The Rain City Showcase Reminds the NBA of Seattle’s Rich Basketball Culture
The Rain City Showcase Reminds the NBA of Seattle’s Rich Basketball Culture
By Keith Mado October 15, 2024 13:11
The LA Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers fought tooth and nail during their preseason matchup on Friday, with the Clippers narrowly defeating the Blazers 101-99. However, this particular game’s significance didn’t really depend on which teams were playing but on where the game was held.
The preseason game marked the third annual “Rain City Showcase” held in Seattle. For the third consecutive year, the showcase brought NBA action back to Seattle, 16 years after the SuperSonics' relocation to OKC, and for the third consecutive year, Seattle did not disappoint. Obviously, both the Clippers and the Blazers represent other cities, but still, the Climate Pledge Arena was filled with a sea of yellow and green as the basketball-crazed fans of Seattle roared and boasted their love for the game of basketball.
“This is obviously a deserved city and market,” Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups exclaimed. “It makes the most sense,” while Clippers skipper Tyronn Lue added, “These fans are passionate; they understand the game of basketball, and we miss that.”
Nostalgia filled the air as the crowd cheered and recognized Rain City legends Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Dale Ellis, Rashard Lewis, George Karl, and much more, who represented the SuperSonics of old.
The dream of restoring NBA basketball in Rain City is not just a plea from Seattleites but a popular machination within the league. Several players, coaches, and even executives have voiced their backing for an expansion team. May it be way down the road or in the foreseeable future, Seattelites deserve an NBA team, and the success of the Rain City Showcase proves it.
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