Better Luck Next Year

Moments before the Sonics slepwalked through a listless 106-75 loss to the NBA-best Mavericks at the Key last night, Nick Collison grabbed a microphone from the scorer's table, thanking fans for their support and stating, "Hopefully, we'll see y'all back here next year." The common translation for such a plesantry is that Collison was humbly hoping fans would consider them worthy of their entertainment dollar come late Fall. But given the uncertainty about the Sonics' future in Seattle, the "hopefully" took on added meaning.

But first, the game: The Sonics were down 33-16 at the end of the first quarter and, well, never looked up in an uncharactristically lethargic effort that greatly improves their chances of a primo lottery pick. If there's one thing that can be said of Bob Hill's overmatched squad this year, it's that they didn't quit on games. Well, they did last night, ending the season with their worst record (31-51) in two decades.

The Mavs, meanwhile, all 67 wins and 15 losses of them, have to be absolutely horrified at the prospect of playing Golden State — a team they haven't beaten in over a full calendar year — in the first round of the playoffs. Coached by the very man, Don Nelson, who resurrected the Mavericks at the turn of the century, the speedy Warriors have won five straight games starting one small forward (Al Harrington), two shooting guards (J-Rich, Stephen Jackson) and two point guards (B-Diddy, Monta Ellis) — just the sort of brilliantly wacky scheme that Nelly loves to torture his former charges with. All in all, I can't remember being so excited for a 1-8 matchup. Time to call m'bookie.

But back to the Supes and their arena, whose political fate depends exclusively on Governor Christine Gregoire's willingness to call a special session to force a vote on the issue (unlikely, but we can dream). In the likely event that the Legislature refuses to act, smart money's on Bennett taking his ball, going home, and letting the Supes play one more lame duck season in the Key before attempting to break the team's lease with the city. Here's my question: If you're going to break the lease anyway, why not do it right now? Think about it. The NBA's Board of Governors meeting will convene today, wherein Bennett could conceivably ask to be granted fast-track relocation permission. The Hornets just concluded their final season in Bennett's native Oklahoma City and will play in New Orleans next season. If the Sonics play in the Key next year, fan support will reach an historical nadir, and the team will hemorrhage money. Relocate to Oklahoma City, and you sell out every home game before the season starts. Seems like a no-brainer to me, although I sure hope I'm wrong. 

Topics: Sonics

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