The way our luck with the lottery balls has gone since we drafted James Harden hasn't been good.

With our bad luck, we could be the worst team in the NBA, get a lot of balls in the lottery and not get a top 5 pick.

The worst team can't drop lower than 5th in the draft, but I know what you're saying.

https://media.video-cdn.espn.com/motion/2022/0323/ss_20220323_203757566_1925320/ss_20220323_203757566_1925320_5x2.jpg

Orlando Magic 102 @ Thunder 118

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401360910

Attendance: 14,393





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn1SRDkejCA

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_AE_1_1.jpg

Saturday, March 26,
Thunder @ Denver Nuggets
Bally Sports, Oklahoma, 8:00 PM
Ball Arena, Denver, CO

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Denver%20Nuggets/DEN_IE_1_1.jpg

https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8a859c7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5342x3609+0+0/resize/840x567!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F47%2F73%2Fd7ee2ac138 6b2aa2b31b9d1a41ac%2F474067295faa4300a8ef2c7e23ec3 494

Thunder 107 @ Denver Nuggets 113

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401360932

Attendance: 19,520

If we lose anymore players for being out for the rest of the season we may not have a roster with reserves;

Oklahoma City Thunder Injuries: https://www.espn.com/nba/team/injuries/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out due to right ankle soreness. Darius Bazley is doubtful due to a knee sprain. Josh Giddey is out due to hip soreness. Lu Dort is out due to shoulder surgery. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is out due to a fractured foot. Kenrich Williams is out due to a sprained knee. Mike Muscala is out due to ankle surgery. Ty Jerome is out due to sports hernia surgery. Derrick Favors is out due to back soreness.

JRE will return vs. Portland Trailblazers tonight...
.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/03/29/NOKL/47d1e2e4-0b95-4019-b381-d1c3f2e920fa-AP_Thunder_Trail_Blazers_Basketball.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Thunder 134 @ Portland Trailblazers 131- OT

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/team/schedule/_/name/okc

Attendance: 18,188





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

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Atlanta%20Hawks/ATL_SE_3_4.jpg

Wednesday, March 30,
Atlanta Hawks @ Thunder
Bally Sports, Oklahoma, 7 PM
Paycom Center, OKC

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_IE_2_2.jpg

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/dailyprogress.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/30/d30d3cee-1aeb-503a-b495-f1413d27750d/62451978a00ca.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500

Atlanta Hawks 136 @ Thunder 118

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401360962

Attendance: 15,595

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Detroit%20Pistons/DET_IE_1_2.jpg

Friday, April 1,
Detroit Pistons @ Thunder
Bally Sports, Oklahoma, 7:00 PM
Paycom Center, OKC

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_CE_1_3.jpg

Just want to say, the Thunder players who are stepping up to fill the spots of our depleted player roster:


Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Luguentz Dort
Josh Giddey
Kenrich Williams
Ty Jerome
Derrick Favors
Mike Muscala
Tre Mann

All of the original starters are out and some key reserves. Thunder needs some love for next season's draft.

The players who have stepped up are getting invaluable playing experience;


Theo Maledon
Aleksej Pokusevski
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Isaiah Roby
Olivier Sarr
Aaron Wiggins
Lindy Waters III
Vit Krejci

The playing experience these guys are getting will help them to the next level. Truly feel our Thunder will make the playoffs next season.
We only need another pick on Josh Giddey's level to get there. Oklahoma City Thunder IMO replaced Coach Billy Donovan with a coach who has gotten all of our players to buy in and continue to motivate their competitiveness.


https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/head-coach-mark-daigneault-of-the-oklahoma-city-thunder-looks-on-the-picture-id1239534747?s=612x612

Kudos to Coach: Mark Daigneault who himself is a practitioner of the game.

What are your thoughts...

.

I believe tonight's game against the Pistons will be one of the ugliest NBA games in our history. It's in the organization's best interest to lose but the players on the court are giving their all.

Here's the ugliest...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tNyKMS8EVY

I believe tonight's game against the Pistons will be one of the ugliest NBA games in our history. It's in the organization's best interest to lose but the players on the court are giving their all.

I would hope that Presti has impressed upon them that winning tonight’s game is not an option.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/04/02/PDTF/43ea27a9-5252-427a-9cce-614cbfb2a387-AP_Pistons_Thunder_Basketbal_4.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Detroit Pistons 110 @ Thunder 101

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401360976

Attendance: 16,961

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Phoenix%20Suns/PHX_CE_3_3.jpg

Sunday, April 3,
Phoenix Suns @ Thunder
Bally Sports, Oklahoma 6:00 PM
Paycom Center, OKC

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_SE_1_1.jpg

https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a7d2079/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2683x1789+0+0/resize/840x560!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9c%2F50%2F2851ed8876 bac77a625f0539c2bb%2F089112a6be1e4815b4a6eb44353b9 910

Phoenix Suns 96 @ Thunder 117

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401360993

Attendance: 17,078





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

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Portland%20Trail%20Blazers/POR_CE_2_3.jpg

Tuesday, April 5,
Portland Trailblazers @ Thunder
Bally Sports, Oklahoma, 7 PM
Paycom Center, OKC

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_AE_1_1.jpg

https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/18027410-748x420.jpg

Portland Trailblazers 94 @ Thunder 98

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401361004

Attendance: 14,674





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBUxD3TN2Zk

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_IE_1_1.jpg

Wednesday, April 6,
Thunder @ Utah Jazz
Bally Sports, Oklahoma, 8:00 PM
Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Utah%20Jazz/UTA_AE_1_1.jpg

https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2CqFxL6FNLODTA5fLpmcYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTQyNw--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/QKPPgsAx5CVcZE.lpfktBw--~B/aD0xNzA3O3c9MjU2MDthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/thunder_wire_usa_today_sports_articles_686/62c01ea4361f35a07b4e3912a8d1593f

Oklahoma City Thunder 101 @ Utah Jazz 137

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401361013

Attendance: 18,306

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_CE_1_3.jpg


Friday, April 8,
Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers
Bally Sports, Oklahoma 9:30 PM
Staples Center, Los Angeles

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Los%20Angeles%20Lakers/LAL_CE_3_3.jpg

https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c1605f3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1911x1274+0+0/resize/840x560!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff3%2Fca%2Fdcd39c55cb 4042ab067bb4ff74cc%2F6dae1a29ab1343cd9904acce1e3c1 1ac

Thunder 101 @ Los Angeles Lakers 120

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401361030

Attendance: 18,997

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_IE_1_1.jpg

Sunday, April 10,
Thunder @ Los Angeles Clippers
Bally Sports, Oklahoma, 8:30 PM
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2021/uniform/LA%20Clippers/LAC_AE_1_1.jpg

https://img1-azrcdn.newser.com/ap-image/0f41a843fd7d42359ef47ce8c99597d5-11-clippers-rout-okc-138-88-5th-win-row-play-awaits.jpeg

Thunder 88 @ Los Angeles Clippers 138

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401361041

Attendance: 18,210

Two lottery picks for the Thunder now that the Clippers lost both of their play-in games.

^That’s about as hard as I have cheered for a team all NBA season. Didn’t think the Pelicans could do it after giving up the big lead. Two lottery picks plus the 30 and 34 slots for the Thunder.

The LAC pick landing at #12 is incredibly good fortune. Doubt it moves up any further but there’s always a chance (~3.5% of both picks being Top 4).

I would think we trade the #30 pick to a contender. Can only roster so many guys and a future FRP would almost certainly “move up” to a better spot in the first round.

Agree, I’d be shocked if Thunder make all 4 of those picks.

https://a.espncdn.com/media/motion/2022/0501/Int_220501_COM_NBA_Analysis_Giddey_on_praise_from_ idol_LeBron_getting_picked_apart_by_CP3_202251_ESH EET/Int_220501_COM_NBA_Analysis_Giddey_on_praise_from_ idol_LeBron_getting_picked_apart_by_CP3_202251_ESH EET.jpg

https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/33840633
Giddey on praise from 'idol' LeBron & getting 'picked apart' by CP3

Few friends and I are going to the Jones for the lotto watch party. Lets get that #1 pick!

I'll be at the Parlor watching. Trying to keep expectations low after last year getting the second worst outcome possible. We are so lucky to have Presti, he will turn any ball into a W. Giddey was an amazing get.

Oklahoma City Thunder represented by Nick Collison at the NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago.

https://cdn.ballershoesdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/nick-collison-thunder-Cropped-500x666.jpg.webp

Oklahoma City Thunder receives the #2 & #12 picks

The 2022 NBA Draft Lottery is officially in the books, meaning we have roughly half of the first round draft order complete. Below are the results from tonight's Lottery.


1. Orlando Magic

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

3. Houston Rockets

4. Sacramento Kings

5. Detroit Pistons

6. Indiana Pacers

7. Portland Trail Blazers

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from Los Angeles Lakers)

9. San Antonio Spurs

10. Washington Wizards

11. New York Knicks

12. Oklahoma City Thunders (from Los Angeles Clippers)

13. Charlotte Hornets

14. Cleveland Cavaliers

I'm going to be tempted to grab a 10-game ticket package up in the nosebleeds if they draft Chet with the second pick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE8St_E1Fu4
Chet Holmgren 2022 NCAA tournament highlights

.

The complete 1-58 draft order for the 2022 NBA Draft presented by State Farm was determined after the results of the NBA Draft Lottery, which was won by the Orlando Magic who will pick first. The NBA Draft will be held in Chicago on Thursday, June 23.

Below are the results from the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm:

1ST ROUND:



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FTACyA5WIAAy76l?format=jpg&name=small
15. New Orleans (to Charlotte)
16. Atlanta
17. Brooklyn (to Houston)
18. Chicago
19. Minnesota
20. Toronto (to San Antonio)
21. Denver
22. Utah (to Memphis)
23. Philadelphia^^
24. Milwaukee
25. Boston (to San Antonio)
26. Dallas
27. Miami
28. Golden State
29. Memphis
30. Phoenix (to Oklahoma City)

2ND ROUND:


31. Houston (to Indiana via Cleveland)
32. Orlando
33. Detroit (to Toronto via San Antonio, Washington and Chicago)
34. Oklahoma City
35. Indiana (to Orlando via Milwaukee)
36. Portland
37. Sacramento
38. Los Angeles Lakers (to San Antonio via Chicago and Washington)
39. San Antonio (to Cleveland via Utah)
40. Washington (to Minnesota via Cleveland)
41. New Orleans
42. New York
43. LA Clippers
44. Atlanta
45. Charlotte
46. Brooklyn (to Detroit)
47. Cleveland**
48. Minnesota
49. Chicago (to Sacramento via Memphis and Detroit)
50. Denver (to Minnesota via Philadelphia)
51. Toronto (to Golden State via Philadelphia)
52. Utah (to New Orleans)
53. Boston
— Milwaukee (forfeited)
— Philadelphia (to Miami via Denver; forfeited by Miami)
54. Dallas (to Washington)
55. Golden State
56. Miami (to Cleveland via Indiana)
57. Memphis (to Portland via Utah)
58. Phoenix (to Indiana)

** This pick (47) will be conveyed either to New Orleans via Atlanta, or to Memphis via New Orleans and Atlanta


If there are any player picks on the quality level of an undrafted Lu Dort, Sam Presti already has his eye on them for
the 12th, 30th & 34th picks.

.

2022 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Projections for every pick post lottery

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/05/USATSI_179154511.jpg?resize=1024,683

1. Orlando Magic: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga - Height: 7-0 - Weight: 195 - Position: C

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/04/USATSI_17943886.jpg?resize=1024,794

2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jabari Smith Jr., Auburn - Height: 6-10 - Weight: 220 - Position: F

Link: https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nba-mock-draft-may-20-post-lottery/

2022 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Projections for every pick post lottery

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/05/USATSI_179154511.jpg?resize=1024,683

1. Orlando Magic: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga - Height: 7-0 - Weight: 195 - Position: C

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/04/USATSI_17943886.jpg?resize=1024,794

2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jabari Smith Jr., Auburn - Height: 6-10 - Weight: 220 - Position: F

Link: https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nba-mock-draft-may-20-post-lottery/

I'd be good with that pick. CH is a great player but his frame is concerning to me

I'd be good with that pick. CH is a great player but his frame is concerning to me

his frame doesn't look that different from Kevin Durant's at the same age. And this team needs shooters/interior defense in a bad way.

banchero seems like a nice player, but i don't really see his game fitting in naturally with SGA and Josh.

Barstool Sports has a content creator that is an OKC native and reps the Thunder frequently. I’ve followed her on Twitter for a while but never realized that she’s Clay Bennet’s daughter in law. Better representative for OKC than Skip Bayless am I right? Lol

“New Barstool Employee Stole The Seattle SuperSonics From Seattle?”
https://youtu.be/7BJEFZWEZ4o

Barstool Sports has a content creator that is an OKC native and reps the Thunder frequently. I’ve followed her on Twitter for a while but never realized that she’s Clay Bennet’s daughter in law. Better representative for OKC than Skip Bayless am I right? Lol

“New Barstool Employee Stole The Seattle SuperSonics From Seattle?”
https://youtu.be/7BJEFZWEZ4o

I watched the YouTube video and thought that it was sad that Alex Bennett clearly admitted that there are no celebrities, other than maybe Toby Keith, that are diehard, regular courtside Thunder fans. The truth hurts.

I watched the YouTube video and thought that it was sad that Alex Bennett clearly admitted that there are no celebrities, other than maybe Toby Keith, that are diehard, regular courtside Thunder fans. The truth hurts.

So What? Truth hurts...

...give our city a break. Oklahoma City was established in 1989. Many NBA cities were established long before Oklahoma became a state in 1907. So we don't have diehard courtside celebrities--big damn deal... we don't have that many celebrities living in our city let alone those who are NBA basketball fans.

OKC didn't become an NBA city until 2008; our MSA eclipsed 1 million in 2000.

Brett, so they continue to peddle that 'Oklahoma City is not a legitimate NBA city crap and can't attract 'free agents' because the Supersonics left Seattle for Oklahoma City in 2008, now they want OKC to suffer because a group of Oklahoma multimillionaires purchased an existing NBA franchise and relocated it to the State of Oklahoma.

These people need to get over their 'butt hurt buns' that Oklahoma City stole Seattle's team, it's approaching 15 years--the NBA is well established and the league is not going to fail because small market cities like Salt Lake City, Memphis, New Orleans & Oklahoma City have infiltrated the NBA.

We've only been a 'Big League' city for 14 years.

Los Angeles well established movie film industry (1960), Detroit AKA Motown (1957) and Atlanta black wealth (1968) had NBA franchises more than 50+ years in metro areas with more than 2 million. Courtside celebrities--So What?

So What? Truth hurts...

...give our city a break. Oklahoma City was established in 1989. Many NBA cities were established long before Oklahoma became a state in 1907. So we don't have diehard courtside celebrities--big damn deal... we don't have that many celebrities living in our city let alone those who are NBA basketball fans.

OKC didn't become an NBA city until 2008; our MSA eclipsed 1 million in 2000.

Brett, so they continue to peddle that 'Oklahoma City is not a legitimate NBA city crap and can't attract 'free agents' because the Supersonics left Seattle for Oklahoma City in 2008, now they want OKC to suffer because a group of Oklahoma multimillionaires purchased an existing NBA franchise and relocated it to the State of Oklahoma.

These people need to get over their 'butt hurt buns' that Oklahoma City stole Seattle's team, it's approaching 15 years--the NBA is well established and the league is not going to fail because small market cities like Salt Lake City, Memphis, New Orleans & Oklahoma City have infiltrated the NBA.

We've only been a 'Big League' city for 14 years.

Los Angeles well established movie film industry (1960), Detroit AKA Motown (1957) and Atlanta black wealth (1968) had NBA franchises more than 50+ years in metro areas with more than 2 million. Courtside celebrities--So What?

+1,0000000000000. Stop with the inferiority complex!!!! OKC is legit no two ways about it

I watched the YouTube video and thought that it was sad that Alex Bennett clearly admitted that there are no celebrities, other than maybe Toby Keith, that are diehard, regular courtside Thunder fans. The truth hurts.

Hahahah… WHAT?! That’s what you find sad? A lack of diehard celebrity fans? My goodness. Perhaps the NBA isn’t for you. Maybe Real Housewives of Dubai is more your speed? I’ve been going to Thunder games since day 1 as thousands of others have. Not once have I ever thought, “Boy, sure would be nice to have some celebrities sitting courtside regularly.” I tend to focus on the actual product: the basketball team and how it plays. And I’m pretty sure I’m not different than the vast majority of fans in that regard.

BTW courtside celebrities purchase courtside seats because they don't want to be pestered by peasants.

Barstool Sports has a content creator that is an OKC native and reps the Thunder frequently. I’ve followed her on Twitter for a while but never realized that she’s Clay Bennet’s daughter in law. Better representative for OKC than Skip Bayless am I right? Lol

“New Barstool Employee Stole The Seattle SuperSonics From Seattle?”
https://youtu.be/7BJEFZWEZ4o

I moved from Seattle to OKC and I love Barstool sports/ Dave Portnoy.

I went to several games while living in Seattle (only four years) from early 2004 until late 2007 (got pulled back in the military in 2007 and after that four year enlistment I moved to OKC instead of going back to Seattle) and not one of almost a dozen games was key arena ever close to being sold out it was sad!!!!

Definitely no celebrities at those games and who gives a ****!

Seattle never had a big NBA fanbase but they do have a giant NFL fanbase and they are crazy. I rarely saw anyone those 4 years wearing sonics shirt,hat,etc.

So What? Truth hurts...

...give our city a break. Oklahoma City was established in 1989. Many NBA cities were established long before Oklahoma became a state in 1907. So we don't have diehard courtside celebrities--big damn deal... we don't have that many celebrities living in our city let alone those who are NBA basketball fans.

OKC didn't become an NBA city until 2008; our MSA eclipsed 1 million in 2000.

Brett, so they continue to peddle that 'Oklahoma City is not a legitimate NBA city crap and can't attract 'free agents' because the Supersonics left Seattle for Oklahoma City in 2008, now they want OKC to suffer because a group of Oklahoma multimillionaires purchased an existing NBA franchise and relocated it to the State of Oklahoma.

These people need to get over their 'butt hurt buns' that Oklahoma City stole Seattle's team, it's approaching 15 years--the NBA is well established and the league is not going to fail because small market cities like Salt Lake City, Memphis, New Orleans & Oklahoma City have infiltrated the NBA.

We've only been a 'Big League' city for 14 years.

Los Angeles well established movie film industry (1960), Detroit AKA Motown (1957) and Atlanta black wealth (1968) had NBA franchises more than 50+ years in metro areas with more than 2 million. Courtside celebrities--So What?

also small cities with NBA teams include Milwaukee, Sacramento, and Portland,

I moved from Seattle to OKC and I love Barstool sports/ Dave Portnoy.

I went to several games while living in Seattle (only four years) from early 2004 until late 2007 (got pulled back in the military in 2007 and after that four year enlistment I moved to OKC instead of going back to Seattle) and not one of almost a dozen games was key arena ever close to being sold out it was sad!!!!

Definitely no celebrities at those games and who gives a ****!

Seattle never had a big NBA fanbase but they do have a giant NFL fanbase and they are crazy. I rarely saw anyone those 4 years wearing sonics shirt,hat,etc.

Unpopular opinion in OKC, but Seattle actually had a GREAT fan base for most of the Sonics' time there. ESPECIALLY 70s-90s. The antipathy their fans showed in the first half of the aughts was due to the situation with the building, the lease, the ownership, and at the very end the tank and the relocation.

Also, the Seahawks and Mariners had fine but not necessarily rabid fanbases most of the time they were there, respectively. What made those fanbases REALLY start showing up was new buildings to replace the Kingdome and ALSO winning titles (which came immediately after getting new buildings; a fairly common phenomenon). They became the "hot new ride" and the Sonics were last to the government feeding trough, so they came up empty.

The idea that the Sonics had bad fans was a convenient fiction for OKC fans, so they didn't have to feel guilty about taking the team, and also in response to many upset (and often regionally bigoted) Seattle fans coming into OKC social media and trashing OKC in deeply personal ways. Honestly, I get it. What happened to the many TRUE Sonics fans sucked. But that trajectory started long before OKC ownership was even involved.

Seattle had great fans and I hope they get a team soon. That shouldn’t be a controversial opinion.

Unpopular opinion in OKC, but Seattle actually had a GREAT fan base for most of the Sonics' time there. ESPECIALLY 70s-90s. The antipathy their fans showed in the first half of the aughts was due to the situation with the building, the lease, the ownership, and at the very end the tank and the relocation.

Also, the Seahawks and Mariners had fine but not necessarily rabid fanbases most of the time they were there, respectively. What made those fanbases REALLY start showing up was new buildings to replace the Kingdome and ALSO winning titles (which came immediately after getting new buildings; a fairly common phenomenon). They became the "hot new ride" and the Sonics were last to the government feeding trough, so they came up empty.

The idea that the Sonics had bad fans was a convenient fiction for OKC fans, so they didn't have to feel guilty about taking the team, and also in response to many upset (and often regionally bigoted) Seattle fans coming into OKC social media and trashing OKC in deeply personal ways. Honestly, I get it. What happened to the many TRUE Sonics fans sucked. But that trajectory started long before OKC ownership was even involved.

I'm talking about my personal experience while living in Seattle and going to games within a 3/4 year period and I still visit friends there often and maybe Seattle had a large NBA fanbase but they did not when I lived there. The fans didn't care about the arena never heard anyone talk about the arena including friends with season tickets which how I got my tickets because they didn't go to every game.

Nobody in OKC/OK feels bad about the sonics coming to OKC and changing the name to the thunder.

Hahahah… WHAT?! That’s what you find sad? A lack of diehard celebrity fans? My goodness. Perhaps the NBA isn’t for you. Maybe Real Housewives of Dubai is more your speed? I’ve been going to Thunder games since day 1 as thousands of others have. Not once have I ever thought, “Boy, sure would be nice to have some celebrities sitting courtside regularly.” I tend to focus on the actual product: the basketball team and how it plays. And I’m pretty sure I’m not different than the vast majority of fans in that regard.

Exactly

I'm talking about my personal experience while living in Seattle and going to games within a 3/4 year period and I still visit friends there often and maybe Seattle had a large NBA fanbase but they did not when I lived there. The fans didn't care about the arena never heard anyone talk about the arena including friends with season tickets which how I got my tickets because they didn't go to every game.

Nobody in OKC/OK feels bad about the sonics coming to OKC and changing the name to the thunder.
According to your post above you lived there during the absolute worst time in the history of the franchise to be a loyal fan. Every sports front runner had moved to baseball and football, the team was tanking, owners, the league and politicians were playing chicken and abusing the fans’ loyalty. I’m sure when you were there the only Sonics fans still engaged were die-hards. But that does NOT mean the Sonics had a bad fan base historically. They absolutely did NOT.

Extenuating circumstances affect attendance and fan support, period. Much of what OKC fans routinely regurgitate about tank/move-era Seattle could be said about OKC right now. Fan enthusiasm and attendance are at historic lows. In our case it has a lot to do with the pandemic, but also very much to do with the tank.

Does that mean OKC has a bad fan base? Of course not. We all know why people haven’t been going to games, and we also know that as soon as the team starts making waves (fortunately for us it could be as soon as next season) the fans will be back. Guaranteed.

By the same token if Seattle politicians hadn’t stonewalled the new building going all of the way back to (even pre-)Schultz the Sonics would have had a new arena, a great run (became OUR great run) and a packed house every night. The end. What did in Seattle was arrogance. They thought the whole thing was a bluff.

According to your post above you lived there during the absolute worst time in the history of the franchise to be a loyal fan. Every sports front runner had moved to baseball and football, the team was tanking, owners, the league and politicians were playing chicken and abusing the fans’ loyalty. I’m sure when you were there the only Sonics fans still engaged were die-hards. But that does NOT mean the Sonics had a bad fan base historically. They absolutely did NOT.

Extenuating circumstances affect attendance and fan support, period. Much of what OKC fans routinely regurgitate about tank/move-era Seattle could be said about OKC right now. Fan enthusiasm and attendance are at historic lows. In our case it has a lot to do with the pandemic, but also very much to do with the tank.

Does that mean OKC has a bad fan base? Of course not. We all know why people haven’t been going to games, and we also know that as soon as the team starts making waves (fortunately for us it could be as soon as next season) the fans will be back. Guaranteed.

By the same token if Seattle politicians hadn’t stonewalled the new building going all of the way back to (even pre-)Schultz the Sonics would have had a new arena, a great run (became OUR great run) and a packed house every night. The end. What did in Seattle was arrogance. They thought the whole thing was a bluff.

if seattle really had "great" fans they would have made sure the team got a new arena ...

According to your post above you lived there during the absolute worst time in the history of the franchise to be a loyal fan. Every sports front runner had moved to baseball and football, the team was tanking, owners, the league and politicians were playing chicken and abusing the fans’ loyalty. I’m sure when you were there the only Sonics fans still engaged were die-hards. But that does NOT mean the Sonics had a bad fan base historically. They absolutely did NOT.

Extenuating circumstances affect attendance and fan support, period. Much of what OKC fans routinely regurgitate about tank/move-era Seattle could be said about OKC right now. Fan enthusiasm and attendance are at historic lows. In our case it has a lot to do with the pandemic, but also very much to do with the tank.

Does that mean OKC has a bad fan base? Of course not. We all know why people haven’t been going to games, and we also know that as soon as the team starts making waves (fortunately for us it could be as soon as next season) the fans will be back. Guaranteed.

By the same token if Seattle politicians hadn’t stonewalled the new building going all of the way back to (even pre-)Schultz the Sonics would have had a new arena, a great run (became OUR great run) and a packed house every night. The end. What did in Seattle was arrogance. They thought the whole thing was a bluff.

Don't worry Seattle will get another NBA team since the key arena had a complete face lift now called the Climate Pledge Arena which is probably the nicest most technologically advanced arenas in the world now.

Seattle had great fans and I hope they get a team soon. That shouldnÂ’t be a controversial opinion.

Seattle and Vegas are confirmed to be the expansion team cities, timing is the only thing that isn't publicly available. The current CBA ends in 23-24, and the current TV deal ends in 24-25. Most likely we will see an expansion either alongside the new TV deal in 24-25 or a year later in 25-26. This is kind of unfortunate for the Thunder given how they are rebuilding now and it would suck to lose project players/ role players in an expansion draft.

Seattle and Vegas are confirmed to be the expansion team cities, timing is the only thing that isn't publicly available. The current CBA ends in 23-24, and the current TV deal ends in 24-25. Most likely we will see an expansion either alongside the new TV deal in 24-25 or a year later in 25-26. This is kind of unfortunate for the Thunder given how they are rebuilding now and it would suck to lose project players/ role players in an expansion draft.

check this out, the thunder has a plan

https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/draft-coverage/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-thunders-future-draft-picks

Seattle and Vegas are confirmed to be the expansion team cities, timing is the only thing that isn't publicly available.

Source?

Source?

I googled it and watcha know

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_is_expected_to_announce_two_new_expansion_team s_in_las_vegas_and_seatle/s1_16751_37530391#:~:text=The%20NBA%20is%20expecte d%20to,rights%20deal%20expires%20in%202024.&text=It%20is%20no%20surprise%20that,to%20Oklahoma% 20City%20in%202008.

it is just a rumor though

if seattle really had "great" fans they would have made sure the team got a new arena ...

What are the fans going to do, steal the ownership rights to the franchise, find an unclaimed piece of land, build an arena using their own resources, and then ignore any political, corporate, or community input that might conflict with their ideas? It’s like you read enough to gather that Seattle fans were being discussed and posted your most initial biased thought without reading anything else Urbanized said.

I googled it and watcha know

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_is_expected_to_announce_two_new_expansion_team s_in_las_vegas_and_seatle/s1_16751_37530391#:~:text=The%20NBA%20is%20expecte d%20to,rights%20deal%20expires%20in%202024.&text=It%20is%20no%20surprise%20that,to%20Oklahoma% 20City%20in%202008.

it is just a rumor though

NBA talked about expansion prior to the Covid outbreak.

Seattle MSA population peaked at 4 million with a slight decline. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_statistical_area; however Washington State had a 14% gain from 2010-2020.

Seattle (IMO) deserves an NBA franchise; they would become an instant rival with OKC.

Regarding Las Vegas, they want all 4 major league sports; not going to stop until they achieve that goal.

What are the fans going to do, steal the ownership rights to the franchise, find an unclaimed piece of land, build an arena using their own resources, and then ignore any political, corporate, or community input that might conflict with their ideas? It’s like you read enough to gather that Seattle fans were being discussed and posted your most initial biased thought without reading anything else Urbanized said.

pressure the elected officials to build a new building ... there was no seattle support to build a new basketball arena ...