Goodbye Seattle: old Sonics look for clean slate in Oklahoma City

To say the decision to move the Sonics from Seattle to Oklahoma City wasn't risk is an understatement. With several straight losing seasons in an arena where fans didn't pack the seats the team owner felt an extraordinary financial decision was in order. As the result the struggling basketball franchise found a change in scenery. Luckily the move most likely won't cause a drop in the fan base with Kevin Durant set for his second season. Also rejoining the team will be Jeff Green who received considerable playing time last year. His 10 ppg and 5 rpg did little without enough support from the rest of the team to improve their record.

With the team moved to a new city a new name had to created. The catchy entity developed is none other than the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doesn't sound too impressive to me, I personally liked the original Super Sonics. The big question for this relocated, hyped-up team is how can they compete in the West with so many potential contenders to boot. Everyone knows Durant will be a threat anyway, among the top players in the league at his position yet won't be able to inact miracles for them to reach the playoffs. At this point the goal might as well be for Oklahoma City, once occupied temporarily by the Hornets to reach a .500 winning percentage and pull in a few extra choice talents with veteran experience.

It will take time for the young, aspiring franchise to get within pushing distance among the NBA's elite. Finishing the 07-08 campaign with a 20-62 record showed a sharp decline in progress than in previous seasons. The low mark proved to be one of their worst seasons in over a decade. With such high hopes after picking up the no. 1 draft pick who went on to receive the Rookie of the Year award this team looked to be going in the right direction. So far in the preseason, which really doesn't matter much, they're 1-5 and scheduled to play the Lakers tonight. I know it will take more than the additions of Joe Smith and Desmond Mason to catapult the 'Thunder' out of the water.