The (or simply '''Sonics''') are a professional
Basketball team based in
Seattle ,
Washington . They play in the
National Basketball Association (NBA).
: 1967–1978, 1985–1994, 1995-Present
: 1978–1985
: 1994–1995 (During KeyArena Remodel)
The Sonics were Seattle's first professional sports franchise. Beginning play in October, 1967, the franchise did not make a playoff appearance until 1975. The SuperSonics have since won division championships in 1979, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2005, and have appeared in the NBA Finals in 1978, 1979, and 1996 (winning in '79).
Perhaps the strongest roster the team ever had was the 1995-96 team that received the nickname ''Sonic Boom''. With a deep roster comprised of
Shawn Kemp ,
Gary Payton ,
Detlef Schrempf ,
Sam Perkins ,
Nate McMillan , and others, the team reached the
NBA Finals , but lost to
Michael Jordan 's
Chicago Bulls .
The team has been owned by Sam Schulman (1967–1983), Barry Ackerley (1983–2001), and currently
Howard Schultz (the chairman of
Starbucks Coffee , 2001–present).
The 2003-2004 season marked the end to the Sonics 11 year streak of having a season with a winning percentage of at least .500, second highest in the NBA.
With their Key Arena lease expiring in 2010 the SuperSonics are exploring options for renovations to Key Arena or constructing a new arena across Lake Washington in
Bellevue . Both the City of Seattle and the State of Washington are weighing interest in public financing options including packages simular to those used to fund the Seahawks and Mariners facilities. If a funding package can not be negotiated relocation or sale of the team is possible. The NBA has interest in locating teams in cities such as
Las Vegas ,
Oklahoma City , and
San Jose, California .
- Lenny Wilkens (player and head coach for the Sonics; inducted as both, coached the 1979 Championship Team)
- 1 Gus Williams , G, 1977–1984
- 10 Nate McMillan , G, 1986–1998; Head Coach, 2000–2005
- 19 Lenny Wilkens , G, 1968–1972; Head Coach, 1969–1972 & 1977–1985
- 32 Fred Brown , G, 1971–1984
- 43 Jack Sikma , C, 1977–1986
Seattle SuperSonics - 2005 NBA DraftTracker
- Bob Blackburn , Broadcaster, "The Voice of the Seattle Supersonics" 1967–1992
