For current information on this topic, see 2007-08 Seattle SuperSonics season

Seattle SuperSonics
Conference	Western Conference
Division	Northwest Division
Founded	1967
History	Seattle SuperSonics (1967–present)
Arena	KeyArena
City	Seattle, Washington
Team colors	Green, Gold and White
Owner	Professional Basketball Club LLC (Clay Bennett, Chairman)
General manager	Sam Presti
Head coach	P.J. Carlesimo
D-League affiliate	Idaho Stampede
Championships	1 (1979)
Conference titles	3 (1978, 1979, 1996)
Division titles	6 (1979, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005)
Official website	supersonics.com

The Seattle SuperSonics (also called the Seattle Sonics) are an American professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. The Western Conference of the National Basketball Association is made up of fifteen teams and organized in three divisions of five teams each The Northwest Division is a division in the Western Conference of the NBA. The 1967–68 NBA Season was the 22nd season of the National Basketball Association. KeyArena at Seattle Center, also known as KeyArena is located north of downtown Seattle, USA on the grounds of Seattle Center (the site of 1962 Clayton "Clay" Ike Bennett is an American businessman and Chairman of the Professional Basketball Club LLC, the ownership of the Sam Presti (born c 1977 in Concord Massachusetts) is an American Basketball executive Peter J (P J Carlesimo (born May 30 1949 in Scranton Pennsylvania) is the current head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder and a former college Basketball The NBA Development League, or D-League, is the National Basketball Association 's officially sponsored and operated developmental Basketball organization The Idaho Stampede are an American Basketball team that play in the NBA Development League. The 1979 NBA World Championship Series at the conclusion of the 1978-79 season were won by the Seattle SuperSonics defeating the Washington Bullets 4 games The 1978 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1977-1978 season. The 1979 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1978-1979 season. The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1995-1996 season. The 1978–79 NBA season was the 33rd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1993–94 NBA season was the 48th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1995–96 NBA season was the 50th season of the National Basketball Association, although the league didn't celebrate this anniversary until the following season The 1996–97 NBA season was the 51st season of the National Basketball Association. The 1997–98 NBA season was the 52nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 2004–05 NBA season was the 59th season of the National Basketball Association (NBA Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m Currently playing in the Northwest Division of the National Basketball Association (NBA), they won the NBA Championship in 1979. The Northwest Division is a division in the Western Conference of the NBA. The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The 1978–79 NBA season was the 33rd season of the National Basketball Association. Of the three current major men's professional sports teams in Seattle—the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Seahawks, and the SuperSonics—the SuperSonics are the only one to have won a championship. The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington, United States. The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle Washington, USA However, the Seattle Storm won the WNBA Championship in 2004. The Seattle Storm is a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA team based in Seattle Washington. The WNBA Finals is the championship series of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA held in early September and played under a Best-of-five playoff "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " From 1978 through 1985, the SuperSonics' mascot was The Wheedle; since 1993, their mascot has been Squatch. The Wheedle was originally the title character of a popular children's book by Seattle author Stephen Cosgrove Squatch (a derivation of sasquatch) was the team Mascot for the Seattle SuperSonics of the National Basketball Association.

The SuperSonics are currently owned by Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett, who hopes to relocate the team to Oklahoma City at the end of its lease with Seattle's Key Arena, which could occur in 2010 or before the 2008-2009 season, depending on the outcome of litigation over the lease and ownership of the team. Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the US state of Oklahoma. Clayton "Clay" Ike Bennett is an American businessman and Chairman of the Professional Basketball Club LLC, the ownership of the KeyArena at Seattle Center, also known as KeyArena is located north of downtown Seattle, USA on the grounds of Seattle Center (the site of 1962 Relocation for the 2008-2009 season only was given conditional approval by the NBA on April 18, 2008. Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Sam Schulman owned the team from its 1967 inception until 1983. Samuel "Sam" Schulman ( April 10 1910 - June 12 2003) was an American businessman from New York It has since been owned by Barry Ackerley (1983–2001) and the Basketball Club of Seattle, headed by Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz (2001-2006). Starbucks Corporation ( is an international Coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle Washington. Howard Schultz (b July 19, 1953) is an American Businessman and Entrepreneur most widely known as the Chairman and

Franchise history

Beginnings

On December 20, 1966, Los Angeles businessmen Sam Schulman and Eugene V. Klein and a group of minority partners were awarded the NBA franchise for the city of Seattle. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1966 ( MCMLXVI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West Samuel "Sam" Schulman ( April 10 1910 - June 12 2003) was an American businessman from New York Eugene Victor Klein ( January 29, 1921 – March 12, 1990) was an American businessman who was Chairman of the Board Schulman would serve as the active partner and head of team operations. Named the SuperSonics after Boeing's recently awarded contract for the SST project (later canceled), they were Seattle's first major league sports franchise. The Boeing 2707 was developed as the first American Supersonic transport (SST Beginning play in October of 1967, the SuperSonics were coached by Al Bianchi and featured All-Star guard Walt Hazzard and NBA All-Rookie Team members Bob Rule and Al Tucker. Alfred A "Al" Bianchi nickname "Funzy" (born March 26 1932, in Long Island City, New York) is an American former Walter Raphael Hazzard Jr (born April 15 1942 in Wilmington, Delaware) is a former college, Olympic, and Professional The NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top Rookies during the regular Bobby (Bob Frank Rule (born June 29 1944, in Riverside California) is a retired American Basketball player at center Albert Ames Tucker (born February 24, 1943 in Dayton Ohio; died May 2001 was an American professional Basketball player The expansion team stumbled to a 23–59 record, and Hazzard was traded to the Atlanta Hawks before the start of the next season for future Hall-of-Famer Lenny Wilkens. The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional Basketball team based in Atlanta Georgia. Leonard Randolph "Lenny" Wilkens (born October 28 1937 in Brooklyn, New York U Wilkens brought a strong all-around game to the SuperSonics, averaging 22. 4 points per game, 8. 2 assists per game, and 6. 2 rebounds per game for Seattle in the 1968–69 season. The 1968–69 NBA season was the 23rd season of the National Basketball Association. Rule, meanwhile, improved on his rookie statistics with 24. 0 points per game and 11. 5 rebounds per game. The SuperSonics, however, only won 30 games and Bianchi was replaced by Wilkens as player/coach during the off-season.

1970s

Wilkens and Rule both represented Seattle in the 1970 NBA All-Star Game, and Wilkens led the NBA in assists during the 1969–70 season. The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. The 1969–70 NBA Season was the 24th season of the National Basketball Association. Early in the 1970–71 season, however, Rule tore his achilles tendon and was lost for the rest of the year. The 1970–71 NBA season was the 25th season of the National Basketball Association. Wilkens was named the 1971 All-Star Game MVP, but the big news of the season came when owner Sam Schulman managed to land American Basketball Association Rookie of the Year and MVP Spencer Haywood following a lengthy court battle (see Haywood v. National Basketball Assn.). The American Basketball Association ( ABA) was a professional Basketball league founded in 1967, and eventually merged in part with the National Spencer Haywood (born April 22 1949, in Silver City Mississippi) is a retired American professional Basketball player The following season, the SuperSonics went on to record their first winning season at 47–35. The team, led by player-coach Wilkens and First Team forward Haywood, held a 46–27 mark on March 3, but late season injuries to starters Haywood, Dick Snyder, and Don Smith contributed to the team losing eight of its final nine games — otherwise, the 1971-72 team might very well have become the franchise's first playoff team. The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season } Richard (Dick J Snyder (born February 1 1944 in North Canton Ohio) is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA player Zaid Abdul-Aziz (born Donald A Smith on April 7, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York) is a retired American professional The following season, Wilkens was dealt to Cleveland in a highly unpopular trade, and without his leadership the Supersonics fell to a 26–56 record. The Cleveland Cavaliers (also known as the Cavs) are a professional Basketball team based in Cleveland Ohio. One of the few bright spots of the season was Haywood's second consecutive All-NBA First Team selection, as he averaged a SuperSonics record 29. 2 points per game and collected 12. 9 rebounds per game.

Logo, 1975–1995. This is the last logo to date referencing the team by its full name.

The legendary Bill Russell was hired as the head coach in the following year, and in 1975 he coached the SuperSonics to the playoffs for the first time. William Felton "Bill" Russell (born February 12 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana) is a retired American professional Basketball The 1975 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1974-1975 season. The team, which starred Haywood, guards Fred Brown and Slick Watts, and rookie center Tommy Burleson, defeated the Detroit Pistons in a three game mini-series before falling to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in six games. Fred "Downtown Freddie" Brown (born August 7, 1948 in Milwaukee Wisconsin) is a former professional Basketball player Donald Earl "Slick" Watts (born July 22 1951 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, U Tommy Loren Burleson (born February 24, 1952 in Crossnore, North Carolina) is an American and former collegiate and professional The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area The Golden State Warriors are an American professional Basketball team based in Oakland, California. The next season, the SuperSonics traded Haywood to New York forcing the remaining players to pick up the offensive slack. Guard Fred Brown, now in his fifth season, was selected to the 1976 NBA All-Star Game and finished fifth in the league in scoring average and free throw percentage. Frederick or Fred or Freddy or Freddie Brown may refer to Fred Brown (basketball, American former NBA basketball player Burleson's game continued to strengthen, while Watts led the NBA in both assists and steals and was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team. The NBA All-Defensive Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor given since the 1968–69 NBA season to the best defensive players during the regular The SuperSonics again made the playoffs, but lost to the Phoenix Suns in six games in spite of strong performances from both Brown (28. The 1976 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1975-1976 season. The Phoenix Suns are a professional Basketball team based in Phoenix Arizona. 5 ppg) and Burleson (20. 8 ppg) during the series.

Russell left the SuperSonics after the 1976–77 season, and under new coach Bob Hopkins the team started the season dismally at 5–17. The 1976–77 NBA season was the 31st season of the National Basketball Association. Robert M (Bob Hopkins (born November 3, 1934 in Jonesboro Louisiana) is a former National Basketball Association player and coach Lenny Wilkens was brought back to replace Hopkins, and the team's fortunes immediately turned around. The SuperSonics won 11 of their first 12 games under Wilkens, finished the season at 47–35, won the Western Conference title, and actually led the Washington Bullets three games to two before losing in seven games in the 1978 NBA Finals. Series Summary Game 1 The Bullets behind Kevin Grevey 's 27 and Elvin Hayes 's 21 points held a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter at the Seattle Other than the loss of center Marvin Webster to New York, the SuperSonics roster stayed largely intact during the off-season, and in the 1978–79 season they went on to win their first division title. Marvin Nathaniel Webster (born April 13, 1952 in Baltimore Maryland) nicknamed "The Human Eraser" and "Marvin the Magnificent" is The 1978–79 NBA season was the 33rd season of the National Basketball Association. In the playoffs, the Supersonics defeated the Phoenix Suns in a tough seven game conference final series to set up a rematch with the Washington Bullets in the finals. The 1979 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1978-1979 season. This time, the Bullets lost to the SuperSonics in five games to give Seattle its first, and so far only, NBA title. The championship team roster included the powerful backcourt tandem of Gus Williams and Finals MVP Dennis Johnson, second year All-Star center Jack Sikma, forwards John Johnson and Lonnie Shelton, and key reserves Fred Brown and Paul Silas. Gus Williams (born October 10 1953 in Mount Vernon New York) is a retired American professional Basketball player most noted for his play with The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. WikipediaPersondata --> Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18 1954 &ndash February 22 2007 nicknamed "DJ" was an American professional Basketball Jack Wayne Sikma (born November 14 1955 in Kankakee Illinois) is an American former NBA Basketball center. John Howard Getty "JJ" Johnson (born October 18, 1947 in Carthage Mississippi) is a former American Basketball player Lonnie Jewel Shelton (born October 19 1955 in Bakersfield California) is a retired American National Basketball Association player Paul Theron Silas (born July 12 1943, in Prescott Arizona) is an American former professional Basketball player and coach currently living

1980s

The 1979–80 season saw the SuperSonics finish second in the Pacific Division to the Los Angeles Lakers with a strong 56–26 record. The 1979–80 NBA season was the 34th season of the National Basketball Association. The Pacific Division is a division in the Western Conference of the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. Fred Brown won the NBA's first three-point shooting percentage title, Jack Sikma played in the second of his seven career All-Star Games for Seattle, Gus Williams and Dennis Johnson were both named to the All-NBA Second Team, and Johnson was also named to the All-NBA First Defensive Team for the second consecutive year. The SuperSonics made it to the Western Conference Finals for the third straight season, but lost to the Lakers in five games. It was the last time that the backcourt of Williams and Johnson would play together in SuperSonics uniforms, as Johnson was traded to the Phoenix Suns before the start of the 1980–81 season and Williams sat out the year due to a contract dispute. The 1980–81 NBA season was the 35th season of the National Basketball Association. As a result, the SuperSonics fell to last place in the Pacific Division with a 34–48 mark, so far the only time they have ever finished in last place. Williams returned for the 1981–82 season, and Seattle managed respectable 52–30 and 48–34 records during the next two years. The 1981–82 NBA Season was the 36th season of the National Basketball Association.

In October of 1983, original team owner Sam Schulman sold the SuperSonics to Barry Ackerley, initiating a period of decline and mediocrity for the franchise. 1984 saw Fred Brown retire after playing 13 productive seasons, all with Seattle. His career reflected much of the SuperSonics' history to that time, having been on the same team roster as Rule and Wilkens during his rookie season, playing a key role on Seattle's first playoff teams, and being the team's important sixth man during the championship series years. In recognition of his many contributions to the team, Brown's number was retired in 1986. Lenny Wilkens left the organization following the 1984–85 season, and when Jack Sikma was traded after the 1985–86 season, the last remaining tie to the SuperSonics' championship team (aside from trainer Frank Furtado) had been severed. The 1984–85 NBA season was the 39th season of the National Basketball Association.

Among the few SuperSonics highlights of second half of the 1980s were Tom Chambers' All-Star Game MVP award in 1987, Seattle's surprise appearance in the 1987 Western Conference Finals, and the performance of the power trio of Chambers, Xavier McDaniel, and Dale Ellis. Thomas Doane Chambers (born June 21, 1959 in Ogden Utah) is an American former star NBA professional Basketball player at the Xavier Maurice McDaniel (born June 4 1963, in Columbia South Carolina) is a retired American National Basketball Association (NBA player Dale Ellis (born August 6, 1960 in Marietta Georgia) is a retired American professional Basketball player who played in the National Basketball In 1987–88, the three players each averaged over 20 points per game with Ellis at 25. 8 ppg, McDaniel at 21. 4, and Chambers at 20. 4. In the 1988–89 season, with Chambers having signed with Phoenix, Ellis improved to his scoring average to 27. The 1988–89 NBA season was the 43rd season of the National Basketball Association. 5 points per game and finished second in the league in three-point percentage. The SuperSonics finished with a 47–35 record, and made it to the second round of the 1989 playoffs. The 1989 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1988-1989 season.

1990s

Logo, 1995–2001.

The SuperSonics began setting a new foundation with the drafting of forward Shawn Kemp in 1989 and guard Gary Payton in 1990, and the trading of Dale Ellis and Xavier McDaniel to other teams during the 1990–91 season. Shawn T Kemp (born November 26 1969, in Elkhart, Indiana) is an American professional Basketball player formerly Gary Dwayne Payton (born July 23 1968 is an American professional Basketball player formerly in the National Basketball Association (NBA Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) Dale Ellis (born August 6, 1960 in Marietta Georgia) is a retired American professional Basketball player who played in the National Basketball Xavier Maurice McDaniel (born June 4 1963, in Columbia South Carolina) is a retired American National Basketball Association (NBA player The 1990–91 NBA season was the 45th season of the National Basketball Association. It was George Karl's arrival as head coach in 1992, however, that marked a return to regular season and playoff competitiveness for the SuperSonics. George Matthew Karl (born May 12 1951) is an American retired National Basketball Association (NBA and American Basketball Association With the continued improvement of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, the SuperSonics posted a 55–27 record in the 1992-93 season and took the Phoenix Suns to seven games in the Western Conference Finals. The 1992–93 NBA season was the 47th season of the National Basketball Association.

The next year, 1993-94, the SuperSonics had the best record in the NBA at 63–19, but suffered a humiliating first round loss to the Denver Nuggets, becoming the first #1 seed to lose a playoff series to a #8 seed. The 1993–94 NBA season was the 48th season of the National Basketball Association. The 1994 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1993-1994 season. The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. After playing the 1994–95 season in the Tacoma Dome the team moved to the renamed Key Arena for the 1995–96 season. The 1994–95 NBA season was the 49th season of the National Basketball Association. KeyArena at Seattle Center, also known as KeyArena is located north of downtown Seattle, USA on the grounds of Seattle Center (the site of 1962 The 1995–96 NBA season was the 50th season of the National Basketball Association, although the league didn't celebrate this anniversary until the following season Perhaps the strongest roster the Supersonics ever had was the 1995–96 team, which had a franchise best 64–18 record. With a deep roster comprised of All-NBA Second Team selections Kemp and Payton, forward Detlef Schrempf, center Sam Perkins, guard Hersey Hawkins, and guard Nate McMillan, the team reached the NBA Finals, but lost to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in six games. Detlef Schrempf (born January 21 1963, in Leverkusen, West Germany) is a retired German - American NBA Basketball Samuel Bruce Perkins (born June 14 1961, in Brooklyn, New York) is a retired American professional Basketball player Hersey R Hawkins Jr (born September 29 1966 in Chicago Illinois) is a retired American professional Basketball player Nathaniel "Nate" McMillan (born August 3 1964 in Raleigh North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball player and current head coach The 1996 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 1995-96 NBA season of the National Basketball Association. Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17 1963 is a retired American professional Basketball player and active businessman The Chicago Bulls are an American professional Basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Seattle continued to be a Western Conference powerhouse during the next two seasons, winning 57 games in 1996–97 and 61 games in 1997–98 for their second and third straight Pacific Division titles. The 1996–97 NBA season was the 51st season of the National Basketball Association. The 1997–98 NBA season was the 52nd season of the National Basketball Association. At the end of the 1997–98 season long-time Sonic and defensive specialist Nate McMillan retired.

2000s

Disagreements with management led to Karl leaving Seattle after the 1997–98 season, and the SuperSonics again descended into an extended period of mediocrity. The 2002–03 season saw All-Star Gary Payton traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, and it also marked the end to the SuperSonics 11-year streak of having a season with a winning percentage of at least . The 2002–03 NBA season was the 57th season of the National Basketball Association. The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional Basketball team based in Milwaukee Wisconsin. 500, the second longest current streak in the NBA at the time. The 2004–05 team surprised many when it won the organization's sixth division title under the leadership of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, winning 52 games. The 2004–05 NBA season was the 59th season of the National Basketball Association (NBA Walter Ray Allen (born July 20 1975 in Merced, California) commonly referred to as Ray Allen, is an American professional Basketball player Rashard Quovon Lewis (born August 8, 1979 in Pineville Louisiana) is an American professional Basketball player currently with the During the off-season in 2005, head coach Nate McMillan left the Sonics to accept a high-paying position to coach the Portland Trail Blazers. Nathaniel "Nate" McMillan (born August 3 1964 in Raleigh North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball player and current head coach The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, is an American professional Basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. After his departure, the team regressed the following season with a 35–47 record, missing the playoffs.

On May 22, 2007, the Supersonics were awarded the 2nd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, equaling the highest draft position the team has ever held. The 2007 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2007 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and They selected Kevin Durant out of Texas. Kevin Wayne Durant (born September 29, 1988 in Washington DC) On June 28, 2007, the SuperSonics traded Ray Allen and the 35th pick of the 2nd round (Glen Davis) in the 2007 NBA Draft to the Boston Celtics for rights to the 5th pick Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, and Delonte West. Walter Ray Allen (born July 20 1975 in Merced, California) commonly referred to as Ray Allen, is an American professional Basketball player Ronald Glen Davis (born January 1, 1986 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) commonly referred to as Glen Davis and nicknamed Big The 2007 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2007 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and The Boston Celtics are an American professional Basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the Atlantic Division of the Jeffrey Lynn Green (born August 28, 1986) is an American professional Basketball player for the NBA 's Oklahoma City Thunder Walter Robert "Wally" Szczerbiak (pronounced Surh-Bee-Ak (born March 5 1977) is an American professional Basketball player for Delonte Maurice West (born July 26 1983, in Washington DC) is an American professional Basketball player in the guard positions On July 11, 2007, the SuperSonics and the Orlando Magic agreed to a sign and trade for Rashard Lewis. The Orlando Magic is a professional Basketball team based in Orlando Florida. The SuperSonics received a future second-round draft pick and a $9. 5 million trade exception from the Magic. On July 20 the SuperSonics used the trade exception and a second-round draft pick to acquire Kurt Thomas and two first-round draft picks from the Phoenix Suns. Kurt Vincent Thomas (born October 4 1972, in Dallas Texas) is an American professional Basketball player with the National The Phoenix Suns are a professional Basketball team based in Phoenix Arizona. ^[1]

Proposed relocation to Oklahoma City

Main article: Seattle SuperSonics proposed relocation to Oklahoma City

In 2006, the Sonics were sold to an investment group led by Clayton Bennett, who said the team would stay in Seattle if a new arena complex was built. Clayton "Clay" Ike Bennett is an American businessman and Chairman of the Professional Basketball Club LLC, the ownership of the After poorly assembled attempts to try and get Washington state and local governments to fund a $500 million dollar arena complex in Renton, Washington, Bennett requested arbitration with the City of Seattle to be released from their lease on KeyArena^[2] and notified the NBA that he wanted to relocate the team to Oklahoma City. Renton is a city in King County, Washington, United States. A suburb situated 13 miles (21 km southeast of Seattle Washington, Renton Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the US state of Oklahoma. ^[3] When the arbitration request was rejected by a judge, the City of Seattle sued Bennett's ownership group to force them to stay until the end of the lease. In April 2008, the release of some of the ownership group's internal emails showing that Bennett and some of the members were talking about moving the team to Oklahoma City prior to the purchase,^[4] the city accused the ownership of failing to negotiate in good faith and former owner, Howard Schultz, filed a lawsuit to have the court take control of the team citing fraud and misrepresentation in buying the team and for breach of contract after the purchase. ^[5] Bennett's attorney's filed a motion accusing the city of duplicity by suing the team to make "the Oklahomans' bleed cash in a hostile media environment" and force them to sell to a local ownership group led by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational Computer technology Corporation, which rose to dominate the Home computer Steve Anthony Ballmer (born March 24 1956 is an American Businessman. ^[6] The move for the 2008-2009 season was given conditional approval by the NBA Board of Governors pending the outcome of litigation over the lease and ownership of the team. There will be a court session in June to determine if the Sonics can move to Oklahoma City or if they will be forced to stay in Seattle. ^[7][8]

Season-by-season records

Main article: Seattle SuperSonics seasons

Home arenas

• KeyArena (formerly Seattle Center Coliseum) 1967–1978, 1985–1994, 1995–present
• The Kingdome 1978–1985
• Tacoma Dome 1994–1995 (During KeyArena Remodel)

Uniforms

The Supersonics wear white uniforms with green and gold trim at home. This is a list of seasons completed by the Seattle SuperSonics of the National Basketball Association. KeyArena at Seattle Center, also known as KeyArena is located north of downtown Seattle, USA on the grounds of Seattle Center (the site of 1962 Seattle Center is a fairground, Park and arts and entertainment center in Seattle Washington. The Kingdome was an indoor sports and entertainment arena owned by King County Washington and located in Seattle Washington. The Tacoma Dome (constructed by Tacoma Dome Associates led by McGranahan Messenger Architects a design build entity is an indoor arena located in Tacoma Their road uniforms are dark green with white and gold accents. Their third kit is gold with green and white trim.

Rivalries

The "I-5" Rivalry

The Supersonics are traditional rivals with the Portland Trail Blazers and because of the team's proximities, the rivalry has been dubbed the "I-5" Rivalry in reference to the Interstate 5 freeway that connects the two cities. The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, is an American professional Basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. Interstate 5 (I-5 is the main Interstate highway on the West Coast of the United States, paralleling the Pacific Ocean from Canada to Mexico The rivalry has been fairly equal in accomplishments, as both teams have won one championship each. The all-time record of this rivalry is 98-94, in favor of the Supersonics. The Rivalry was revived when in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Blazers and SuperSonics had the #1 and #2 overall picks, respectively. The 2007 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2007 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and The Blazers selected Greg Oden of Ohio State hwo got injured before the season with their first pick, while the Sonics selected Kevin Durant out of University of Texas. Gregory Wayne Oden Jr (born January 22 1988 is an American Basketball player at the center position The Ohio State University ( OSU) is a Coeducational public Research university in the state of Ohio. Kevin Wayne Durant (born September 29, 1988 in Washington DC)

Players

Main article: Seattle SuperSonics all-time roster

Basketball Hall of Famers

• Lenny Wilkens (player and head coach for the SuperSonics; inducted as both, coached the 1979 Championship Team)

Retired numbers

• 1 Gus Williams, G, 1977–1984
• 10 Nate McMillan, G, 1986–1998; Head Coach, 2000–2005
• 19 Lenny Wilkens, G, 1968–1972; Head Coach, 1969–1972 & 1977–1985
• 24 Spencer Haywood, F, 1971–1975
• 32 Fred Brown, G, 1971–1984
• 43 Jack Sikma, C, 1977–1986
• Microphone Bob Blackburn, Broadcaster, 1967–1992

Current roster

Seattle SuperSonics roster v • d • e
Players	Coaches
Pos. The following is a list of players both past and current who appeared at least in one game for the Seattle SuperSonics NBA franchise Leonard Randolph "Lenny" Wilkens (born October 28 1937 in Brooklyn, New York U Gus Williams (born October 10 1953 in Mount Vernon New York) is a retired American professional Basketball player most noted for his play with Nathaniel "Nate" McMillan (born August 3 1964 in Raleigh North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball player and current head coach Leonard Randolph "Lenny" Wilkens (born October 28 1937 in Brooklyn, New York U Spencer Haywood (born April 22 1949, in Silver City Mississippi) is a retired American professional Basketball player Fred "Downtown Freddie" Brown (born August 7, 1948 in Milwaukee Wisconsin) is a former professional Basketball player Jack Wayne Sikma (born November 14 1955 in Kankakee Illinois) is an American former NBA Basketball center. Bob Blackburn (1924-) is the original Play-by-play voice of the Seattle SuperSonics of the National Basketball Association. # Nat. Name Ht. Wt. From 4. 5 F/C 4 USA Collison, Nick 82 6 ft 10 in (2. Forward-center is a Basketball position for players who play or have played both forward and center on a consistent basis Nicholas John Collison (born October 26, 1980 in Orange City Iowa) is an American professional Basketball player currently a 08 m) 255 lb (116 kg) Kansas 3. The University of Kansas (often referred to as KU or just Kansas) is a public research university with campuses located in Lawrence, Kansas City 5 F 0 USA Dupree, Ronald 79 6 ft 7 in (2. The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center Ronald Edmund Dupree (born January 26, 1981 in Biloxi Mississippi) is an American professional Basketball player 01 m) 209 lb (95 kg) Louisiana State 2. Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, generally known as Louisiana State University or LSU, is a public, Coeducational 5 G/F 35 USA Durant, Kevin 81 6 ft 9 in (2. Swingman is a basketball term denoting a player who can play both the Small forward and Shooting guard positions and in essence swing between the shooting Kevin Wayne Durant (born September 29, 1988 in Washington DC) 06 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Texas 5. 0 C 16 NED Elson, Francisco 84 7 ft 0 in (2. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Francisco Marinho Robby Elson (born February 28 1976 in Rotterdam, Netherlands) is a Dutch professional Basketball player of Surinamese descent 13 m) 235 lb (107 kg) California 3. The University of California Berkeley (also referred to as Cal, Berkeley and UC Berkeley) is a major research university located in Berkeley 0 SF 15 FRA Gelabale, Mickaël 79 6 ft 7 in (2. The small forward, or colloquially the three, is one of the five positions in a regulation Basketball game Mickaël Gelabale (born May 22 1983) is a French professional Basketball player currently with the Oklahoma City Thunder of the 01 m) 215 lb (98 kg) France 3. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. 5 F 22 USA Green, Jeff 81 6 ft 9 in (2. The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center Jeffrey Lynn Green (born August 28, 1986) is an American professional Basketball player for the NBA 's Oklahoma City Thunder 06 m) 235 lb (107 kg) Georgetown 2. Georgetown University is a Jesuit Private university located in Georgetown Washington D 5 G/F 44 USA Griffin, Adrian 77 6 ft 5 in (1. Swingman is a basketball term denoting a player who can play both the Small forward and Shooting guard positions and in essence swing between the shooting Adrian Darnell Griffin (born July 4 1974 in Wichita Kansas) is an American professional Basketball player currently for the Milwaukee Bucks 96 m) 230 lb (104 kg) Seton Hall 3. 5 F 42 USA Marshall, Donyell 81 6 ft 9 in (2. The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center Donyell Lamar Marshall (born May 18 1973, in Reading Pennsylvania, U 06 m) 245 lb (111 kg) Connecticut 5. The University of Connecticut ( Connecticut or UConn) is the State of Connecticut 's Land-grant university. 0 C 27 FRA Petro, Johan 84 7 ft 0 in (2. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Johan Petro (born January 27 1986 in Paris, France) is a French professional Basketball player currently with the Oklahoma City Thunder 13 m) 247 lb (112 kg) France 1. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. 0 PG 8 USA Ridnour, Luke 74 6 ft 2 in (1. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Lucas Robin (Luke Ridnour (born February 13 1981 is an American professional Basketball player for the NBA 's Milwaukee Bucks. 88 m) 175 lb (79 kg) Oregon 5. The University of Oregon (UO is a public, Coeducational Research university in Eugene Oregon, United States. 0 C 18 SEN Sene, Mouhamed 83 6 ft 11 in (2. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Mouhamed Saer Sene (born May 12 1986) is a Senegalese professional Basketball player who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder 11 m) 230 lb (104 kg) Senegal 5. Senegal (le Sénégal officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country south of the Sénégal River in western Africa. 0 C 31 USA Swift, Robert  85 7 ft 1 in (2. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Robert Swift (born December 3, 1985, in Bakersfield California) is an American professional Basketball player for the Oklahoma 16 m) 245 lb (111 kg) Bakersfield HS (CA)* 1. Notable alumni Jeff Buckey - former NFL football player Ric Drasin - actor author designer of the Gold's Gym 0 PG 25 USA Watson, Earl 73 6 ft 1 in (1. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Earl Joseph Watson Jr (born June 12 1979 in Kansas City Kansas) is an American professional Basketball player currently with the 85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) UCLA 4. The University of California Los Angeles (generally known as UCLA) is a public research university located in Westwood Los Angeles, California, United 5 F/C 54 USA Wilcox, Chris 82 6 ft 10 in (2. Forward-center is a Basketball position for players who play or have played both forward and center on a consistent basis Chris Ray Wilcox (born September 3, 1982 in Raleigh North Carolina) is an American professional Basketball player who currently plays 08 m) 235 lb (107 kg) Maryland 1. The University of Maryland College Park (often referred to as The University of Maryland UMD, UMCP or simply Maryland) is a public research 0 PG 29 USA Wilks, Mike 70 5 ft 10 in (1. Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Michael Sharod Wilks Jr (born May 7 1979, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American professional Basketball Point 78 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Rice 2. William Marsh Rice University (commonly called Rice University and opened in 1912 as The William Marsh Rice Institute for the Advancement of Letters Science and Art 5 G/F 21 USA Wilkins, Damien 78 6 ft 6 in (1. Swingman is a basketball term denoting a player who can play both the Small forward and Shooting guard positions and in essence swing between the shooting Damien Lamont Wilkins (born January 11, 1980 in Washington North Carolina) is an American professional basketball player currently with the 98 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Georgia	Head coach P. J. Carlesimo (Fordham) Assistant coach(es) Scott Brooks (UC Irvine) Mark Bryant (Seton Hall) Brian Keefe (UNLV) Ralph Lewis (La Salle) Walt Rock (Southwestern*) Paul Westhead (Saint Joseph's) Legend (C) Team captain (DP) Draft pick (FA) Free agent Injured Roster • Transactions Last change: 2008-03-11

Coaches

High points

Franchise leaders

Single game records

• Points: 58 by Fred Brown vs the Golden State Warriors, March 23, 1974
• Rebounds: 30 by Jim Fox vs the Los Angeles Lakers, December 26, 1973
• Assists: 25 by Nate McMillan vs the Los Angeles Clippers, February 23, 1987
• Steals:

• 10 by Fred Brown vs the Philadelphia 76ers, December 3, 1976
• 10 by Gus Williams vs the New Jersey Nets, February 22, 1978

Single season records

Career leaders

Career per game

Career per 48 minutes

Individual awards

See also

• Bob Blackburn, broadcaster, "The Voice of the Seattle Supersonics" 1967–1992
• Kevin Calabro, current broadcaster

Notes

External links

• Seattle SuperSonics official web site
• NBA owners vote to approve the Supersonics' relocation - NBA - Yahoo! Sports