By Mark Cuban “Can’t Imagine Any Owner Standing in the Way” of a Franchise Moving to Seattle
October 1, 2012 – 8:45 am by Brad Gagnon
After over 40 years of SuperSonics basketball, the NBA’s been out of Seattle for half a decade now. But the possibility remains that they get professional basketball back at some point in the future, especially with the future of the Sacramento Kings up in the air.
Who better to ask about potential NBA franchise movement than outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban?
Mark Cuban joined Mitch Levy on KJR in Seattle to discuss the future of the NBA in Seattle and the potential for a team moving to the city to fill the void left by the Sonics.
On what he’d tell a Shark Tank contestant with a proposal to bring the NBA back to Seattle:
“I would tell them that’s a great idea. I love the idea, but unfortunately I don’t see any expansion franchises coming anytime soon, so he’s going to have to buy and relocate a team. And from there, then, it’s up to him. I’d love to see a team back in Seattle. As you guys know, I thought it was a mistake to leave. I voted against it. I think it’s a great basketball market; I think it’s a great market in general. But now we are where we are, and I don’t see the NBA expanding.”
On if the NBA has missed Seattle or if that’s not a fair assessment:
“I don’t think it’s a fair assessment. Obviously Oklahoma City’s done a great job, and so when I say I’m pro-Seattle, it doesn’t mean I’m anti-Oklahoma City. In reality, among our small-market teams they’ve probably done the best. And so as much as people don’t really like Clay, Clay has done a good job down there. … Based on where we are, there are teams that would pop into consideration.”
On the Sacramento Kings being a prime candidate to move to Seattle:
“I don’t think the NBA looks at that in terms of, ‘Let’s push one team to go here or there.’ Every owner that has an NBA team, it’s their baby. It’s up to them to determine what’s best for them. And so — whether Sacramento or any team — it’s going to be up to somebody to go in there and acquire the team, and then make an application to move the team to Seattle. What I can tell you is I can’t imagine any owner standing in the way of that. … I’d be shocked if any owner stood up and said that was a bad idea.”
Listen to Mark Cuban on KJR here
Tags: Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, NBA, NBA in Seattle, Sacramento Kings, Seattle
Comments