Sonics block OKC NBA market from Shinn/Hornets (Tulsa, May: home, rooftop)

[happytown]

Looks like Shinn/Hornets are trying to force their team back into OKC...Sonics and the NBA say no. Awesome...Two girls fighting over one dude. This is ridiculous...All OKC wants is a team not a cat fight. Shinn made a bad mistake by sending the Hornets back to Nawlins.

Sonics | Bennett is first in line for OKC, NBA says | Seattle Times Newspaper

[Synopsis]

It's funny in a way. The guy was an idiot for going back to Nawlins and now he realizes the mistake that he made. Truth be told, I would rather have the Hornets in OkC but rules are rules, and the stupidity of him going back to a ravaged city with about 40 percent less of a population than OkC was a stupid, stupid move. It's good to see two teams fighting over OkC though!

[happytown]

I just want people to pass the tax to remake the Ford Center and put a darn NBA team in it!!
Shinn was forced to move back by Stern because of the extreme circumstances brought on by Katrina...otherwise he would have stayed. Shinn could have appealed (would have lost) but you have some big people in 'smokey rooms' making decisions for others!

[Synopsis]

I'm pretty sure the remake of the Ford Center will happen. OkCitians are on a mission, or so it seems to me. They realize that sacrifices need to be made (in the form of taxes and such) and are willing to make those sacrifices. The new Ford Center will be great from what I've read from you and others. I love the rooftop idea. OkC is quickly becoming THE place to be and I am very happy for the city and the state.

[happytown]

The economic downturn for the whole nation (you mentioned) will def have an effect. The tax will most likely pass because of the freakish support from some kind of group that goes to the polls.
OKC/Tulsa/Oklahoma might escape the overall national economic downturn because of certain reasons, but it will hinder future projects for OKC/Tulsa and the rest of the state. This is unfortunate because Oklahoma is on such a roll right now...Buttered roll that is!!LOL

[Jess5]

I was glad when the Hornets wanted to play some games here this season, and they were told "No." They've made their bed, they need to lie in it. Although the owners do still have a home here. They didn't want to move completely away.

[6 FOOT 3]

Although i'm not a diehard sports fan i think that is so cool that OKC may actually get an NBA team. That just goes to show how progressive and on the move that OKC is.

Will they be called the Sonics or will they have their own Oklahoman identity?

[jwiley]

While I still think it would be better for the Hornets to be the team that is moved for everybody involved, I am glad that the NBA is going to be in OKC soon, as I am looking at moving to the area within the next few months and am a huge basketball fan.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by 6 FOOT 3

Although i'm not a diehard sports fan i think that is so cool that OKC may actually get an NBA team. That just goes to show how progressive and on the move that OKC is.

Will they be called the Sonics or will they have their own Oklahoman identity?

Welcome 6/3!

It's good to see you on the OkC forums. Give 6/3 a big welcome everyone, 6/3 is a forum member in good standing and always has some great insight on things.

To answer your question, I think they will have their own name once the move takes place.

I know you are interested in possibly making OkC your home. Browse around these OkC forums and chat it up; people will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. If you ever do visit OkC these forums have a lot of good information to make the most of your trip.

[peggydavis]

Maybe Shinn and Bennett could work out a trade somehow. Then Shinn could move the Sonics wherever and we could get the Hornets back. The rules probably wouldn't allow that though.