It doesn't matter what the Hot Heads say, they are in minority - both in NOLA and Seattle.

Most people here don't think that way - they know OKC is in the middle and is a formidable regional city with big energy companies. They may not know anything else, and that is where OKCians can improve.

The fact that a "high profile" (which is debatable by the way) state senator said what she said only illustrates her (and other SEATTLE SONICS fans) disdain for OKC getting the SONICS, nothing else. This is very similar to the vocal minority in NOLA who would bash OKC at every chance even tho the same OKC is the reason why the Hornets and NOLA even exist today.

Why shouldn't the Hornets change their name to OKC, they were based here! And New Orleans benefitted from it - but they only care about name recognition - which is why they all of sudden started "supporting" the Hornets. We'll see how long the Hornets remain in NOLA. I predict, two years; next year with a loss but with hopes of improvement due to the All Star game being hosted there, only to have year 2 a complete disaster due to the LOW and POOR population of NOLA. Corporate support will go to the NFL Saints, so the Hornets will be looking for a new city in 2 years, most likely Oklahoma City IF the SONICS were not to relocate (1% chance of that not-happening), second probably Las Vegas. I predict in 2 years, Las Vegas HORNETS!

As for the SONICS, Im almost certain there will be no private support for them here - and no public either. Im hopeful that Bennett will go to the NBA board after Apr 22, and ask them for an exemption. No one wants to keep losing $$ or allow the NBA brand to further sink. And given OKC's and Bennett's reputation, they should allow him an exemption to move the team for 2007 as long as Key Arena is taken care of. That is a drop-in-the-bucket compared to what lies ahead in profit as well as pride from OKC. Oklahoma City is a HOT sports market and I think the NBA experience will be very similar to that found in Salt Lake City.

In fact, I think OKC itself is very similar in many ways to the SLC area and Portland, both successful NBA small markets. I think the city needs to be meeting NOW to determine what improvements/lease agreements/zoning to improve retail/civic-public improvements will take place over the summer/early fall. We need to get ready for the SONICS and take steps to improve the downtown experience as a major league destination. We're almost there - but now lets put it into full steam; the SONICS are coming, the SONICS are coming!!