large parties in venues all over the ASG city throughout the week of the event. OKC doesn't yet have enough venues that would meet the criteria.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but just as the mayor says in that article, even with a world-class NBA building we are still light years from hosting. It's not a player thing. It's a very simple business decision, based on how huge the event itself has become.

while i do agree with most of this ..

last year in salt lake city .. pretty much ALL of the events and nights were at the Jazz arena

I don't Salt Lake would qualify for it under the new parameters. Their infrastructure is pretty good for a city of that size, but I'm not sure it meets all the requirements. Looks like their convention center is under the 650k SF requirement (not sure if it has to be contiguous) and there are only five countries served non-stop and most flights are to Mexican resort cities. Not sure if 25 international flights means 25 countries, or just 25 flights period.

I saw that Minneapolis would no longer qualify (https://www.si.com/nba/timberwolves/news/minneapolis-comes-up-short-according-to-new-nba-all-star-game-hosting-requirements) and Milwaukee is working on asking for exemptions (https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2024/02/22/new-nba-rules-prevent-milwaukee-bucks-from-hosting.html). I'm sure there are a few other NBA markets that don't meet the new standards, as well.

It definitely sounds like it's going to be in major international cities going forward,

Given the requirements, unless the goalposts continue to move out, I think there is still a slight chance we host an one sometime after 2030.

Perhaps there may be a chance in the 2029-2030 season, if the new arena is complete, that a decision is made to retain Paycom for an additional year to alleviate the facility limits, allowing for demo after the all star games. Surely the possible tax revenue would have this to at least be a thought, unfortunately the airline requirements look to be the most unattainable aspect of the rules. With Will Rogers being in the central US, and DFW being just a ~40 min flight away, is there even a desire/push to add direct international flights here?

unfortunately the airline requirements look to be the most unattainable aspect of the rules.

I agree, It probably is the most unattainable, but OKC still would need:

-About 150,000 square feet of additional convention space
-Probably 30-50% more hotel rooms in and around downtown, depending on how close to NBA All-Star events the NBA is counting rooms
-And 3 5-Star Class hotels, of which there are currently none. For perspective, Minneapolis, which is about middle of the pack as far as NBA market size only has 1 five star hotel, as does Indianapolis, which just hosted.

To make a bid for the event in the early 2030s, most of that would likely have to already be in the works, and I'm not aware of movement on any those fronts.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTKsiybzmOalBITismnYOroP9mJR-8_dkp62g&usqp=CAU


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mde5qMW9r-w

Speaking of the recent NBA All Star activities, IMO just wasn't impressed with the activities to invest so much money into acquiring the NBA All Star Game & Events.

Agree, we need to double OKC's hotel room count and work to attract more events (collectively) that would be just as impactful as the NBA All Star Game.

After Thunder's 107-100 win over Miami Heat, Oklahoma City takes a half game lead over Minnesota in the Western Conference;

NBA Standings: https://www.espn.com/nba/standings

Mark Daigneault Earns High Praise From One of NBA's Best Head Coaches:

Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/mark-daigneault-earns-high-praise-from-one-of-nba-s-best-head-coaches/ar-BB1jBiUz?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=343361f3fe74428699984d60e8defa0b&ei=162

Speaking of the recent NBA All Star activities, IMO just wasn't impressed with the activities to invest so much money into acquiring the NBA All Star Game & Events.

Agree, we need to double OKC's hotel room count and work to attract more events (collectively) that would be just as impactful as the NBA All Star Game.

After watching the crime activities the event caused a few years ago in Denver, l agree it really may not be worth the expense and trouble. There is just so much more involved in hosting the event than just the game.

After watching the crime activities the event caused a few years ago in Denver, l agree it really may not be worth the expense and trouble. There is just so much more involved in hosting the event than just the game.

I don't think Denver has hosted the All Star game since 2005.

There were some shootings in downtown Denver last year after the parade. Like the shooting in OKC during the finals in 2012, they weren't related to the basketball events.

It was in 2005 and between the drugs, the guns and prostitution that came with it, it was more a pain-in-the-rump. Do that today and those problems would be multiplied.

After watching the crime activities the event caused a few years ago in Denver, l agree it really may not be worth the expense and trouble. There is just so much more involved in hosting the event than just the game.
I was in Rome a few years back. There were 250’000 pilgrims from all over the world who attended the service at the Vatican. I understand there were some murders in Rome at the same time. Must be related.

Playoffs around the corner. What does the city need to spruce up before the Playoffs? If OKC makes a deep run where should TNT set up? We didn't have Scissortail park last time we were in the playoff. I'm sure they wouldn't use the stage already there. Is there enough room on that corner to have the arena and the scissortail feather in one picture. Should TNT set up where they used too on Reno?

Western Conference Current Top Four Seed, March 11, 2024


1. Oklahoma City Thunder . . . 45-19 .703
2. Denver Nuggets. . . . . . . . . . 44-20 .688 - 1
3. Minnesota Timberwolves. . 44-21 .667 - 1.5
4. Los Angeles Clippers. . . . . . 41-22 .651 - 3.5

Western Conference Current Top Four Seed, March 11, 2024


1. Oklahoma City Thunder . . . 45-19 .703
2. Denver Nuggets. . . . . . . . . . 44-20 .688 - 1
3. Minnesota Timberwolves. . 44-21 .667 - 1.5
4. Los Angeles Clippers. . . . . . 41-22 .651 - 3.5



I don't really keep up but I've heard the next handful of games should be easily winnable.

I don't really keep up but I've heard the next handful of games should be easily winnable.

Should Probably go 4-1 in our next 5. With the tie breaker vs the Clippers I don't see us falling past 3 and with Towns out for Minnesota 1 or 2 seed likely

We have 18 games left. I would see maybe 3 or 4 losses there. A few back to backs and will drop a few when we shouldn't

Wednesday, March 13, 2024:

American Airlines Center:
Dallas Mavericks 109 vs. Golden State Warriors 99 - Luka Doncic injured hamstring--left in 4th quarter DNR.

Mavs next opponent: March 14 - OKC Thunder/Paycom Center 9:00 p.m. - TNT

Mark Daigneault addresses winning NBCA’s 2023-24 Coach of the Year award

https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/kCKTLl0L0NUoOKsZXFN4dw--~C/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2ZpPWZpbGw7aD0zODQ7cT04MDtzbT0xO3 c9NTEy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/thunder_wire_usa_today_sports_articles_686/196fa29e4b43fac0d0eec5b7abd2b658

Link: https://sports.yahoo.com/mark-daigneault-addresses-winning-nbca-203939122.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

Breaking News: Arizona Coyotes to move to Salt Lake City after being sold to Utah Jazz owners.

Salt Lake City has a MSA population 1,267,864 with growth of 10,000 in three years moving to the NHL as well as having an NBA team that will share the same building--Delta Center.

What are the chances of this being a success?

Breaking News: Arizona Coyotes to move to Salt Lake City after being sold to Utah Jazz owners.

Salt Lake City has a MSA population 1,267,864 with growth of 10,000 in three years moving to the NHL as well as having an NBA team that will share the same building--Delta Center.

What are the chances of this being a success?

This is now the 3rd sports team the guy has bought in around three years, so it is not exactly clear if he is highly interested in all three sports, or just thinks of sports teams as a good investment. Plus the Jazz being the longest of his purchases is not exactly inspiring, their payroll has dropped relative to the rest of the league every year he has owned them, and not exactly following text book rebuilding strategies either. Another potential issue is there are some claims that metros need around 1 million people per major sport team to support them well, so having NBA and NHL might be pushing it.

Agree with you Snowman 100%.

The NBA and NHL seasons run concurrently. Just how many NBA fans will renew their season tickets vs. the initial appeal of the NHL to capture that market remains in question. Can the NHL and NBA co-exist in one of the smallest markets in the U.S. under the same ownership umbrella.

The minor league Utah Grizzlies recorded one of their best attendance years averaging 6,003 fans per game in West Valley City's 12,000-seat Maverik Center. IIRC the Grizzlies are in the ECHL same league with the Tulsa Oilers who averaged 7,475.

Minor league hockey attendance isn't the only gauge for predicting how a franchise might perform with an NHL level franchise. The MSA population, corporate sponsors, per capita income and facilities are among the the mix to be considered. Give SLC credit, they have a good base of corporate sponsors, will it be enough to support NHL and NBA.

I think the NHL is the financially weakest of the "Big 4" North American sports leagues. And Phoenix has been a financial Black Hole for the league since the team move there 25 years ago. The NHL has taken it over at least once, IIRC. And I think this sale is really closer to the $200 million cash being split among the other owners, and assumption of operations and debt, rather than the $1.2 billion being tossed around in media stories. I think the NHL is pleased they found an exit strategy that leaves the chance for future expansion up to the locals in Phoenix and eliminates a constant financial concern. Plus, they have found an owner with legitimate deep pockets, deep family roots in the Utah market, and that market has shown to have a solid winter sports focus.

I think the NHL is the financially weakest of the "Big 4" North American sports leagues. And Phoenix has been a financial Black Hole for the league since the team move there 25 years ago. The NHL has taken it over at least once, IIRC. And I think this sale is really closer to the $200 million cash being split among the other owners, and assumption of operations and debt, rather than the $1.2 billion being tossed around in media stories. I think the NHL is pleased they found an exit strategy that leaves the chance for future expansion up to the locals in Phoenix and eliminates a constant financial concern. Plus, they have found an owner with legitimate deep pockets, deep family roots in the Utah market, and that market has shown to have a solid winter sports focus.

the owner in arizona got 1 billion to sell the team ..

if he gets his arena built in the next 5 years (which IMHO is very likely ) he gets a new team for the cost of 1 billion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyP38D2CuNE

Those were two unbelievable games last night! Knicks score 8 points in 27 seconds to win and Murray hits the buzzer beater for Denver win. Heck of a double header.

Those were two unbelievable games last night! Knicks score 8 points in 27 seconds to win and Murray hits the buzzer beater for Denver win. Heck of a double header.

The Lakers needed Cason Wallace to defend Murray.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzbCliFdnRs

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https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNZyBC1WMAA-u6a?format=jpg&name=medium

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2024 NBA Draft Lottery results, takeaways: Hawks win top pick in stunner, Wizards land No. 2 selection: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2024-nba-draft-lottery-results-takeaways-hawks-win-top-pick-in-stunner-wizards-land-no-2-selection/live/

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Former Laker great Jerry West, "The Logo", passed last night at the age of 86.
Great player and great mind for basketball.

Former Laker great Jerry West passed last night at the age of 86.
Great player and great mind for basketball.

The extended Lakers and Buss family should be ashamed of how they treated him. He is one of the greatest NBA executives of all time and had one of the greatest eyes for talent the league has ever seen. The man is responsible for Kobe/Shaq, The Grit and Grind Grizzlies, assembling one of the greatest teams of all time in the mid 2010's warriors. If it wasn't for injuries he would have gotten the Clippers a championship a couple years ago.

The extended Lakers and Buss family should be ashamed of how they treated him. He is one of the greatest NBA executives of all time and had one of the greatest eyes for talent the league has ever seen. The man is responsible for Kobe/Shaq, The Grit and Grind Grizzlies, assembling one of the greatest teams of all time in the mid 2010's warriors. If it wasn't for injuries he would have gotten the Clippers a championship a couple years ago.

what are you talking about .. ?? he left because he wanted to ..

what are you talking about .. ?? he left because he wanted to ..

"One disappointing thing [about my career] is that my relationship with the Lakers is horrible," West told The Athletic. "I still don't know why. And at the end of the day, when I look back, I say, 'Well, maybe I should have played somewhere else instead of with the Lakers, where someone would have at least appreciated how much you give, how much you cared.'" - Jerry West

He has on multiple occasions stated that the Buss family and the organization as a whole has treated him like an enemy since he left. They have treated one of the greatest parts of their organization like trash for over 20 years. Before he took the Clippers job he tried to go back to the Lakers when they were at their lowest.

"One disappointing thing [about my career] is that my relationship with the Lakers is horrible," West told The Athletic. "I still don't know why. And at the end of the day, when I look back, I say, 'Well, maybe I should have played somewhere else instead of with the Lakers, where someone would have at least appreciated how much you give, how much you cared.'" - Jerry West

He has on multiple occasions stated that the Buss family and the organization as a whole has treated him like an enemy since he left. They have treated one of the greatest parts of their organization like trash for over 20 years. Before he took the Clippers job he tried to go back to the Lakers when they were at their lowest.

Personalities. No matter the money or fame, it comes down to getting along. I have had men who are incredibly talented and productive in our field. But they were a bad fit, left on bad terms and I won't bring them back.

Personalities. No matter the money or fame, it comes down to getting along. I have had men who are incredibly talented and productive in our field. But they were a bad fit, left on bad terms and I won't bring them back.

The organization has been run into the ground under Jeanie, Pelinka, and Rambis. They absolutely needed Jerry and it is obvious to anyone that has actually followed basketball closely the last few decades.

For being in an NBA city there appears to be lttle interest in the playoffs in this forum.

For being in an NBA city there appears to be lttle interest in the playoffs in this forum.

The series is pretty boring. Celtics have this done in 4 (or 5 if anyone on the Mavs can shoot).

I mean, I’m watching, but not invested in either team. Pulling for the Celts, but only because I hope Luka loses the rest of his games. Until the end of time.

The series is pretty boring. Celtics have this done in 4 (or 5 if anyone on the Mavs can shoot).

Yeah that might be the case but...
Look at the posts since May 1. There has been many series outside of the finals. 2 posts about the draft. There seems little interest outside of the local team

The organization has been run into the ground under Jeanie, Pelinka, and Rambis. They absolutely needed Jerry and it is obvious to anyone that has actually followed basketball closely the last few decades.

I have followed the NBA (and ABA for that matter) very closely since 1970. Love the Lakers and have read so many of the books. Bought and rear Mr. West's book. Even Jerry West said he wasn't an easy guy to do business with, or be around. In the last 20 years he left the Lakers, Grizzlies and Warriors. Read the Ruth's Criss Steakhouse story in his own autobiography and you will understand how even teams that need him might not bring him back.

Jerry West was a great basketball man and I am a huge fan.

I have followed the NBA (and ABA for that matter) very closely since 1970. Love the Lakers and have read so many of the books. Bought and rear Mr. West's book. Even Jerry West said he wasn't an easy guy to do business with, or be around. In the last 20 years he left the Lakers, Grizzlies and Warriors. Read the Ruth's Criss Steakhouse story in his own autobiography and you will understand how even teams that need him might not bring him back.

Jerry West was a great basketball man and I am a huge fan.

Wow, someone in my generation.
I remember the arguements of who was better, Clyde or West. Clyde got the rings but Jerry has gone down as the only finals MVP on a losing team.
I will admit to being a lifelong Knicks fan. I have been waiting way too long

Wow, someone in my generation.
I remember the arguements of who was better, Clyde or West. Clyde got the rings but Jerry has gone down as the only finals MVP on a losing team.
I will admit to being a lifelong Knicks fan. I have been waiting way too long

The Knicks are the team that needed Jerry West as the executive over the last 20 years or so? AKA the James Dolan era?

Wow, someone in my generation.
I remember the arguements of who was better, Clyde or West. Clyde got the rings but Jerry has gone down as the only finals MVP on a losing team.
I will admit to being a lifelong Knicks fan. I have been waiting way too long

Clyde the Glide and Earl the Pearl. "When The Garden Was Eden" is a great documentary.

For being in an NBA city there appears to be lttle interest in the playoffs in this forum.

If you want to talk NBA go to RealGM. That's where the hard core fans are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w54HQs-0eFY

The Knicks are the team that needed Jerry West as the executive over the last 20 years or so? AKA the James Dolan era?

Dolan has been a nightmare. Remarkably he pretty much has a off hands aporoach to the Rangers and they have been more successful than the Knicks.

If you want to talk NBA go to RealGM. That's where the hard core fans are.
I didn’t read the original comment as a desire to discuss NBA hoop so much as a critique of the OKC fan base.

I didn’t read the original comment as a desire to discuss NBA hoop so much as a critique of the OKC fan base.

Indeed.
I have to say since the Thunder lost, I have not been watching the rest of the play offs and the 10 days break between the conference finals and the finals is killer. I’m considering my self a big NBA fan though.

Much more excited about the 24 hours of Le Mans on this weekend sport scene ! 😀

I didn’t read the original comment as a desire to discuss NBA hoop so much as a critique of the OKC fan base.

I was just saying that maybe the reason there is not a lot of NBA talk here is because people go elsewhere to discuss NBA. I know I do.

I was just saying that maybe the reason there is not a lot of NBA talk here is because people go elsewhere to discuss NBA. I know I do.

Thanks. I'm glad to know I am not the only one

Watching these finals is brutal. The Mavs are playing back down to Earth (shoutout Boston's defense). And this is exactly the team I thought we would be matched up against. Instead, OKC got cooked by Washington, THJ, Gafford, Jones, and Lively.

Luka fouling out and the fact is Boston is just flat out better. Looks like it will be a sweep

Windhorst did a great job of summing up Luka's night https://streamable.com/z12brn

The reality is that Boston has been the best team in the league from wire to wire this season. Around here our coverage understandably skews Western Conference, but anyone paying close attention would have picked them early to come out of the ECF and probably to win the whole thing.

Dallas peaked at the perfect time, and their trade deadline moves were probably the best in the league. Their revived defense, disruption of passing lanes and play inside is what frustrated OKC, and the first two things are what did in Minnesota. But they’ve crashed back to earth, and Luka is being exposed on multiple levels. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving individual.

If there is one thing I hate in life, it is the Boston Celtics

I'm happy to see Jeff VG getting a ring after ESPN screwed him over

Happy for Al Horford.

https://twsn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2024/06/IMG_3568.jpeg?resize=1024,663

LeBron James Will Join the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024 NBA Free Agency: Link: https://twsn.net/2024/06/lebron-james-will-join-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-in-2024-nba-free-agency

Don't know whether the laugh, cry or jump for joy.