Seattle Supersonics 1967-2008

When the Seattle Supersonics fell to an emerging L.A. Lakers dynasty in the 1998 Western Conference Semi Finals, nobody could have predicted the franchises slow death would take place over ten short years.

After spending almost the entire 1990’s as a lock to make the playoffs and win 50 plus games, the Sonics cut ties with coach George Karl following the 98 campaign. Things have gone downhill ever since.

Since Karl’s departure, the Sonics have suffered through two Bush administration wannabe ownership groups, painful personnel moves (How many 6”10, 140 pound Eastern European small forwards can a team have?) and only two playoff appearances.

In what was most likely their last game ever played in Seattle, the Sonics gave fans a glimpse of what could be, along with memories of how great things used to be. Down six with three minutes left, the Sonics went on a Disney-esque comeback to knock off the surprisingly reeling Dallas Mavericks 99-95. But at this point, a Disney-esque ending, where the Supes stay in Seattle, is as likely as Ashlee Simpson giving birth to a child with talent.

So this is for Lenny, Slick, DJ, Gus, Downtown Fred Brown, Sikma and X-Man. To Tom Chambers for being one of the few white guys to participate in a slam dunk contest, Michael Cage and his glistening Jheri Curl, Mac 10’s lock down D, Dale Ellis and his drunken escapades and Sam Perkins for stroking threes after smoking fat blunts during half time. To GP throwing sick lobs to the Reign Man, Det and his Drago flat top and Ray Ray for being the best actor/NBA player since Kareem. To Benoit Benjamin, Scheffler, The Brick, Big JJ, Flip Murray, Danny Fortson and all the other characters to wear green and gold. Finally, this is for KD and Jeff Green – the future.