So, way back during the lamented ‘Dawg-dazes of summer up here in the Northwest; Hmm? I don’t think it ever arrived… Whilst the Boyz ‘O Summer, a.k.a. Major League Baseball were actually showing up for their nightly games, there was a little charity basketball game held in Seattle.
The H206 Charity Classic was held in Seattle’s Key Arena, the former home of the Seattle Supersonics - before Clay ‘BA Bennett stole the Sonics and relocated to Oklahoma, which I believe many are still overly dismayed about!
As this one day return of professional ‘B-ball to the Pacific Northwest occurred on Saturday, July 22nd and was the first NBA approved basketball game in the Emerald City since 2008; featuring the likes of Philadelphia 76ers Spencer Hawes, Atlanta Hawks Jamal Crawford, Portland Trailblazers Nolan Smith and Minnesota Timberwolves Michael Beasley - who were just a few of the NBA stars competing. While former Supersonics greats Jack Sikma and Shawn Kemp coached the Home team.
And the Seattle (Home) team defeated the NBA Elite squad 140-122 in-front of 5,070 fans - with the charity game benefitting youth activities thru Seattle’s Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club with a pledge of $100,000 being made.
Former UW Hussky standout Spencer Hawes - who had a silhouette of the Space Needle coifed into the back of his head specifically for the game scored 27-points and New Jersey Nets Terrence Williams added 25-points - as the two players battled for most points scored and MVP honours, which Williams won.
Afterwards, Hawes took the microphone following the game to Half-court and led the fans in a chorus of “Seattle Come Home!” Although I don’t think it’ll be happening anytime soon?
This rare glimpse of Professional Basketball in Seattle, who’s NBA Franchise, was relocated after 41-years… Was followed-up next by another twist, when none other then the Seattle Mariners honoured a bevy of Supersonics elite on-field at Safeco Stadium - with the likes of Lenny wilkens, George Karl, Gary “the Glove” Payton, Shawn “ManChild” Kemp, Jack Sikma, Gus Williams, Slick Watts,Tommy “Gunner” Chambers, Hersey “Chocolate” Hawkins, Freddy “Downtown” Brown, Nate McMillan and others before commencing play against the Tampa Bay Rays, which were once coached by ex-Mariners Coach Lou Pinella.
As its pretty funny, how the money grubbin’ GREEDY Team Owners and Players of the National Basketball Association have allowed Bennett to steal a storied NBA Franchise from the 14th largest Television market to the 45th!
And while Payton tries securing backing for a professional team’s reemergence in the Seattle marketplace, albeit first he needs a new “State of the Art” stadium built, since apparently Key Arena isn’t worthy - which is always the rage before Pro Sports takes up residence in a city… Typically at the expense of its Taxpayers!
Thus, I’d guess you could say that Seattle is currently one of the few major cities not impacted by the ridiculous NBA Lockout thingy! Which is potentially hurting Oklahoma’s coffers right now? Aw Shucks! Don’t worry, Clay Bennett will make it all Oakie Dokey; Honest!