Nothing un-American about it in one sense. I devoted myself to a team. Community or location didn't make it any less fun. I'm sure it'd be more fun if I was in Seattle to witness it more, but I had a whole lots of fun. McDonald's ball-pit fun. Having a community that is all about my team doesn't make it any more fun and at the same time, being so far from them doesn't make it any less fun. I'll be singled out among friends at times, but I'm fine with that as long as I can still root for my team. You'll find a whole lot more fans of teams not even close to their hometown (see Yankees, Red Sox, Cowboys, Patriots and so on).

 

Born & raised a Yankee fan due in part to their playing Spring Training in Fort Lauderdale. But since they were only there for one month out of the year, I suppose I should have devised my plan of who to root for a little better. The Marlins came in 1993 and I really had no interest in rooting for them even if they were in my viscinity. I started getting into them around early 2007 and after I graduated college. Started watching a lot of their games on FSN, liked the players and their personalities, so now I root for them.

 

Olympics revolve more around pride for your country. People here definitely are all about representing their state in terms of sports, but with so many options in the whole U.S., it makes it easier to choose different teams to root for. Thanks for calling out my patriotism though.

 

 

There is a name for fans of the Yankees, Red Sox, Cowboys, and Patriots when they are not actually from those areas...front-runners. For the record, I don't think you are a front-runner. If you were you certainly wouldn't be a Sonics fan. And obviously I wasn't questioning your patriotism. Just using an example. Yeah, the Olympics is about pride in your country. I think professional sports is basically the same thing...pride in your community. Nothing brings a community together like a local sports team can. To me, that's one of the cool things about sports. Ask fans of any team, say the Royals for example, why they are Royals fans, and the answer 99% will give is "because i'm from KC and that's my team". To me, that's what being a fan should be about. Yeah, the team may stink, but it is part of you and your community. That's why I hate it when I see so many Mets fans in our(ok, the Dolphins) stadium with their little kids, teaching them to root against the Marlins. Those kids are South Floridians and should root for the home team, just as their parents did growing up in New York.

 

But whatever, that is getting off the topic here. I'm not trying to change your mind on this or tell you who to root for. I just don't understand your theory on "fandom" and it just struck me as strange. You have to admit you are in the minority in terms of how you select teams.

 

Anyway, now that you are seemingly without an NBA team since you don't want to support the OKC franchise, where do you turn now? You gave the Fish a second look in 2007...any chance of giving the Heat a chance? I mean they are going to be pretty entertaining this season with Wade and Beasley. Just a thought!

Nothing un-American about it in one sense. I devoted myself to a team. Community or location didn't make it any less fun. I'm sure it'd be more fun if I was in Seattle to witness it more, but I had a whole lots of fun. McDonald's ball-pit fun. Having a community that is all about my team doesn't make it any more fun and at the same time, being so far from them doesn't make it any less fun. I'll be singled out among friends at times, but I'm fine with that as long as I can still root for my team. You'll find a whole lot more fans of teams not even close to their hometown (see Yankees, Red Sox, Cowboys, Patriots and so on).

 

Born & raised a Yankee fan due in part to their playing Spring Training in Fort Lauderdale. But since they were only there for one month out of the year, I suppose I should have devised my plan of who to root for a little better. The Marlins came in 1993 and I really had no interest in rooting for them even if they were in my viscinity. I started getting into them around early 2007 and after I graduated college. Started watching a lot of their games on FSN, liked the players and their personalities, so now I root for them.

 

Olympics revolve more around pride for your country. People here definitely are all about representing their state in terms of sports, but with so many options in the whole U.S., it makes it easier to choose different teams to root for. Thanks for calling out my patriotism though.

 

 

There is a name for fans of the Yankees, Red Sox, Cowboys, and Patriots when they are not actually from those areas...front-runners. For the record, I don't think you are a front-runner. If you were you certainly wouldn't be a Sonics fan. And obviously I wasn't questioning your patriotism. Just using an example. Yeah, the Olympics is about pride in your country. I think professional sports is basically the same thing...pride in your community. Nothing brings a community together like a local sports team can. To me, that's one of the cool things about sports. Ask fans of any team, say the Royals for example, why they are Royals fans, and the answer 99% will give is "because i'm from KC and that's my team". To me, that's what being a fan should be about. Yeah, the team may stink, but it is part of you and your community. That's why I hate it when I see so many Mets fans in our(ok, the Dolphins) stadium with their little kids, teaching them to root against the Marlins. Those kids are South Floridians and should root for the home team, just as their parents did growing up in New York.

 

But whatever, that is getting off the topic here. I'm not trying to change your mind on this or tell you who to root for. I just don't understand your theory on "fandom" and it just struck me as strange. You have to admit you are in the minority in terms of how you select teams.

 

Anyway, now that you are seemingly without an NBA team since you don't want to support the OKC franchise, where do you turn now? You gave the Fish a second look in 2007...any chance of giving the Heat a chance? I mean they are going to be pretty entertaining this season with Wade and Beasley. Just a thought!

 

I'm definitely in the minority for what teams I'm a fan of, no doubt. I was beginning to like the Heat the first year they got Wade. When him and Odom and Butler had a nice run, I was enjoying that. I really got into New Orleans late in the 2007 campaign and a whole lote more this past season. CP3 & West such a tough tandem (not quite GP & Kemp, but I'm not too picky).

 

Beasley is going to be nice. The Chalmers pick-up is just as valuable and I think Riley will do well out of the coach's box as long as he has his say in personel. I still think that my family's connection to the Knicks (let alone they were my East team for so long) will make it tough to root for them. I enjoy quality basketball, so who knows. Take care homie.

 

Matt

The Philadelphia 76ers have apparently won the Elton Brand free-agent sweepstakes.

 

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday that Brand has informed the Sixers that he will accept a five-year deal worth an estimated $82 million and spurn what was presumed to be a slam-dunk return to the Los Angeles Clippers to hook up with Clipper-to-be Baron Davis.

 

The Sixers cannot formally sign Brand before midnight, with Wednesday serving as the first day that NBA teams can officially complete signings and trades after the lifting of a leaguewide moratorium which began July 1.

 

But Philadelphia has secured Brand's verbal commitment, sources said, after first reaching an agreement in principle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a trade that, according to sources, will send Sixers forward Rodney Carney, center Calvin Booth and a future first-round pick to the Wolves without Philadelphia having to take back any salary. The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that the Sixers will receive a future second-round pick in return.

 

That trade will shave nearly $3 million off the Sixers' payroll next season and increase what was already substantial salary-cap space, positioning them to sign Brand to a five-year deal believed to be starting in the $14-to-15 million range. Exact figures are expected to be available later Tuesday evening when the league reveals next season's salary-cap figure to its 30 teams and the media.

 

Said one source close to the process: "Elton wants to go East."

 

Another source had described Brand as leaning "70-30" in favor of going to the Sixers and didn't rule out the possibility that the Clippers could still increase their five-year offer beyond the latest estimate of roughly $75 million. The Clippers are also the only team in the running with the ability to offer a no-trade clause to Brand, something that only one other player in the league -- Staples Center co-tenant Kobe Bryant -- has in his contract.

 

Philadelphia's shedding of two salaries to set up a major free-agent signing is reminiscent of the move made by Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 1996, when then-Lakers personnel chief Jerry West sent Anthony Peeler and George Lynch to the then-Vancouver Grizzlies, creating the cap space that made it possible for L.A. to sign Shaquille O'Neal away from Orlando.

 

Getting Brand away from the Clippers might not quite have a Shaq-sized impact on the Sixers, but it would be an undeniable coup for Philadelphia on a variety of levels.

 

Brand is the proven power player Philadelphia clearly lacks on an otherwise promising roster that won many admirers as last season progressed. The Sixers extended Detroit to six games in a first-round series more competitive than many anticipated and, if they can formally secure Brand's signature, would be adding a two-time All-Star to veterans Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala, top youngsters Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young, and the considerable wingspan of Samuel Dalembert at center.

 

A move to the East would also come with on- and off-court benefits for Brand, sending him to a conference with far fewer title contenders and moving him closer to his East Coast-based family with Brand and his wife expecting their first child this fall.

 

If Brand indeed goes through with his apparent intent to join the Sixers, such an outcome is bound to be widely branded as a shocker after he and agent David Falk announced last week that Brand was opting out of the final year of his previous contract (worth $16.4 million) to give the Clippers more payroll flexibility to strengthen the team around Brand. Within 24 hours, L.A. responded on the first day of free agency by reaching a verbal agreement with Davis in what easily ranks as the biggest free-agent coup in Clippers history.

 

Brand told ESPN.com on June 30 that his "intention is to stay" with the Clippers, while Falk spoke optimistically of Brand signing a deal to "finish his career with the Clippers" if the team could make another significant personnel acquisition or two. ESPN.com reported late last week that Davis was the player Brand specifically asked Clippers management to chase in June.

 

During the ensuing week, while L.A. has been trying to convince its 29-year-old franchise forward to stay, Brand has also been weighing an offer from the Golden State Warriors believed to be worth more than what the Clippers or Sixers can offer him. After Davis informed the Warriors that he was leaving the Bay Area to sign a five-year deal worth an estimated $65 million with his hometown Clippers, Golden State responded by presenting Brand with a five-year offer worth an estimated $90 million.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3479059

Interesting stuff. The 76ers just got a lot better.

 

In other news, the Warriors signed Maggette. Good move for them. Definately takes some of the sting out of losing Davis. Personally, I think thngs worked out pretty good for Golden State. Davis is great, but he's going to be 30 years old with a history of injuries. If Ellis re-signs and can play the point on a consistent basis, they'll be fine.

the real loser of all this are the Clippers ... they lose out on Brand & Maggette and gain B.Davis and although the baron is a monster I dont think it will offset the loss of both Brand & Maggette.

Philly will still suck and the Clippers got raped.

Being born in Washington State, it was sad to here this Clay Bennett is a fool.

 

The Sonics won the NBA Title in 1979, its all gone now.

 

I wont be surprised to see another team in Seattle soon though.

I am a Marlins fan who has no connection to Florida or Miami. But I am as passionate about this team as anyone and if I lived closer would attend games regularly.

 

Now I would be upset if the team moved, because its a dark day for the franchise. Its a failed attempt.

 

But I would still follow them and love them if they move.

As a Sonics fan since the early 90s, this has been such a painful and annoying event in my life. It's so tough to admit to myself that the time I invested myself to for so many years will no longer exist come October 2008. I've come to the conclusion that it seems like this was the best way to leave the city, but it still hurts. I still remember making sure I went to that one game every season between the Sonics/Heat at Miami Arena in the early to mid 90s to see Payton & Kemp devour the Heat. And now, to see a team that has been rebuilding since Payton left, that had so much potential going into this season even with the young players...I can't even comprehend how I'll feel come opening day of the next season. I really wish the worst for Clay Bennett.

 

Matt

 

Sorry for your loss?

 

I don't mean to sound like an ass, but what exactly are you losing here? Have you even ever been to Seattle?? You don't say, but given your age and the fact that the only mention of ever watching them live was in Miami I don't see your problem. I feel really bad for the people of Seattle, but it's not like YOU live there. I'm guessing you've been following them on TV your whole life, what changes now? And if you have lived in South Florida your whole life, I'd like to offer you the chance to right a wrong and root for the NBA team that plays here....not 4000 miles away. Sorry but people born in a place where there is a local team and yet they are a fan of a team in a city they have no other connection to is a pet peeve of mine. It drives me nuts...but not as much as Mets fans who left New York decades earlier dressing their kids in Mets stuff and bring them to games to root against the home team....but that is a discussion for another thread.

 

I connected with a team I liked at an early age, and because I don't live in proximity to them, I should not root for them? I understand where you're coming from, but it's a bit of a lame argument to say "You don't live there, get over it." I didn't realize geography is the only basis for rooting for a sports club.

 

Whether they play in Oklahoma City or Seattle really shouldn't bother you, though. I understand feeling bad for the fans in Seattle but to say it's been a "painful and annoying time in my life" is a bit much.

 

The process of coming to grips has been a pain. For a team that has been a part of a city for over four decades to move in such a manner as this (deceiving owner, David Stern showing no faith in the city/team), it's more than a bitch. Not sure how this doesn't make sense to y'all how this has annoyed me.

 

Because you don't live there and you can't go to the games anyway. Again, I can understand feeling bad for the people that actually live there and are actually losing something.

If something happens to the Marlins, is Admin supposed to not care?

this is just as much the city of seattle's fault as it is clay bennett. Key Arena is a piece of crap.

 

 

hell you can argue that its even howard schultz's fault, that lawsuit is the most hilarious thing i have seen in a while, like schultz didnt have any inkling of an idea that bennett would want to move the team considering bennnett and all his investors are from OKC.

As a Sonics fan since the early 90s, this has been such a painful and annoying event in my life. It's so tough to admit to myself that the time I invested myself to for so many years will no longer exist come October 2008. I've come to the conclusion that it seems like this was the best way to leave the city, but it still hurts. I still remember making sure I went to that one game every season between the Sonics/Heat at Miami Arena in the early to mid 90s to see Payton & Kemp devour the Heat. And now, to see a team that has been rebuilding since Payton left, that had so much potential going into this season even with the young players...I can't even comprehend how I'll feel come opening day of the next season. I really wish the worst for Clay Bennett.

 

Matt

 

Sorry for your loss?

 

I don't mean to sound like an ass, but what exactly are you losing here? Have you even ever been to Seattle?? You don't say, but given your age and the fact that the only mention of ever watching them live was in Miami I don't see your problem. I feel really bad for the people of Seattle, but it's not like YOU live there. I'm guessing you've been following them on TV your whole life, what changes now? And if you have lived in South Florida your whole life, I'd like to offer you the chance to right a wrong and root for the NBA team that plays here....not 4000 miles away. Sorry but people born in a place where there is a local team and yet they are a fan of a team in a city they have no other connection to is a pet peeve of mine. It drives me nuts...but not as much as Mets fans who left New York decades earlier dressing their kids in Mets stuff and bring them to games to root against the home team....but that is a discussion for another thread.

 

I connected with a team I liked at an early age, and because I don't live in proximity to them, I should not root for them? I understand where you're coming from, but it's a bit of a lame argument to say "You don't live there, get over it." I didn't realize geography is the only basis for rooting for a sports club.

 

Whether they play in Oklahoma City or Seattle really shouldn't bother you, though. I understand feeling bad for the fans in Seattle but to say it's been a "painful and annoying time in my life" is a bit much.

 

The process of coming to grips has been a pain. For a team that has been a part of a city for over four decades to move in such a manner as this (deceiving owner, David Stern showing no faith in the city/team), it's more than a bitch. Not sure how this doesn't make sense to y'all how this has annoyed me.

 

Because you don't live there and you can't go to the games anyway. Again, I can understand feeling bad for the people that actually live there and are actually losing something.

If something happens to the Marlins, is Admin supposed to not care?

 

No, he can still feel bad for the fans that live here and go to the games. It's different with him anyway cuz he flies down here every year to watch the games.

leave it up to donald sterling to screw that one up.

Sucks for Davis

Camby has been traded to the LA Clippers.

 

Saves face a little for the team and a Camby-Davis duo isn't that bad. Add a few more key players they should be pretty good.

Camby has been traded to the LA Clippers.

 

Saves face a little for the team and a Camby-Davis duo isn't that bad. Add a few more key players they should be pretty good.

If the Clips somehow also get Josh Smith I think the Clips will be a force in the West. Again the key word is somehow, because it would be in the Hawks best interest to keep Smith.

 

Davis/Camby/Smith >>> Davis/Brand/Magette

Camby has been traded to the LA Clippers.

 

Saves face a little for the team and a Camby-Davis duo isn't that bad. Add a few more key players they should be pretty good.

If the Clips somehow also get Josh Smith I think the Clips will be a force in the West. Again the key word is somehow, because it would be in the Hawks best interest to keep Smith.

 

Davis/Camby/Smith >>> Davis/Brand/Magette

Smith has been vocal about leaving I wonder if this helps his chances or the Hawks play a Lakers deal and just not move the kid.

Camby has been traded to the LA Clippers.

 

Saves face a little for the team and a Camby-Davis duo isn't that bad. Add a few more key players they should be pretty good.

If the Clips somehow also get Josh Smith I think the Clips will be a force in the West. Again the key word is somehow, because it would be in the Hawks best interest to keep Smith.

 

Davis/Camby/Smith >>> Davis/Brand/Magette

Smith has been vocal about leaving I wonder if this helps his chances or the Hawks play a Lakers deal and just not move the kid.

 

The Clips don't have the cap room to get Smith after the Camby trade.

Dang it! It was only for a 2nd round pick, why wasnt Riley all over this!?!? Camby woulda rounded out our lineup.

Dang it! It was only for a 2nd round pick, why wasnt Riley all over this!?!? Camby woulda rounded out our lineup.

 

 

The only reason it was only a 2nd round pick was because the Clips had the cap room to absorb Camby's deal. If not there would have beem players involved.

Dang it! It was only for a 2nd round pick, why wasnt Riley all over this!?!? Camby woulda rounded out our lineup.

 

Is the salary cap really that hard to understand?

 

The Heat didn't have room under the salary cap for this type of move. They would have had to trade a player or players whose salary equaled Camby's to make a trade. The Clippers were $14 mil under the cap after Brand left, so they could absorb Camby's salary without having to give anything up in return. The Nuggets made the trade to cut payroll and try to get under the luxary tax limit.

Dang it! It was only for a 2nd round pick, why wasnt Riley all over this!?!? Camby woulda rounded out our lineup.

 

Is the salary cap really that hard to understand?

 

The Heat didn't have room under the salary cap for this type of move. They would have had to trade a player or players whose salary equaled Camby's to make a trade. The Clippers were $14 mil under the cap after Brand left, so they could absorb Camby's salary without having to give anything up in return. The Nuggets made the trade to cut payroll and try to get under the luxary tax limit.

 

we could have signed and trade Ricky Davis and some body else.

 

Chalmers

Wade

Marion

Beasley

Camby

 

wow...

Dang it! It was only for a 2nd round pick, why wasnt Riley all over this!?!? Camby woulda rounded out our lineup.

 

Is the salary cap really that hard to understand?

 

The Heat didn't have room under the salary cap for this type of move. They would have had to trade a player or players whose salary equaled Camby's to make a trade. The Clippers were $14 mil under the cap after Brand left, so they could absorb Camby's salary without having to give anything up in return. The Nuggets made the trade to cut payroll and try to get under the luxary tax limit.

 

we could have signed and trade Ricky Davis and some body else.

 

Chalmers

Wade

Marion

Beasley

Camby

 

wow...

 

That would mean someone (a.)wants Ricky Davis and (b.) is willing to pay him more than the mid-level exception...and nobody is that crazy. He's an unrestricted free agent. Any team that wants him can just sign him to the mid-level($5.8 million I believe) or part of it without having to give up something to get him.

Dang it! It was only for a 2nd round pick, why wasnt Riley all over this!?!? Camby woulda rounded out our lineup.

 

Is the salary cap really that hard to understand?

 

yea it is the hardest in sports

 

I don't follow enough to try and understand it, but just I always hear its the most confusing one.

 

Also, Posey signed with the Hornets today

 

4 years 25 million.

Clippers don't look all that bad all of a sudden. B-Diddy, Camby, Kaman, Eric Gordan, Brevin Knight, Cuttino Mobley, Tim Thomas. At least it looks like they're actually trying.

Clippers don't look all that bad all of a sudden. B-Diddy, Camby, Kaman, Eric Gordan, Brevin Knight, Cuttino Mobley, Tim Thomas. At least it looks like they're actually trying.

 

Gordan Thomas? when did that happen? I missed something.