Commentary: Let's go, Warriors! You’re playing for Seattle too



We start with local model Chrissy Teigen, whose Twitter question last night received quite the responses.

Asked Teigen: “Is it a stretch to root for OKC because I am from Seattle and also they’re winning?”

Yes it is a stretch, Chrissy - at least, for most of us. And it’s a shame some still ask that question.

Let’s get this out of the way first: The majority of Seattle fans still love Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook – we appreciate their talent, we love their personalities, we respect their competitive drive. When Durant returned to Seattle to play in Jamal Crawford’s Pro-Am three years ago, we all rooted for him as he dropped 63 points. I’m actually rooting for him and Westbrook to win a championship...

....As long as it’s not for that man (Clay Bennett) and that franchise (OKC).

That man, who duped our city, and stole our Sonics. Never in a million years would I want Clay Bennett to raise that trophy. It’s the last thing he deserves.

To which ignorant fans reply with the ultimate myth: That Seattle didn’t support their team, and that’s why they moved to OKC. To them, I simply say, watch “Sonicsgate” and get an education: Learn how Howard Schultz hung Seattle out to dry to make a profit – and how Bennett took advantage. How Bennett gutted that team, lied about his intentions to keep them here, and then perpetuated that very falsehood: that Seattle no longer supported its team.

It’s the quick – and inaccurate statement – from many fans in OKC, brainwashed into believing they had every right to their franchise due to a lack of support in Seattle.

How and why would ANYONE in Seattle root for an owner like that – not to mention those fans who have accepted such a false rationale?

When Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore in 1996, do you think the city of Cleveland rooted for the Ravens to succeed? Sure, it was the same players – but no way would they root for that owner and that relocated team. Did Hartford Whalers fans root for the Carolina Hurricanes after their relocation? Did Quebec Nordique fans support the Colorado Avalanche after they were moved?

The point is this: It hurts to know that we could’ve had Durant and Westbrook – and this team – in Seattle. That it’s been eight long years without an NBA team – with still no sign of its return.

And if you think for one second – one second! – that I’d support one of the main culprits in that absolute heist – you’d be delusional.

So, K.D. – go win a championship - but do it somewhere else. And tomorrow night, go Warriors! You’re playing for this city too.