As expected, Paul Westhead was named to PJ Carlesimo's staff today. Westhead joins Scott Brooks, Mark Bryant and Ralph Lewis as assistants for the team, with only Lewis returning from last year's group. Westhead was most recently the head coach for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, who won the WNBA title on ... oh, come on, does anyone really care about the WNBA?
In other news, Gary Washburn reports that Kevin Durant has inked a deal with Gatorade. Durant joins Dwyane Wade and Kevin Garnett as NBA endorsers of the yellowish swill, which is pretty heady company for the rookie forward. Honestly, I don't know where Durant ranks in the Seattle pantheon of rookies, but he's got to be right there in the top two or three. Griffey, as famous as he was as a rookie, still didn't approach Durant's fame. Perhaps Ichiro, as a well established veteran of the Japanese leagues might merit a higher spot, but that's an apples and oranges situation.
Of course, there's always Rick Mirer ...
Thursday, September 27
Wednesday, September 26
Catch-22
This is something I've been hesitating to say for the past few months, but thought I might as well get it off my chest before I dismiss it entirely:
If the City and/or State decides to be pro-active and build a new arena for the Sonics, and Clay Bennett remains the team's owner, would I be happy with the result?
On the one hand, my favorite team stays in Seattle, and I'm not forced to watch Kevin Durant play in the Western Conference All-Star game as a member of the Oklahoma City Sonics and all the history (Gus Williams, Downtown, Shawn Kemp, GP, JJ, Lenny, et al) stays associated with Seattle.
On the other hand, Clay Bennett and his group benefit tremendously, and their investment of $350 million gets handsomely rewarded. As wonderful as it would feel to be able to watch the Sonics in InsertCorporateSponsorHere Gardens, would that be countered by the feeling of bitterness towards Bennett for the way he blackmailed the city to getting what he wanted?
As a parent, I routinely tread this tightrope: Do you reward your child's bad behavior by giving them something, just so they'll stop crying/fighting/throwing dangerous objects? Or do you stand your ground, force them to their room, and endure 15-20 minutes of screaming? It's a difficult decision to make, and I try to go with the right one (the go to the room option) as often as I can, telling myself that I'm paying 15 minutes of screaming now for in return for future calm.
I see a strong parallel in the two situations. Bennett, like a four year old, is whining and pouting because he can't get what he wants. He's hoping that said pouting will result in getting the treat (a new arena) he wanted, but are we not equally culpable if we give him this treat?
Honestly, I don't know the answer. In a perfect world, Bennett would throw up his hands later this year, sell the team to local ownership, and a consortium of municipal, state, and private parties would work together to build a suitable arena for the team. In that world, David Stern rides in on a white horse to save the day by brokering a deal to give peace to the Northwest.
But that may not happen, and we could be faced with the first option, wherein we get to keep our team, but in the process reward the man who threatened to take it away. You've got to ask yourself: Is it worth it?
If the City and/or State decides to be pro-active and build a new arena for the Sonics, and Clay Bennett remains the team's owner, would I be happy with the result?
On the one hand, my favorite team stays in Seattle, and I'm not forced to watch Kevin Durant play in the Western Conference All-Star game as a member of the Oklahoma City Sonics and all the history (Gus Williams, Downtown, Shawn Kemp, GP, JJ, Lenny, et al) stays associated with Seattle.
On the other hand, Clay Bennett and his group benefit tremendously, and their investment of $350 million gets handsomely rewarded. As wonderful as it would feel to be able to watch the Sonics in InsertCorporateSponsorHere Gardens, would that be countered by the feeling of bitterness towards Bennett for the way he blackmailed the city to getting what he wanted?
As a parent, I routinely tread this tightrope: Do you reward your child's bad behavior by giving them something, just so they'll stop crying/fighting/throwing dangerous objects? Or do you stand your ground, force them to their room, and endure 15-20 minutes of screaming? It's a difficult decision to make, and I try to go with the right one (the go to the room option) as often as I can, telling myself that I'm paying 15 minutes of screaming now for in return for future calm.
I see a strong parallel in the two situations. Bennett, like a four year old, is whining and pouting because he can't get what he wants. He's hoping that said pouting will result in getting the treat (a new arena) he wanted, but are we not equally culpable if we give him this treat?
Honestly, I don't know the answer. In a perfect world, Bennett would throw up his hands later this year, sell the team to local ownership, and a consortium of municipal, state, and private parties would work together to build a suitable arena for the team. In that world, David Stern rides in on a white horse to save the day by brokering a deal to give peace to the Northwest.
But that may not happen, and we could be faced with the first option, wherein we get to keep our team, but in the process reward the man who threatened to take it away. You've got to ask yourself: Is it worth it?
Tuesday, September 25
Supersonicsoul: It's Fantasy-astic!
Actual computer used for Supersonicsoul Fantasy League.Monday, September 24
Counterpoint
Ah, it just gets better and better. Now, according to the Seattle Times, the City of Seattle has launched a lawsuit against the Sonics' ownership in an attempt to force them to honor their lease and remain at KeyArena until 2010. The lawsuit would also try to block the team from using arbitration to settle the dispute.
It's not often that a munipality is pitted as the David in a David v Goliath situation, but this is shaping up to be a hum-dinger of a battle. On the one hand you've got Slade Gorton (whom, as Paul mentioned earlier, is known as 'Senator Skeletor' in these parts) representing the good people of King County. On the other, you've got Carpetbagger Clay and his buddies from Oklahoma, represented by a Seattle law firm (!).
To paraphrase Michael Buffer, "Let's get ready to wrangle!"
---
UPDATE: I wouldn't normally provide a link to another paper's story on the same subject, but you've got to read the PI's story, written by Gene Johnson, if only for the quote from the attorney representing the City, Tom Carr. Here's Carr's quote in regard to the Sonics' profitability, or lack thereof, at KeyArena:
"The issues with the Sonics' profitability at KeyArena have less to do with KeyArena than with the Sonics' ability to defend the high pick and roll."
It's not everyday a city employee has 1) a sense of humor, 2) is a lawyer, and 3) knows basketball terminology. Looks like we're 3-for-3 with Tom Carr.
It's not often that a munipality is pitted as the David in a David v Goliath situation, but this is shaping up to be a hum-dinger of a battle. On the one hand you've got Slade Gorton (whom, as Paul mentioned earlier, is known as 'Senator Skeletor' in these parts) representing the good people of King County. On the other, you've got Carpetbagger Clay and his buddies from Oklahoma, represented by a Seattle law firm (!).
To paraphrase Michael Buffer, "Let's get ready to wrangle!"
---
UPDATE: I wouldn't normally provide a link to another paper's story on the same subject, but you've got to read the PI's story, written by Gene Johnson, if only for the quote from the attorney representing the City, Tom Carr. Here's Carr's quote in regard to the Sonics' profitability, or lack thereof, at KeyArena:
"The issues with the Sonics' profitability at KeyArena have less to do with KeyArena than with the Sonics' ability to defend the high pick and roll."
It's not everyday a city employee has 1) a sense of humor, 2) is a lawyer, and 3) knows basketball terminology. Looks like we're 3-for-3 with Tom Carr.
Saturday, September 22
Sonics Weekend Update
The top Seattle Supersonics stories from the past week . . . Bruce Baskin of the Seattle P.I. takes a look at the top Sonics drafts of all time.
Did I mention we had a Save Our Sonics comedy show? It was awesome, and you should really go to the next one.
Meanwhile, Big Boy Bennett is still trying to weasel out of his lease.
The Oklahoma vultures may want our Sonics, but the Storm? Not so much.
Did I mention we started an official Supersonicsoul fantasy league? Well, we did, and you should join. Send me an email and I'll hook you up.
Friday, September 21
More on Press Conference
The Times' Jim Brunner (as always) has a strong summary of the situation, with some stirring quotes from Mayor Greg Nickels.
A Fan's Take
As I linked below, the Arbitration Demand filed by the Sonics’ ownership is now available on-line. I thought it might be instructive to read the document, and, well, poke a few holes in the arguments therein.
“... the Sonics have worked diligently with elected officials to obtain a suitable multipurpose facility for the future beyond 2010.” [page 1, line 8]
If by “worked diligently,” they mean “came up with a $500 million project the Sonics’ would not pay $0.01 towards,” then, yes, the Sonics worked diligently.
“ ... for many years KeyArena has not been economically viable for men’s professional basketball.” [1, 20]
Interesting, because it was revealed earlier this year that the one time in the past half-decade when the Sonics qualified for the playoffs, the team actually turned a profit and/or broke even. Add in the tax benefits accrued by deducting Sonic losses from other business ventures, and the increase in annual value of the franchise, and methinks you doth protest too much, Mr. Bennett.
“... City officials have repeatedly acknowledged that there will be little or no cultural or economic impact on the City if the Sonics leave.” [2, 1-2]
This is cherry picking. Some members of the city council have argued this tact, just as others on council argued the opposite. Expecting a city council to unanimously support something, then expressing surprise when it fails to is a specious argument.
“... the relationship between the Sonics and the City’s elected leaders is all but gone.” [2, 2-3]
As Louis Armstrong sings, it takes two to tango. Mr. Bennett is at least as culpable in the current acrimony as any member of council.
“Likewise, a majority of the public has accepted the team’s imminent departure.” [2, 4]
A majority of every city’s population – Oklahoma City included – is apathetic when it comes to sports, otherwise teams would play in arenas with capacities of 500,000 rather than 20,000. Did Mr. Bennett expect the city to be less than skeptical of out-of-town ownership moving their team when it has already been attempted with the other two professional teams in Seattle?
“The reality is that even if the City were right ... it simply delays the Sonics’ departure by two years and hurts the City.” [3, 8-9]
Left unsaid is that it makes it more likely for an acceptable arena to be built, which was the whole reason for doing this. Is it not hypocritical to criticize the city for apathy on the one hand, then criticize them for fighting to keep the team with the other?
“To that end, PBC began an exhaustive exploration of alternatives by which the Sonics could stay in Seattle ...” [4, 18-19]
This is a dubious claim. While no one except the Sonics’ ownership is privy to the “alternatives” mentioned, the fact that numerous alternatives (e.g., Sabey, Muckleshoot) have been proposed and dismissed is illustrative to the true nature of the “exploration.”
“KeyArena is no longer an economically viable facility for men’s professional basketball [and has a limited] point of sale opportunities for food, beverages, and merchandise. ... AT&T Center (San Antonio) has 11,400 ...” [6-10-21]
Funny, I seem to remember reading something recently where the Spurs were less than satisfied with their situation as well.
“The problems with KeyArena were aptly summarized in The Seattle Times: ... ‘soon, KeyArena was dwarfed by larger, more lucrative NBA arenas.’” [7, 15-20]
This is the essence of the problem, in my view: Building NBA arenas nationally is a zero-sum game. It is inevitable that whatever arena is built in Seattle, within one decade it will become the poor sister to its siblings across the country. Sacramento, Orlando, Las Vegas, wherever; competing cities will construct new monstrosities that will compel Bennett & Co. to come crying to the City asking for another handout.
“... there is a considerable record showing, at best, profound community indifference about whether the Sonics stay or leave.” [8, 7-8]
Granted, Seattle doesn’t have the vast experience of hosting an NBA franchise as Oklahoma City, but I think 40 years of above-average attendance, multiple fan sites supporting the team (I ask you: Where are the Oklahoma City NBA sites?) would counter Bennett’s argument.
“The lack of interest is borne out by the television ratings for Sonics’ games. They have declined from an already low 3.12 rating in 2004-2005 to a 1.6 rating in 2006-07 – a drop of nearly 50 percent.”
Gee, do you think that following up the only playoff appearance of the Bush Administration with consecutive seasons of 31 and 35 wins had anything to do with that? And have you missed the millions of articles the past few years bemoaning declining NBA ratings nation-wide, and how the NBA Finals is annually “the worst-rated Finals in NBA history?” Using declining TV ratings to justify your opinion of community apathy is ridiculous.
----
Well, that’s enough for one day. I’ll leave it to the lawyers to analyze the most important piece of this document, whether specific performance is relevant to lease enforcement, or if the Sonics are free to go after cutting a check to the City next June. At this point, the only arbitrator needed is one David Stern. Mr. Stern, you can prevent this legal crap from continuing by stepping in and forcing Bennett to either deal honestly with the city or sell the team. Before Bennett leaves town, it MUST be required that he offer the team back to local ownership at the present value of the club, and NOT at the inflated price he paid to Howard Schultz. His stupidity in overpaying for the team should not be revisited upon the next buyer of the club.
“... the Sonics have worked diligently with elected officials to obtain a suitable multipurpose facility for the future beyond 2010.” [page 1, line 8]
If by “worked diligently,” they mean “came up with a $500 million project the Sonics’ would not pay $0.01 towards,” then, yes, the Sonics worked diligently.
“ ... for many years KeyArena has not been economically viable for men’s professional basketball.” [1, 20]
Interesting, because it was revealed earlier this year that the one time in the past half-decade when the Sonics qualified for the playoffs, the team actually turned a profit and/or broke even. Add in the tax benefits accrued by deducting Sonic losses from other business ventures, and the increase in annual value of the franchise, and methinks you doth protest too much, Mr. Bennett.
“... City officials have repeatedly acknowledged that there will be little or no cultural or economic impact on the City if the Sonics leave.” [2, 1-2]
This is cherry picking. Some members of the city council have argued this tact, just as others on council argued the opposite. Expecting a city council to unanimously support something, then expressing surprise when it fails to is a specious argument.
“... the relationship between the Sonics and the City’s elected leaders is all but gone.” [2, 2-3]
As Louis Armstrong sings, it takes two to tango. Mr. Bennett is at least as culpable in the current acrimony as any member of council.
“Likewise, a majority of the public has accepted the team’s imminent departure.” [2, 4]
A majority of every city’s population – Oklahoma City included – is apathetic when it comes to sports, otherwise teams would play in arenas with capacities of 500,000 rather than 20,000. Did Mr. Bennett expect the city to be less than skeptical of out-of-town ownership moving their team when it has already been attempted with the other two professional teams in Seattle?
“The reality is that even if the City were right ... it simply delays the Sonics’ departure by two years and hurts the City.” [3, 8-9]
Left unsaid is that it makes it more likely for an acceptable arena to be built, which was the whole reason for doing this. Is it not hypocritical to criticize the city for apathy on the one hand, then criticize them for fighting to keep the team with the other?
“To that end, PBC began an exhaustive exploration of alternatives by which the Sonics could stay in Seattle ...” [4, 18-19]
This is a dubious claim. While no one except the Sonics’ ownership is privy to the “alternatives” mentioned, the fact that numerous alternatives (e.g., Sabey, Muckleshoot) have been proposed and dismissed is illustrative to the true nature of the “exploration.”
“KeyArena is no longer an economically viable facility for men’s professional basketball [and has a limited] point of sale opportunities for food, beverages, and merchandise. ... AT&T Center (San Antonio) has 11,400 ...” [6-10-21]
Funny, I seem to remember reading something recently where the Spurs were less than satisfied with their situation as well.
“The problems with KeyArena were aptly summarized in The Seattle Times: ... ‘soon, KeyArena was dwarfed by larger, more lucrative NBA arenas.’” [7, 15-20]
This is the essence of the problem, in my view: Building NBA arenas nationally is a zero-sum game. It is inevitable that whatever arena is built in Seattle, within one decade it will become the poor sister to its siblings across the country. Sacramento, Orlando, Las Vegas, wherever; competing cities will construct new monstrosities that will compel Bennett & Co. to come crying to the City asking for another handout.
“... there is a considerable record showing, at best, profound community indifference about whether the Sonics stay or leave.” [8, 7-8]
Granted, Seattle doesn’t have the vast experience of hosting an NBA franchise as Oklahoma City, but I think 40 years of above-average attendance, multiple fan sites supporting the team (I ask you: Where are the Oklahoma City NBA sites?) would counter Bennett’s argument.
“The lack of interest is borne out by the television ratings for Sonics’ games. They have declined from an already low 3.12 rating in 2004-2005 to a 1.6 rating in 2006-07 – a drop of nearly 50 percent.”
Gee, do you think that following up the only playoff appearance of the Bush Administration with consecutive seasons of 31 and 35 wins had anything to do with that? And have you missed the millions of articles the past few years bemoaning declining NBA ratings nation-wide, and how the NBA Finals is annually “the worst-rated Finals in NBA history?” Using declining TV ratings to justify your opinion of community apathy is ridiculous.
----
Well, that’s enough for one day. I’ll leave it to the lawyers to analyze the most important piece of this document, whether specific performance is relevant to lease enforcement, or if the Sonics are free to go after cutting a check to the City next June. At this point, the only arbitrator needed is one David Stern. Mr. Stern, you can prevent this legal crap from continuing by stepping in and forcing Bennett to either deal honestly with the city or sell the team. Before Bennett leaves town, it MUST be required that he offer the team back to local ownership at the present value of the club, and NOT at the inflated price he paid to Howard Schultz. His stupidity in overpaying for the team should not be revisited upon the next buyer of the club.
Bennett Press Conference
I'm late getting to this, but Clay Bennett had a press conference scheduled at 11 am today to speak on a number of issues. Whenever I get some info on what happened, I'll pass it along.
UPDATE:
And here you go. According to the Times, Clay Bennett has filed for a demand for arbitration in order to void the final two years of his lease for Key Arena. More to come later as I get more info.
CLOSER LOOK:
At first blush, the easy way to look at this situation is to say that Bennett is attempting to get out of his lease with the City, and is crossing his t's legally by filing for arbitration. Casual fans (such as ourselves) could easily paint this in a negative light as yet another log being tossed onto the bonfire by Bennett.
And, honestly, I can sympathize with that sentiment. But after everything that has happened, this doesn't really change anything. I'm sure the city had to anticipate Bennett wouldn't just go along with their demands for him to honor his lease; not after the way he and his partners have acted since purchasing the team less than twelve months ago.
So, before we get all of our knickers in a twist about today's press conference, just remember that nothing has changed. Bennett and McClendon & Co. still want to move to Oklahoma City, numerous folks are fighting them, and now an arbitrator will decide if the Sonics' ownership is legally obligated to fulfill the terms of the lease, or if they can vacate the premises at the end of the upcoming season.
UPDATE NO. 2: Courtesy of The Seattle Times, here's the demand for arbitration document. It's a PDF file.
UPDATE:
And here you go. According to the Times, Clay Bennett has filed for a demand for arbitration in order to void the final two years of his lease for Key Arena. More to come later as I get more info.
CLOSER LOOK:
At first blush, the easy way to look at this situation is to say that Bennett is attempting to get out of his lease with the City, and is crossing his t's legally by filing for arbitration. Casual fans (such as ourselves) could easily paint this in a negative light as yet another log being tossed onto the bonfire by Bennett.
And, honestly, I can sympathize with that sentiment. But after everything that has happened, this doesn't really change anything. I'm sure the city had to anticipate Bennett wouldn't just go along with their demands for him to honor his lease; not after the way he and his partners have acted since purchasing the team less than twelve months ago.
So, before we get all of our knickers in a twist about today's press conference, just remember that nothing has changed. Bennett and McClendon & Co. still want to move to Oklahoma City, numerous folks are fighting them, and now an arbitrator will decide if the Sonics' ownership is legally obligated to fulfill the terms of the lease, or if they can vacate the premises at the end of the upcoming season.
UPDATE NO. 2: Courtesy of The Seattle Times, here's the demand for arbitration document. It's a PDF file.
Thursday, September 20
Fantasy
Fantasy basketball time is nearly upon us, and nba.com has a position-by-position article up at the moment, detailing who to avoid and who to select (number one is Kevin Garnett; number 366 is David Wesley; sadly, Gary Payton is number 360).
Here's a quick peak at how they ranked the Sonics (note that the rankings are for the respective position, not overall):
Point Guard: Delonte West (#32), Luke Ridnour (36), Earl Watson (39). Surprising that West would rank above the other two. I think I would go Ridnour-West-Watson, but it's a total guess regardless, and until pre-season draws to a close, we won't have any idea who's going to get the minutes this year.
Shooting Guard: Damien Wilkins (36). Wally Szczerbiak's agent is on the phone now. If only they had separate categories for "Ankle Sprains " or "Hair Gel Used/40 minutes" ...
Small Forward: Kevin Durant (10), Jeff Green (29). How sad is it that two guys that haven't played a minute in the NBA are ranked higher than any of the half-dozen guys we've got playing the two guard positions?
Power Forward: Chris Wilcox (21). I have nothing funny to say about this one.
Center: Nick Collison (22). No love for Bob Swift here (yeah, I'm calling him Bob this year, I think he deserves a fresh start; it was either that or 'Bobby', and Bobby Swift sounds like a small bird). Johan Petro and Mo Sene failed to qualify as well, although Mo will definitely be a top 10 pick in the NBDL fantasy draft.
Here's a quick peak at how they ranked the Sonics (note that the rankings are for the respective position, not overall):
Point Guard: Delonte West (#32), Luke Ridnour (36), Earl Watson (39). Surprising that West would rank above the other two. I think I would go Ridnour-West-Watson, but it's a total guess regardless, and until pre-season draws to a close, we won't have any idea who's going to get the minutes this year.
Shooting Guard: Damien Wilkins (36). Wally Szczerbiak's agent is on the phone now. If only they had separate categories for "Ankle Sprains " or "Hair Gel Used/40 minutes" ...
Small Forward: Kevin Durant (10), Jeff Green (29). How sad is it that two guys that haven't played a minute in the NBA are ranked higher than any of the half-dozen guys we've got playing the two guard positions?
Power Forward: Chris Wilcox (21). I have nothing funny to say about this one.
Center: Nick Collison (22). No love for Bob Swift here (yeah, I'm calling him Bob this year, I think he deserves a fresh start; it was either that or 'Bobby', and Bobby Swift sounds like a small bird). Johan Petro and Mo Sene failed to qualify as well, although Mo will definitely be a top 10 pick in the NBDL fantasy draft.
Wednesday, September 19
Durant
After reading this article the other day which painted Kevin Durant is less than a stellar light, you can see another, more optimistic, opinion here. Suffice it to say that "Durant" and "Jordan" appear in a comparison, and the comparison isn't negative.
AK
No doubt you've read by now how Andrei Kirilenko wants to be traded away from "Robot Coach" Jerry Sloan and the Utah Jazz. Aside from the fact that his wanting out of Utah instantly makes him one of my favorite players, does it make sense for the Sonics to pursue the former all-star? After all, he's on the hook for four more seasons and $63 million, so it's not as though we're looking at a quick pick-me-up. Add in the fact that the Sonics aren't going to realistically compete for the playoffs anytime soon and, well, ...
As I see it, the Sonics have only one hope of acquiring AK-47, and that's by dealing away Kurt Thomas and some draft picks. Cap-wise, a deal including Kurt Thomas, Damien Wilkins, and a #1 pick (maybe a future Suns' pick?) MIGHT be enough to make it happen. The Jazz acquire a player Sloan might like (Wilkins) and a player he would definitely like (Thomas), plus Thomas' contract expires this June to boot. Add in the benefit of shedding themselves of AK's contract and malcontentedness as well as the pick, and it's a possibility. I'll look at how Kirilenko would fit into the Sonics' roster later on, but be aware that any deal involving Thomas will be held up for about two months because he was recently acquired via trade (however, I'm not 100% sure of that; for some reason I had the idea that players acquired via trade where they are the only player moving don't have a trade restriction; on the other hand, realgm.com says Thomas has a trade restriction, so who knows).
Anyway, it's a starting point for discussion, so feel free to offer your opinion on whether the Sonics ought to acquire AK.
As I see it, the Sonics have only one hope of acquiring AK-47, and that's by dealing away Kurt Thomas and some draft picks. Cap-wise, a deal including Kurt Thomas, Damien Wilkins, and a #1 pick (maybe a future Suns' pick?) MIGHT be enough to make it happen. The Jazz acquire a player Sloan might like (Wilkins) and a player he would definitely like (Thomas), plus Thomas' contract expires this June to boot. Add in the benefit of shedding themselves of AK's contract and malcontentedness as well as the pick, and it's a possibility. I'll look at how Kirilenko would fit into the Sonics' roster later on, but be aware that any deal involving Thomas will be held up for about two months because he was recently acquired via trade (however, I'm not 100% sure of that; for some reason I had the idea that players acquired via trade where they are the only player moving don't have a trade restriction; on the other hand, realgm.com says Thomas has a trade restriction, so who knows).
Anyway, it's a starting point for discussion, so feel free to offer your opinion on whether the Sonics ought to acquire AK.
Tuesday, September 18
Studious
I wanted to put together a thorough look at the feasibility study presented by the Muckleshoot’s consultants, but time constraints prevent me from wasting, err, spending too much time on that, so here’s a quick look at what I found from reading the document.
- A great deal of the article looks at the relative financial health of this market as opposed to seven similar NBA markets. The conclusion drawn is that 1) Seattle is strong relative to those markets and 2) Seattle is strong relative to the rest of the NBA, especially in regard to EBI (effective buying income) and population size, and even moreso when one looks at how the future may go. For example, Seattle stands at 112% of the national average in EBI (these numbers are from here, not from the consultants). Oklahoma City? Try 83%. According to the consultants, by 2011, Seattle’s EBI will rank 9th or 10th in the league. Care to hazard a guess where OKC would fit in? It just further convinces me that the NBA would be unbelievably foolish to move a team from the Greater Puget Sound and give it to Oklahoma City. The only rational reason for doing so would be to augment the blackmailing tactics the league will use/uses in other cities, because it would be financial suicide for the NBA to trade Seattle for OKC, and that’s not even considering the impact on television ratings.
- Along those same lines, here is the consultant’s summary of Seattle’s economic picture in relation to the NBA: “Seattle’s significant wealth and comparatively small average household size allow for higher levels of entertainment spending and present an attractive events center market.” In other words, not only is Seattle’s population much larger than OKC’s, but it’s percentage of population with higher incomes is among the highest in the NBA (top 4), and it’s percentage of income spent on entertainment ranks 5th in the NBA.
- The figure put forth to get this project done is $415 million. I looked at the numbers they used to get to $415, and it got me to thinking: How much would it cost to renovate KeyArena to an acceptable level for the NBA? Would it cost ½ as much? 2/3 as much? I’m not an economist or a project manager by any means, but the figure would have to be considerably lower, and bear in mind that the $415 million doesn’t include transportation improvements, which will absolutely be necessary to finish this deal. If you think otherwise, take a look at this picture included in the report, which is a view of the proposed site. Think 18,500 people would be able to use that road for a Sonic playoff game?
- A great deal of the article looks at the relative financial health of this market as opposed to seven similar NBA markets. The conclusion drawn is that 1) Seattle is strong relative to those markets and 2) Seattle is strong relative to the rest of the NBA, especially in regard to EBI (effective buying income) and population size, and even moreso when one looks at how the future may go. For example, Seattle stands at 112% of the national average in EBI (these numbers are from here, not from the consultants). Oklahoma City? Try 83%. According to the consultants, by 2011, Seattle’s EBI will rank 9th or 10th in the league. Care to hazard a guess where OKC would fit in? It just further convinces me that the NBA would be unbelievably foolish to move a team from the Greater Puget Sound and give it to Oklahoma City. The only rational reason for doing so would be to augment the blackmailing tactics the league will use/uses in other cities, because it would be financial suicide for the NBA to trade Seattle for OKC, and that’s not even considering the impact on television ratings.
- Along those same lines, here is the consultant’s summary of Seattle’s economic picture in relation to the NBA: “Seattle’s significant wealth and comparatively small average household size allow for higher levels of entertainment spending and present an attractive events center market.” In other words, not only is Seattle’s population much larger than OKC’s, but it’s percentage of population with higher incomes is among the highest in the NBA (top 4), and it’s percentage of income spent on entertainment ranks 5th in the NBA.
- The figure put forth to get this project done is $415 million. I looked at the numbers they used to get to $415, and it got me to thinking: How much would it cost to renovate KeyArena to an acceptable level for the NBA? Would it cost ½ as much? 2/3 as much? I’m not an economist or a project manager by any means, but the figure would have to be considerably lower, and bear in mind that the $415 million doesn’t include transportation improvements, which will absolutely be necessary to finish this deal. If you think otherwise, take a look at this picture included in the report, which is a view of the proposed site. Think 18,500 people would be able to use that road for a Sonic playoff game?
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