It was heartening to read in the dailies that Sonics great Gary Payton foresees professional basketball returning to Seattle by 2011. It's great to read about such a loyal and talented guy, who gave so much to this city and who spoke with such fondness for the place where he played for a decade. Payton retired in 2007 after winning a championship with the Miami Heat. He said he would never have his jersey retired in Oklahoma City where the former Sonics packed up and moved and became the Thunder, which starts its season Oct. 29. That might have had to do with the team turning him down after he offered his services as a coach.
But knowing the kind of man NBA Commissioner David Stern is, by way of emails he exchanged with Thunder owner Clay Bennett, the odds are not in Seattle's favor to get a team anytime soon. In Stern's eyes, Seattle snubbed his outfit. So Stern, who must approve any expansion plans, will likely return the favor should such a situation arise.
Furthermore, after the ugliness that was the city's dealings with Bennett, the chances of the Key getting fixed with voter funds is a long shot. It's possible that people will forget in three years and, as the economy resurfaces, may be willing to cough up some seed money. But that's unlikely. What they won't soon forget is Gary, his charisma and loyalty.
[[In-content Ad]]
