Sonic Echo: Rise, Reign and Relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics

There are teams that gain success with championships and superstar players. Yet very few teams become ingrained in the culture and identity of a city. From their debut in 1967 with the backdrop of the city's aerospace industry which gave Seattle its "supersonic" name to the rise of players such as Fred Brown, Dale Ellis, and Nate McMillian. Still others with colorful nicknames such as "Slick" and "The X-Man". This team from the "Emerald City" also had "The Wizard, "The Reign Man" and "The Glove". Throughout their history, the Seattle SuperSonics weren't just a team based in the Pacific northwest, they were a vibe. In this episode of the podcast, Dana Auguster and Charles Combs will take a look back at one of the most beloved franchises in NBA history which in a few years, may be making a triumphant return. The Seattle SuperSonics, the first pro sports team in the city of Seattle, was one of the most successful franchises in the NBA whos history is filled with a myriad of all star players and hall of famers including a star point guard that played in the teams early years that would eventually lead them to their only championship while serving as their head coach. Also we will talk about the team owner who not only threatened the NBA by taking his team to join with the American Basketball Association but also talked openly about leaving Seattle all together to be a direct rival to the Lakers in Los Angeles. Speaking of leaving town, we will also talk about the heartbreaking and controversial move in 2008 as the sonics left the pacific northwest to find literal greener pastures in Oklahoma City. Leaving an empty shell in the coffee Capital of the world and fans still waiting, still hoping and still holding onto the Green and Gold. Rounding out the episode we will send a shout out to the Sonics first bonified superstar. In the fall of 1970, a young player arrived in Seattle from the ABA named Spencer Haywood. He not only he took on the best of the NBA on the court, but he took on the league itself off the court and then -- in court. Paving the way for college underclassmen to be eligible for the NBA draft. To contact the show, please drop us a line at [email protected].