Kispert (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Edmonds, Washington native and former Gonzaga star Corey Kispert has always taken pride in promoting basketball in the Pacific Northwest. During a recent interview with RG.org, the Washington Wizards’ sharpshooter reflected on the region’s rich basketball culture and why he believes the NBA is overdue for a return to Seattle.
“That’s a great question,” Kispert said when asked about the area’s basketball scene. “First of all, the talent out there is still pretty under-recognized. We’ve got everything – max players, role players, defenders, Hall of Famers, legendary scorers, the list goes on. It’s a great place to learn the game and to invest in the game.”
The Pacific Northwest is still producing elite-level basketball talent from legendary players like Gary Payton and Brandon Roy to current stars like Dejounte Murray and Paolo Banchero. Despite this, the region has not had an NBA team since the Seattle Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008.
“We Definitely Need a Team Back in Seattle”
Kispert had no hesitation in discussing the idea of Seattle regaining an NBA franchise.
“We definitely need a team back in Seattle,” he said. “Guys on this team who’ve spent time in Seattle love the city — honestly, most players do. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of time before we get a new franchise there. It would be really good for the league.”
The push for NBA expansion has been increasing in recent years, with Commissioner Adam Silver recognizing Seattle as a top contender if the league decides to expand beyond 30 teams. Kispert’s comments echo what many players and fans have been saying for years – Seattle’s basketball culture is too strong to be left out of the NBA landscape.
Seattle’s basketball culture should be included in the NBA landscape, as Kispert’s comments confirm, as many players and fans have been saying for years.
Seattle’s Sports Passion on Full Display
The former Gonzaga player also cited the city’s other sports franchises as evidence of Seattle’s unparalleled fan base. When asked if the Mariners’ near-World Series run could have reinvigorated the city’s push for NBA basketball, Kispert didn’t hesitate.
“You got to see during the playoffs what kind of sports town Seattle is,” he said. “The crowds, the energy, the passion – it was incredible. I was heartbroken when they didn’t make it. I was really behind those guys and loved watching them play.”
He continued, “Hopefully, they can get the roster back together with the free agents and keep building. I know that organization wants to push for bigger and better things. They had a great shot this year, just came up a little short. But I really believe in that team, and I think even better things are ahead.”
A City Ready for Its Comeback
Seattle has shown that it can support multiple professional franchises, and basketball is the missing piece, thanks to the success of the Seattle Storm, Sounders, and the Kraken’s growing excitement. The sentiment expressed by Kispert is a reflection of the sentiment of numerous players and fans who grew up watching the Sonics dominate KeyArena. The enthusiasm for playing the game has never abated; it’s just waiting for the NBA to return home.