The Seattle Supersonics move to Oklahoma City for the upcoming NBA season. I'm glad their nickname doesn't move with them. Migrant franchises, particularly in basketball, have made poor decisions in moving their names. I understand why Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes, hosted a team called the Minneapolis Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers? Come again? I suppose it's not as bad as the Utah Jazz. Could there be a more stark contrast in cities from New Orleans to Salt Lake City? Anyhow, ESPN.com reports: "The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league's new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind." It's interesting that four of six nicknames are in the singular. This is the equivalent of bands dropping the obligatory "The" prior to their names--REM, 10,000 Maniacs, Guns n Roses, etc. The NHL and NBA have been particularly hot on the singular nickname: Tampa Bay Lightning, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic. This ain't soccer, winter sports gods. Perhaps it's an unwritten rule among the hockey and basketball gods that Florida hosts such strangely named teams. Among the names for the new team in the OC, that's Oklahoma City and not Orange County, I prefer Bison, which, I suppose, is singular and plural. It's the best of both worlds. Also, should the team move again, I would like it if the NBA is stuck with the shame of yet another inappropriate nickname: e.g., the Newark Bison. If players can no longer stay in one city, at least the leagues can do more to keep the teams in one place. Devils belong in New Jersey, '76ers belong in Philadelphia, Brewers belong in Milwaukee, and Steelers belong in Pittsburgh.
There's also the Memphis Grizzlies (formerly of Vancouver).
It's sad what happened to the Sonics. They had a loyal and large fan-base and promising young talent. What they didn't have were taxpayers willing to pay for one of the new convention-center style arenas.
I miss the Washington Bullets. I hate the Grand Wizards.
All those names are terrible, but I guess I'd take the Barons.
Oklahoma Rush? i like the sound of that. But it dont matter to me, i no like bassiball.
I'd have gone with Oklahoma City Bombers, myself.
