Updated Feb 7, 2012 - 7:41 pm
Reporter: Stern seems genuine about NBA in Seattle
If you were to make a list of the most hated people in the history of Seattle sports, it would be hard not to include NBA commissioner David Stern. The image of Stern sitting in front of the Washington state legislature demanding a new NBA arena is one that continues to rile fans of the team that gave the city its last major sports title.
But for the first time since the SuperSonics left for Oklahoma City nearly four years ago, it appears that Stern is open to having a team return to the Emerald City.
 NBA commissioner David Stern said Seattle is back on the NBA's radar. (AP) |
Smith, a beat reporter covering the Utah Jazz, told "The Kevin Calabro Show" on 710 ESPN Seattle that Stern seemed genuine with his comments.
"I was impressed by the tone of his voice and the honesty, and exactly what he said," Smith said.
While the Thunder has been a huge success, playing front of sell-out crowds in Oklahoma City, the void the team left in Seattle has been a black mark on Stern's legacy as commissioner.
"To the best of my knowledge ... Stern, ever since Oklahoma City kind of stole the Sonics, has really seemed to distance himself from that situation, the city. Always diplomatic but at times very negative," Smith explained. "[But] he sounded interested, he sounded like the door was open."
Stern's optimism is preceeded by recent developments regarding a new arena plan being discussed with Seattle city leaders. Christopher Hansen, a wealthy hedge-fund manager with Seattle roots, has purchased multiple properties south of the Safeco Field parking garage and intends to build a facility that could house both an NBA and NHL franchise.
In an exclusive interview with the "Kevin Calabro Show," Seattle mayor Mike McGinn said Tuesday that city leaders are taking Hansen's proposal seriously.
"Both sides are taking it very seriously and that's different than what we've seen over the past few years," McGinn said.
Most of the funding for a new arena will have to come from the private sector given the city's reluctance to foot the bill during such a dire economic climate.
"Clearly there is a lot of excitement," McGinn said, "but we also recognize that we're in a tough budget time, and there are folks who have expressed skepticism as well."
Nonetheless, the excitement generated from the most recent developments have the nation talking, and the commissioner has been listening.
"Basically it sounds like if Seattle and [Hansen] can find funding for a new arena and find funding for an NBA team," Smith said, "the NBA -- for the first time, Stern basically said -- is open to returning to Seattle."
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Mr KaBoom! wrote...Yeah, he sounds genuine.February 7, 2012 6:15 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse -
wcremedy24 wrote...Stern isn't going to be around foreverFebruary 7, 2012 7:11 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
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Lessmith50 wrote...Mr kaboomFebruary 16, 2012 6:33 am{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
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dragonmeteor wrote...So Mr. Kaboom!February 7, 2012 9:25 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
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hpygolkyone wrote...Lest We Forget Who SOLD The Sonics.........February 8, 2012 10:09 am{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
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Estip wrote...SternFebruary 8, 2012 10:11 am{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
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gb1118 wrote...Hey David Stern.....February 8, 2012 11:29 am{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
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bofus wrote...I agree with gb1118February 8, 2012 1:02 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
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dori monson fan wrote...dave sternFebruary 8, 2012 3:37 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse -
rodmana7 wrote...Insincere buttzititisFebruary 8, 2012 4:07 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
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Forrest wrote...'F' David SternFebruary 8, 2012 5:23 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }Reply Report this as abuse
Kevin Calabro hosts a weekday show from 3-6 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle. Kevin spent 21 seasons as the radio and television announcer for the Seattle SuperSonics. In addition to his show on 710 ESPN Seattle, Kevin also does play-by-play for the NBA on ESPN TV and ESPN Radio.
Jim Moore, aka The Go 2 Guy, co-hosts The Kevin Calabro Show on 710 ESPN Seattle. Jim previously was a reporter and columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for 26 years.
Jessamyn McIntyre is the producer of The Kevin Calabro Show. She comes to 710 ESPN Seattle after four years at ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Conn. Jessamyn also freelances as an on-site producer for NBA games on ESPN Radio.
