In unsurprising news, the Thunder quickly sold out all available season ticket packages this week. It only took five days. (That proves this hierarchy: The Wiggles > OKC Thunder > Sonics Earl Watson jerseys.) Most bloggers would go with a "There's nothing else to do in OKC, hurf durf" joke here, but I'm from Sacramento so those quips hit a bit too close to home.This development will, however, screw up all those studies with show strong correlation between wins and attendance ... because OKC doesn't figure to have a very productive season. Depending on the progress of Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook (Durant's a sure thing), the Thunder might not even be decent in 2009-10. How long will the honeymoon last?
Surprisingly long, if history is to be believed. OKC, for all its market size faults, seems like one of those devoted bases, like ... Sacramento. When the Kings came to Northern California, the team wasn't good for 11 years, and wasn't competitive at the top levels for another five. Until last season, the Kings sold out basically every game since '85. Sam Presti, P.J. Carlesimo: you're on the clock. You have 20 years to field a good team.
(The real issue in places like Sactown and New Orleans today is the lack of corporate sponsors. The entire ownership group in OKC is made up of high-powered energy executives. There will be no problem selling off suites at the Ford Center.)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-15-2008 @ 5:52PM
Steve H said...
Hear me now, and believe me later. Two years from now the Thunder are going to be a playoff team. NEXT year they are going to use the obscene money they have left under the cap to pry Boozer away from Utah. That year, or the following year, they are going to add the freakishly athletic shot blocking Ibeke at center. Those two, together with Durant, Green, Westbrook and a quality first rounder next year are going to have us in the playoffs. Go ahead and get your mocking in now- just remember that you heard it here first.
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