Sonics set to blast from Seattle

0 Comments | USA TODAY, April, 2008 | by Chris Colston

SEATTLE -- In their 41-year history, the Seattle SuperSonics have won three conference championships, the 1979 NBA title and have been coached by the likes of Hall of Famers Bill Russell and Lenny Wilkens. Last year they averaged nearly 16,000 fans per game despite finishing 20 games below .500.

But Sunday night's tip-off against the Dallas Mavericks could mark the last NBA game played in the Emerald City.

"It's apparent to all who are watching that the Sonics are heading out of Seattle," NBA Commissioner David Stern said at this year's All-Star Game. "I accept that inevitability at this point. There is no miracle here."

The problem isn't fan support. Sonics owner Clay Bennett wants a new arena plan. Bennett, who bought the team in 2006, last year...