Landon Buford
The Utah Jazz and LA Clippers played a preseason game at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena earlier this year. Jason Terry, Utah Jazz assistant coach, and former NBA player shared his sentiments about the arena and reflected on the significance of having an NBA team in Seattle once again. Terry’s words echoed a deep appreciation for the city’s basketball history, highlighting the pivotal role played by the now-departed Seattle Supersonics.
“I thought it was a great arena. It definitely deserves to have a team in their home for the city. It means so much,” Terry remarked, emphasizing the importance of returning professional basketball to Seattle. Climate Pledge Arena, a state-of-the-art facility, captivated Terry with its impressive amenities and potential to reignite the enthusiasm for NBA basketball in a city with a rich hoop heritage.
Terry’s connection to Seattle runs deep, as he acknowledged the profound impact the Seattle Supersonics had on his own basketball journey. “I mean, without the Sonics, I don’t think I would have ever played in the NBA,” Terry revealed, underscoring the instrumental role the Sonics played in shaping his career. The Sonics’ legacy extends far beyond their on-court performances, with a commitment to community that resonated deeply with Terry.
“They did a great job giving back to the community. Making sure they were visible and they were there for us,” Terry recalled warmly, praising the Sonics’ dedication to outreach and engagement with the people of Seattle. Beyond their basketball prowess, the Sonics established a profound connection with the city, becoming an integral part of the community’s fabric.
For Terry, the return of an NBA team to Seattle represents more than just the revival of professional basketball in the city; it’s a tribute to a legacy that shaped countless lives, including his own. The prospect of an NBA franchise calling Climate Pledge Arena home holds significant sentimental value, not just for basketball enthusiasts but for the city’s identity and spirit.
The absence of an NBA team in Seattle for over a decade left a void in the hearts of basketball fans, but the potential return presents an opportunity to reignite the passion and fervor that defined the Sonics era. Terry’s words serve as a reminder of the cultural impact a basketball team can have on a city and the profound influence it can exert on aspiring athletes and the community at large.
As discussions and hopes swirl around the possibility of Seattle once again becoming an NBA city, Jason Terry’s reflections underscore the emotional attachment and the enduring legacy that the Sonics left behind. Climate Pledge Arena stands as a symbol of potential, poised to reignite the basketball fervor and continue the storied tradition of basketball excellence in the heart of Seattle. For Terry and many others, the return of an NBA team would not only be a homecoming for professional basketball but a revival of a cherished connection between the sport, the team, and the city it represents.
