Ray Allen pushing for Sonics’ return to Seattle
May 11, 2018, 9:51 AM | Updated: 4:08 pm
Hall of Famer and ex-Seattle SuperSonics star Ray Allen counts himself among those trying to find a way to bring the NBA back to Seattle.
In a video posted on Spencer Haywood’s Instagram account Friday morning, Allen said the NBA community itself would benefit from re-investing in the city, calling Seattle “a special, special place.” He spoke Thursday at the 7th Annual Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic in Arizona where he was honored as a Hall of Famer.
“The one thing that fuels us in our grassroots way has been trying to figure out a way to bring the Sonics back,” Allen said. “Because I think we deprive the NBA community of the travel to that city; it’s one of America’s best cities.”
Here’s Allen teeing off:
Ray Allen teeing off at the 7th Annual Jerry Colangelo Basketball Hall of Fame Golf Classic. ⛳️ #HoophallGolf #18HoopClass pic.twitter.com/CAMS7cPw4E
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) May 11, 2018
Allen certainly isn’t the only former SuperSonic who wants an NBA team to return to the Emerald City. Haywood, who posted the video, Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Wally Walker, and Lenny Wilkins are among those who’ve expressed their wishes. Wilkins is tied to the Oak View Group, which has plans to renovate the KeyArena, former home of the Sonics, for an NHL team and potential NBA team.
KeyArena will host the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings on Oct. 6 for an exhibition game, the first NBA game since the Sonics left in 2008. Kevin Durant is thrilled to get a chance to play on his former court.
The game is considered the final event at the Key before it’s vacated on Oct. 14, according to KING 5.
