Nickname still a mystery
Is KOCO accurate? We won't know for a couple of weeks
Nickname still a mystery

By Darnell Mayberry
Published: July 21, 2008

Oklahoma City Thunder has a ring to it.

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Whether that will be the name of this city's NBA franchise, as reported by KOCO-TV, still is a mystery.

The team's owners aren't commenting, and they, along with a couple head honchos at the NBA's office, are the only souls who know what the nickname will be. The ones in the know are sworn to secrecy, and most are dutifully, if not masterfully, abiding by that oath.

KOCO-TV sports reporter Mark Rodgers, however, apparently has found the one brave being willing to tell all, an unnamed "source close to the NBA ownership group.”

There are reasons to think Rodgers' report is accurate and reasons that indicate it could be off base.

Here's why it could be accurate:

Corporation Service Company, the registrar of record for the NBA, did indeed register okcthunderbasketball.com and okcthunderbasketball.net on July 10. The domain branch of this company exists for the sole purpose of preventing "cybersquatters” from profiting from a brand. You can bet the company didn't register the names in hopes of acting as the very people it exists to stop.

The ownership group isn't denying it. If the report was off base, you would think the ownership group would at the very least issue a statement that says as much and that no decision has been made. Instead, all Dan Mahoney, a spokesman for the ownership group, says is, "We're not commenting on the process, and we're not going to until we have something to announce.”

The name Thunder is a good one. Readers of The Oklahoman selected it the winner of the paper's 64-nickname bracket contest, meaning the owners and the NBA perhaps listened to the people. Endless marketing and promotional opportunities also would be available, from weather-related themes to a Buffalo mascot and logos. AC/DC's hit song "Thunderstruck” could boom over the Ford Center's PA system just before the team's starting lineup is introduced and immediately after the final buzzer of a home win.

Here's why the report could be inaccurate:

The registration of the two domain names could mean absolutely nothing. Who's to say that's not the first of many Oklahoma City-related domain names the company will register over the next few days. While the domain names are one small piece of evidence, they certainly don't make it clear that the name is the Thunder.

The reporter's unnamed source could be wrong. The person close to the ownership group is really what gives the report legs, but people are sometimes misled or don't have all the facts. The NBA and the ownership group could have been close to deciding on Thunder at one point, but that could have changed in recent days. The source might have provided once-accurate information that is now outdated.

Thunder doesn't end in the letter "s.” Team chairman Clay Bennett has said privately he's not wild about nicknames that don't end in "s.” Names that end in "s” are also more enduring to the community, according to Tom Fugleberg, executive creative director at Olson, a Minneapolis-based branding agency. "I think there's more of a sense of a community when you are a fan of the Blazers and not the Storm,” Fegleberg said. "There's a feeling that you are a part of that.”

The ownership group's silence could be working for them. Rather than deny the report if it is inaccurate, the excitement over the possible name could divert media types and fans from honing in on any other possibilities. This ownership group has used silence to its advantage in the past. Remember, the "Poisoned Well” plan the group's attorneys patiently sat on during the trial with the city of Seattle while the city leaked e-mail after e-mail they thought would incriminate the owners?

Thunder is taken. Forget about the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, and the Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League, there's the Oklahoma Thunder of Tulsa and the World Football League. The law might not prohibit Bennett and Co. from using the name, but marketing experts say they shouldn't want to. "You don't want your team confused with anybody else's even if it's in another sport. That doesn't help your brand,” said Vince Orza, dean of the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University.

Sit tight. We aren't likely to know the truth for another couple of weeks. Unless of course another few brave souls spill the beans.


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why not keep the original name and go with the oklahoma city supersonics?
Martin, Greeley - Jul 30, 2008 6:09 PM
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You should always practice safe sex, Julie!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 24, 2008 7:30 AM
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Someone said OKC Outlaws were one of Bennett's picks, I don't know how you know that, but the name is great. I like it. One thing is for sure I don't like the Trojans or Brownies, I mean who want to be linked with dirty underwear or condoms?
Julie, oklahoma city - Jul 23, 2008 4:58 PM
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Oklahoma City Hoops !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joseph, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 4:52 PM
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I just couldn't go with Beavers for obvious reasons.
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 3:40 PM
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Here's a good one! THE OKLAHOMA CITY OTTERS! I've seen Otters in Oklahoma. Let me tell you, don't be dismayed by their cute and cuddly appearance, they're meaner than rattlesnakes!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 3:39 PM
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what about the Oklahoma City Browners
tu, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 3:19 PM
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How about the OKC Sonic Hedgehogs! No really, in commemorate the Federal Building Tragedy I was thinking maybe THE OKLAHOMA CITY FEDS!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 3:08 PM
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Say, I may have stumbled onto something! Oklahoma City Slews; or how do you spell it? Sloughs? Or how about Oklahoma City Slayers
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 2:51 PM
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Let's name it after a famous race horse! Oklahoma City Seattle Screw!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 2:37 PM
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Scott is right on...Seattle just got served

m, muskogee - Jul 23, 2008 1:54 PM
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how about the Oklahoma City Queens?
tu, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 1:05 PM
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Contact me if you want other names i have lots of original ideas!!!!!!!!
Joseph, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 12:53 PM
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I have a couple of names in mind! Oklahoma City Ballers
or Oklahoma City Hoops or maybe Oklahoma City Ninjas let me know if these sound like good names? i dont like the name thunder right off i think of a t-ball name whene i think of Thunder, def not NBA style! but im gunna rep Oklahoma City either way! Home town!
Joseph, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 12:49 PM
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How about the Oklahoma City You Got Served?
Jeremy, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 12:30 PM
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How about THE OKLAHOMA CITY CHARLAMAGNES
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 12:29 PM
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at the very beginning of this thread, Bruce from Edmond said "YOU GOT SERVED" to someone. lol
Jeremy, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 12:08 PM
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Maybe if the Daily Oklahoman would have offered a cash award like the Tulsa World does for choosing a name for OKC's NBA team we'd have the perfect name by now! But they're just too cheap to pay $50!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 11:36 AM
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Can't you idiots read! "Thunder is taken. Forget about the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, and the Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League. The law might not prohibit Bennett and Co. from using the name, but marketing experts say they shouldn't want to. 'You don't want your team confused with anybody else's even if it's in another sport. That doesn't help your brand,' said Vince Orza, dean of the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University."
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 10:46 AM
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It's just too bad we couldn't get Seattle's WNBA team too! Then we could have a Storm and a Thunder!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 10:41 AM
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Nice try Jim in Issaquah - but you very much did have "something to do with the Sonics moving from Seattle". At very least you and the rest of the state of Washington are responsible for the politicians in your state. You all elected them. I certainly realize if you're not a Seattle resident, your hands were tied about the Mayor, City Council, et. al. - but you're still on the hook... All you trolls want to do is compare the states and cities - well fine then, let's do exactly that on this issue. As you can see I'm from Tulsa, which is 80 miles away from the Ford Center in OKC. When the relocation committee came to OKC for their tour, in addition to meeting the local elected officials of OKC, they also met state officials including the Governor, as well as a group that included the mayor of TULSA! Stern made it a point to talk about how impressed he was that the ELECTED leadership of the entire state, notably Tulsa, was contributing to bring the NBA here. Again, if one were rational, one would know all politicians, whether they live and serve in a Red or Blue state are driven by polls. Your politicians did what they did because they believe that even given all the whining you trolls do on the internet - the general populace of Seattle and the entire state of Washington is going to continue to vote for them BECAUSE of their decision to let the team go. Oklahoma's politicians did the same thing - acted according to how their constituency wanted. I don't spend tons of time on the media outlets for Seattle - so I may have missed it - but I don't recall reading anything where the mayor of Issaquah - or any other city in Washington - upon feeling the political pressure of his or her city, communicated to the NBA or even to the leadership in Olympia that a new arena was crucial and needed to be built - even at a cost to people living miles away from Seattle. No, all I read, was the pious people of Seattle ridiculing Oklahomans for "giving Clay Clay whatever he wants". You're right about one thing though, I don't care about how you feel now. I might have, if you and the rest of the trolls didn't regularly show up on the message boards insulting our intelligence and home. You've done that from the get-go. You and your cohort burned up any goodwill you might have hoped to receive from the likes of me and most other Oklahomans. Frankly, you all played this entire fiasco so poorly that you've gotten exactly what you deserve. Well done!
Scott, Tulsa - Jul 23, 2008 9:49 AM
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Truth told, for all the silly little games being played, there is an NBA team in Oklahoma City with an NBA Championship. They can keep the original trophy in a storage locker in Federal Way till doomsday, the TEAM that won the championship is in Oklahoma City. And the history belongs to the team, not to Seattle or Washington or anyone else. It belongs to the team, and the team's in OKC. You can remember it fondly, we can be proud of this team's past, history doesn't have to have a geographic location.
Darren, Columbia - Jul 23, 2008 9:00 AM
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I didn't say WASP or Anglo-Saxon I said OKLAHOMA CITY SAXONS! How many black Celtics do you think there are other than the ones on the basketball team? If you'll brush up on your history you'll find that most of the early Saxons were in fact Catholic. I'm not trying to make a racial slur or be politically incorrect I'm just trying to come up with a name for the team that sounds good and has a "warrior" history rather than a puffy rain cloud! The word "saxon" actually has to do something with a sword! I just thought it would be a good name to make for a good rivalry with the Celtics, not to mention that it doesn't sound bad either with OKC!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 23, 2008 7:38 AM
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Ya know, I don't love the name Thunder, but let's look at some of the other nicknames around the NBA and think about what the reaction in that city must have been when the team was named: Nets. Wow, now there's a good one. Magic? Wizards? Cavaliers? When I think of Cleveland, 18th century guys in curly wigs, ruffled shirts and high heels always come to mind. Clippers. A ship? Mavericks? A cow. Pacers? I know what a pace car is (barely, because I don't follow car contests), but it's a pretty lame name. Heat? At this time of year here, it might be intimidating, but it's really pretty lame as names go. Suns isn't great either. Lakers, Knickerbockers, Celtics. If I'd been around when they announced those, I might have been underwhelmed. So, the NBA is full of bad names, and the teams have survived them. Thunder is a lot better than some of the other names, IMO. If it's the name, everyone will get used to it, and we might even learn to like/love it if the logo and colors are good enough.
Jill, www.okcthunderfans.com - Jul 23, 2008 3:18 AM
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I had no power over the Sonics moving from Seattle, and you, Scott, did nothing to bring them to OKC. I had been a fan all my life, now they're gone. I realize you don't give a rat's %$& about me or the rest of the fans who lost their team. So screw you, I hope they suck in Oklahoma. Sure I'm a sore loser, so what...as to the fact the Celtics mortgaged their future to win the trophy...they still won the championship, and they have many more behind that trophy. The Celtics as a franchise will be just fine. How many trophies does OKC have? NONE!! So *&*^ you...and how many NBA teams do I have to root for? NONE!!! So *&^* me too.
Jim, Issaquah - Jul 23, 2008 1:17 AM
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Or maybe the "The Dirty Birds", "The Talons", "The Rocks", "Wild Cats", "The Oilers" or something like that!
Ron, Shawnee - Jul 23, 2008 1:17 AM
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I really like the name after the mythology Indian Warriors, the Thunderbirds! Since Seattle's Hockey Team is already called the Thunderbirds, that would be a another burr in Seattle's backside.
Ron, Shawnee - Jul 23, 2008 12:14 AM
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All you got Jim IS history! And we've got a whole lot more than a clue - we've got the team! You're the idiot. You don't want to really talk basketball, you just want to whine! If you even knew how to rationally break down the financial aspect of what Boston did this season - you'd see that they mortgaged their future for that title. If you were anything more than a disgruntled Seattle troll, you'd be able to rationally see that the shelf-life of that Celtic club is already ticking - but again, NO ONE ever accused the Seattle fans of knowing the first thing about the nuances of how the NBA works! You all put on quite the clinic and demonstrated to the entire universe that as a municipality - you sure didn't know the first thing about the NBA! If you had the ability to discern rhyme from reason - I'd try to engage you in an honest dialogue about Boston's chances for even repeating as Eastern conference champs this coming season - but that would be pushing it for the "Ignore them till they're leaving, Assume they're bumpkins and couldn't possibly outwit your intellect, and then Whine and Complain once they're gone" Seattlites.
Scott, Tulsa - Jul 22, 2008 11:58 PM
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Yeah, the Celtics are a real bush-league team compared to the new OKC team, what with all the rich NBA history in Oklahoma and Oklahoma's pro-basketball guru fans. Give me a break, Scott from Tulsa, you morons don't have a clue.
Jim, Issaquah - Jul 22, 2008 9:59 PM
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You can tell Bob from Boston is really "a huge fan" of the NBA - he doesn't know to keep his mouth shut. He's wanting to see what happens in "3-4" years...? Take a look at the rosters of both teams and any RATIONAL observer (as oppose to "huge fan") can see Boston is going to repeat the same course Miami took - bought a championship and then sunk like a rock to the cellar with no hope and a bench full of old and hurt players. 3 years from now, Durrant, Green, Westbrook and Miles will all still be younger than 25 and breaking into the later rounds of the playoffs! Boston will be back in the lottery and trying to deal Garnett's and Allen's bloated contracts!
Scott, Tulsa - Jul 22, 2008 7:52 PM
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As in WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant) I don't think that is a good idea Mary
David, OKC - Jul 22, 2008 7:10 PM
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Say thanks Bob! You just gave me a great idea! I thought about the Oklahoma City Romans since they conquered the Celts, but that didn't sound so good! Then I thought maybe the Oklahoma City Ceasars, and that didn't really sound all that great either. So I brushed up on my Celtic history and came up with THE OKLAHOMA CITY SAXONS!!!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 22, 2008 5:44 PM
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Spartans or Trojans either one fit well with OKC! One thing about though, Bob! When the Celtics come to town we'll put up the AC/DC cd and get out the Celtic Women cd! Ah ha! Ah ha ha hahaha!!!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 22, 2008 5:31 PM
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I agree with Bob from Boston, Thunder is a stupid name! I think we should be the Spartans and kick some Celtic a**!!!
Mary, Oklahoma City - Jul 22, 2008 5:14 PM
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Awesome tirade, JM, and particularly ironic coming from a state that give us Detroit and "hell night". I'm still trying to figure out what nice weather you have - lake effect snowstorms?, or what natural wonders stand out in Michigan - two-headed fish caught out of Erie? Mosquito ridden lakes? The slums of Detroit?
B, Geary - Jul 22, 2008 3:14 PM
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B, Geary that is my point exactly, NBA owners don't care about the fans, you are right the Celtics could move anywhere and the fans can hardly do a damn thing about it, that is what I am saying you better watch out for Bennett and support your team because I wouldn't put it past him one bit to sell the team to a high bidding owner from another state if he isnt making enough money and the OK fans quit supporting the team after a few bad seasons. I know you are all excited and hyped up about the team right now because it is new but the same thing has happened in many states with teams there is always a hype/honeymoon period with a new team but the true test is how the fans respond to the team once the team has a few bad seasons, players get in trouble with the law, the novelty wears off that is what I am saying. I'm not doubting NBA in OK will have great attendene this year but I am very interested to see what it is like in 3-4 years after seasons of bad records and no playoffs. Maybe I am wrong maybe the NBA in OK will be huge, we will see.....
Bob, Boston - Jul 22, 2008 1:42 PM
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No you misunderstood completely, I dont think the name Thunder will have any bearing at all on the teams success or the amount of money they make. I think the fact that the team will not be good and not make the playoffs will cause the team to lose support, it happens all over not just in OK, look at the pacers, they had the lowest attendence in the league and they have been around forever. Not sure what you are saying about the economy I didn't make any comment about the economy in Boston or in OK. And as far as Bennett you are crazy if you think he cares a damn about you or the other people of OK, he is trying to make money off the team and when he doesn't he will sell the team for a profit and move on to his next business venture.
Bob, Boston - Jul 22, 2008 1:28 PM
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And who is to say your Celtics couldn't pick up and move to Raleigh-Durham, too? Sometimes team moves never even have to do with economics - simply an owner's wishes. Why did the Colts move to Indianapolis? The Cardinals to Phoenix? The Rams to St Louis? One of these days we may even have the Little Rock Sowboys, for godssakes. Unfortunately, there is no way to regulate wacky eccentric owners. That is a risk we all share in every professional sports city.
B, Geary - Jul 22, 2008 1:06 PM
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Bob, for someone that claims to be this big NBA fan, you're basically clueless. If you think for a second that by naming the team Thunder, Bennett is setting himself up to lose money, you're wrong! The place will be packed and this team will make money. WHo gives a crap about that craphole "Boston" you live in, and it's economy. I assure you, the economy in OKC is much better (see Forbes magazine) By the way, your idiotic comment about Bennett's character is crazier than your economy statement. Haul Ass yankee!!
Joe, Oklahoma City - Jul 22, 2008 12:36 PM
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My point being that you keep comparing our city with Vancouver. Vancouver sits in a country that has never embraced basketball and probably considers it along with baseball being an American passion. I don't really know all the reasons it failed up there, but to suggest a parallel with Oklahoma is wrong, IMO. I lived in San Antonio when the Spurs came down from Dallas, and believe me, people were saying the same thing - small city, not enough fan support, stupid name, etc. And my point is that the NBA, for some reason can survive in smaller markets than their NFL or MLB counterparts seem to be able to, case in point San Antonio, Portland and SLC. Pronouncing a death sentence on OKC before the horse is out of the gates seems a bit pessimistic at best, and perhaps motivated by some form of resentment at worst.
B, Geary - Jul 22, 2008 12:34 PM
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Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude, I apoligize, I was out of line. I didn't mean to offend anyone, it is a lame name though and you guys fought hard for a team so I hope it has a better name.
Bob, Boston - Jul 22, 2008 12:04 PM
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No, I live in Boston, I promise and the economy here is good, I am just a huge fan of the NBA and I follow NBA news all around the country. I explain Portland staying in Portland because they have Paul Allen, one of the richest men in the world, as an owner. I have never heard anybody say that the Spurs wouldnt last in San Antonio?? Plus winning a bunch of championships changes everything, winning makes people want to support the team. Look if a team could leave Seattle after 41 years what possibly makes you so confident they will stay in OK?? You think Bennett will accept losing money for very long? I doubt it, he has proven he is made of poor character and with a name like the Thunder there isn't much hope.
Bob, Boston - Jul 22, 2008 12:01 PM
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I'am a Okie and I have to agree with Bob in Boston about the name but not his Superior way of saying it. Thanks for the crude advise Bob. We will We will use this information to adjust, correct and improve the name for Bob (The Superior Being in Boston)
Eddie, Fort Smith - Jul 22, 2008 11:58 AM
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OK Bob, how do you explain Portland or Salt Lake City? Everbody said the Spurs would never make it in San Antonio, also. BTW, does the economy suck so bad in Boston right now that you have nothing else to do but post on the Oklahoman website? Don't you primadonnas have your own paper up there? Your behavior around here is getting outright trollish. I suspect you're really just another frustrated sonics fan.
B, Geary - Jul 22, 2008 11:26 AM
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HAHAAHA, Thunder, that is good, HAHAHAHAHHA, how lame, HAHAHAHAHA, oh man this will be good. The disaster of the NBA in OK is getting worse and worse I love it. Can't wait for the Thunder to come here to Boston, I didn't think they let WNBA teams play NBA teams but it will be interesting. Oh man my stomach hurts from laughing at that name, HAHAHAAHAAHAHAAHAHAHAHA, wow that is good, what genius came up with that name, probably Clay Bennett he seems stupid enough to come up with that name. Well hopefully when the team leaves in a few years that name will stay in OK so we don't have to deal with that name in the NBA.
Bob, Boston - Jul 22, 2008 11:15 AM
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Come on OK, admit it Thunder sounds like a WNBA name, quit lying to yourselves that is a horrible name it sounds so lame and your team is going to be horrible. Enjoy living in the bottom of the NBA standings until attendence drops,free agents don't want to come to OK, Bennett is losing money and sells the team out of state and the team is gone. Two words on the future of NBA in OK: Vancover Grizzlies.
Bob, Boston - Jul 22, 2008 11:11 AM
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Barons is a useless name. Cities like Dallas, Houston, LA, NYC, where there are real billionaire oil barons will taunt us as a bunch of wannabes. Let's stick to something that is unique to Oklahoma.
B, Geary - Jul 22, 2008 10:54 AM
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ThunderDome, ThunderRolls, ThunderStruck, ThunderFordTruck, ThunderParking, ThunderNoise, ThunderMeal, ThunderBeer, ThunderWater, ThunderSauce, ThunderFries, ThunderSize, ThunderThighs, ThunderDog, ThunderMan, ThunderKids, ThunderGirls, ThunderBoys, ThunderBabies, ThunderGarten, ThunderToys, ThunderHat, ThunderShirt, ThunderWear, ThunderShot, ThunderBasket, ThunderGoal, ThunderStick, ThunderTime, ThunderWin, ThunderBlunder.....it ThunderSucks.
K.L., warr acres - Jul 22, 2008 10:42 AM
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Hey R, Seattle, of course Thunder sounds like a minor league team name, because their team is a minor league team. Can we say CBA.
Chuck, Portland - Jul 22, 2008 9:51 AM
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If they want the whole state to support the team they need to call it Oklahoma ..... not Oklahoma City....
This is especially true if they are going to play some games in Tulsa. And the name Barons or Oil Barons would be better anyway than using Thunder.

Coach Meade
Terry, Mesquite - Jul 22, 2008 9:47 AM
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Matt does have some very good points. You guys need to realize that not everybody from Seattle is against OKC. I agree with Matt that Thunder is far too sterile and doesn't really - say anything. It is really something you'd expect for the WNBA or the minor leagues. NBA teams are something tangable or a theme meaning something for that market. Thunder - well OKC gets it but is that marketable? Barons or Outlaws is MUCH MUCH better - instant marketability, ends in s, and is something people on the street would remember. Thunder - does not sound major league at all.
R, Seattle - Jul 22, 2008 1:31 AM
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Guys, I have to admit. Thunder sounds very minor league or WNBA. I think Bennett can do better than that. And of his top 4 team names, both Outlaws and Barons are better than Thunder. It just seems so minor league.
R, Seattle - Jul 22, 2008 1:27 AM
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Chuck, Portland - Jul 22, 2008 1:02 AM
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Jay, Jay, Jay, I didn't know you knew what a dumba** was, let alone spell it right; I'm impressed. And for you own info. The Sonics never left Seattle otherwise your team would be the OKC Sonics. Like I told Jake-if you knew for a fact that your team was leaving; you would do what you could to try and save your team; so give the fans in Seattle a break. The time will come when OKC will come to Seattle and play the Sonics just as the Sonics will go to OKC and play.
Chuck, Portland - Jul 22, 2008 12:52 AM
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'oh and the supersonics is a pretty lame name in and of itself.' Lame? It marked both an important project and the overall aviation heritage of the Jet City. The big thing is it related to the local area where the team played. Plus, it had a feeling of forward movement that a lot of people have talked about in the naming of the OKC team. 'Thunder' is too sterile. And OKC might have some wicked storms, but tell me how 'Thunder' in any way ties it to the city, especially to the people outside of that city. People will say, "Well, look at the Heat..." Exactly. You can't go to Miami without commenting on the heat. While I don't prefer the singular nicknames, Heat is definitely Miami appropriate. "What about the Jazz?" Well, that's just SLC's fault. I think they should've changed the name to something more 'Utah' when the team moved, but they didn't. I think they should've swapped names with New Orleans (NO Jazz and Utah Hornets), but they didn't. The Jazz have played in Utah long enough that you don't really regard the name. But OKC has a chance to really define itself with this team name. Seattle SuperSonics/Seattle Sonics. The alliteration worked. The connection to the airplane industry in Seattle worked. The aggressiveness and 'action' of the name worked. 'Thunder' sounds everything but an NBA name. And worse, it sounds too generic to really represent OKC.
Matt, Seattle - Jul 22, 2008 12:52 AM
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If Mr Manilow were feeling better-he could come do a concert at the Ford before opening night, maybe he will be by then..."Looks like we made it...."Best of luck..enjoy...
Rick, Yakima - Jul 22, 2008 12:46 AM
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Don't worry Oklahoma, just like before the team was officially coming to our great state, these dumbasses from Seattle were burning up these boards saying how the SONICS WILL NEVER END UP IN OKC, and looky what we have here...... These people are all losers with nothing better to do than "remember when." BE PROUD OF THIS TEAM NO MATTER WHAT. Whatever they decide, it's still our team and WE MADE IT!!!!!!
Joe, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 11:27 PM
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I hope you people in Seattle get a team soon. We will have the hottest rivalry game in the NBA. Both cities will be sell out games for a long time. It will help both cities with the NBA. We know you can do it. Do it soon.
Eddie, Fort Smith - Jul 21, 2008 11:26 PM
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"Sit tight. We aren't likely to know the truth for another couple of weeks. Unless of course another few brave souls spill the beans." Then why are you going around town like that is the name, DoK? So typical of OKC's small time media - can't just report it as, the name Thunder was leaked but we'll wait until the organization confirms it. .. No... they have to go to bricktown and publish it like it's a done deal. Heck, even up here in Seattle - it was on our news that Thunder was the decided name. Come to find out - Thunder was leaked by a 'credible source connected to the ownership'. Well, that in itself means it's not official OKC media - so why make the city look bad with horrible 3rd grade journalism?
R, Seattle - Jul 21, 2008 11:05 PM
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It needs to be Oklahoma City Barons or Oklahoma City Outlaws! With Outlaws, we'd have a name nobody else has.
R, Seattle - Jul 21, 2008 11:01 PM
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Dean, while I agree with you that it doesn't matter too much when minor league teams adopt major league teams - But you must consider that Durham and Louisville are hardly considered part of Chicago's local market - unlike Wichita, which IS part of OKC's NBA market. Also, didn't Chicago have the Bulls before Louisville or Durham adopted the name for their baseball teams? I honestly think Clay shouldn't consider a name of any team that is within the area he plans to market. That would be suicide. Not that people wont attend, but from a marketing prospective - it would make things difficult in the Wichita market, especially since basketball and hockey play at the same times. can you imagine their newscasts? Or even OKC's newscasts (The Thunder beat the Lakers last night, ...... the Blazers beat the Thunder 3-1). ... Get's way tooo confusing. I for one, ONLY want Clay or someone from his organization to come out with the name/colours/logo/mascot. Leave the media out of it, especially the OKC media - which is still minor league at best. They have a LOT of growing up to do before they become credible - and these childish leaks (especially with the DoK running with it like it's offocial...) is just very bad journalism. If it didn't come from the horse's mouth, then it isn't official. And I do hope Thunder is not official. Barons would be much better (Birmingham is over 1000 miles away, and hardly has a connection to OKC unlike Wichita).
R, Seattle - Jul 21, 2008 10:56 PM
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Hey Jake, you don't have to be an NBA fan to recognize that you are full of hot air.
Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 10:50 PM
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No you weren't a fan of the sonics until you knew for sure they were coming. And fot your info. I have been a Sonic fan since 1967 and a season ticket holder for the 41 years.
Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 10:33 PM
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What's the matter Jake; don't like the sarcasm? I have read your own sarcasm on other articles about Seattle in lossing their team and yet when someone one from Portland, Oregon throws some your way; you have no come back. You can brag that when the hornets were there you nearly sold out but could you honestly say that you would fight for your team, knowing that they were going to leave anyway to keep them there. Seattle fans did and how were they rewarded; with sarcasm. Very few folks from OKC felt bad for the fans of the Sonics. Seattle will get another team and I can't wait until it does.
Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 10:30 PM
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I like the nickname "The Oklahoma City Tulsans". It has a nice ring to it and it brings in a little class to the franchise.

I was thinking the same thing regarding the "Oklahoma North Texans"
Jacob, McKinney - Jul 21, 2008 10:27 PM
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you said nearly every game; how many was that 1 or 2
Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 10:10 PM
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Only because you had nothing better to do.
Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 10:09 PM
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do you homework chuck, the hornets sold out nearly every game when they were here. It didnt matter if they were winning or losing, we turned out.
jake, oklahoma city - Jul 21, 2008 10:06 PM
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Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 10:06 PM
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Ah! It's nice to see that you fine folks in Oklahoma are still commenting on the name Thunder. Yes Jake, I know that this is an Oklahoma news paper and I'm sure that you are truly excited that Clay brought you a losser, but there's not a thing you can do to keep me from giving you my opinion. I here that OKC has got request for 16000 season ticket; that's good. Who knows, maybe you'll have 1 sell out this season. Maybe some year you'll sellout 2 games.
Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 10:01 PM
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Let's call them the Oklahoma City Sonic Drive-in's and stick it to Seattle one more time.
Bobby, Hartshorne - Jul 21, 2008 9:25 PM
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Oh and although I am a fan of classic rock... AC/DC is a little worn out!!
Jess, Warr Acres - Jul 21, 2008 9:25 PM
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Thunder def isn't my first, second or third choice. However, its not ALL that bad and given the names of a lot of NBA teams currently out there, I doubt they were real pleased about those names at first. But they grow on you as time goes on. I don't like barons either, sounds uptight and snobbish. Just because the website has been taken doesn't really mean a lot, it only means it is probably in the finalist list of names. I really prefer outlaws over all of them, but it's not politically correct. And I agree that outlaws would be worn by thugs and gangs probably and have no meaning towards the actual team. Also, Salt Lake is so "nice" because of the Olympics. Of course it's clean... they want the rest of the world to think that's how life is in the U.S.
Jess, Warr Acres - Jul 21, 2008 9:24 PM
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"The boos inside the arena will sound an awful lot like thunder. Ha."..Boos are fine and definitely better than the sound of crickets in the Key in November
ROGER, MOORE - Jul 21, 2008 8:48 PM
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If this is a "trial balloon" it has failed badly. Not "Thunder", not "Barons". "Rattlers". Cool name with lots of possibilities. Colors: Black, Red, and Copper.

I hope Clay's reading this. Thunder is really bad. Half of Oklahoma dislikes it and most of the rest of the country thinks it sounds like a girls team. PLEASE DO NOT DO IT!!!
Richard, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 8:25 PM
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On the ESPN poll today, Outlaws was waaaay more popular than Thunder, even in Oklahoma. I don't think it's entirely based on the fact that this is a team that was in another city.
Jill, www.okcthunderfans.com - Jul 21, 2008 8:12 PM
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I would take any name that ends in an "s" over "The Thunder" . . . sounds like an WNBA name.
Phil, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 7:57 PM
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I hope it stays Thunder too. Stuck forever with the lamest moniker in the NBA. Stolen from some Pop Warner team in Kansas. No logo either, just clouds or something. The boos inside the arena will sound an awful lot like thunder. Ha.
Chris, Seattle - Jul 21, 2008 6:48 PM
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Former congressman from Oklahoma, not Oklahomam. Oh well, maybe someone will report that story someday when gas goes to 8.00 or 9.00 dollars.
ray, Oklahoma city - Jul 21, 2008 6:43 PM
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Yes Nathan, Salt Lake City does have nice public transportation, thanks in large part to Ernest Istook, a former congressman from Oklahomam, and a Morman, who was directly responsible for diverting several million dollars which was to go for public trans in OKC to Salt Lake City. This was so they could have public transportation for the Olympics. Something which this newspaper never reported but which was widely reported elsewhere. I also have no faith in Bennett naming this team. He was on board when the 89ers name was changed to the Redhawks, a common and meaningless name. It has no real connection to this city or region. How about the Oklahoma City Gaylords. That ends with an s and you've got to love that Gay part.
ray, Oklahoma city - Jul 21, 2008 6:36 PM
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Thunder I bet that's what it'll be...dull, doesn't offend anyone.
Gary, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 6:16 PM
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chuck, this a message board for an oklahoma newspaper, thats why we care so much about our team name and express it here. Heres a thought, we could care less what you think in portland. oh and the supersonics is a pretty lame name in and of itself.
jake, oklahoma city - Jul 21, 2008 5:41 PM
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OKC Arrows? What are you an Indian. Why don't you go find some homesteaders with their wagons circles and fill them with arrows. GET REAL
Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 5:33 PM
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lol...tu: resorting to petty insults? If you spent more time finding ways to entertain yourself and enjoy your life and less time badmouthing good people and putting down a good city and state, then you might actually not hate it so much.
Nathan, Norman - Jul 21, 2008 5:31 PM
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OK, another west coast opinion. I don't care what you call your team and quite frankly ya'll sounds like a bunch of little leaguers trying pick a name that no one cares about except you. I'm just waiting to get the NBA's official word so I can look forward to the day when OKC has a name and that team plays the Seattle Supersonics. YAH! TV ratings through the roof an a new rivalry will begin.
Chuck, Portland - Jul 21, 2008 5:26 PM
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OKC ARROWS
Jim, Rockwall - Jul 21, 2008 4:58 PM
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TU IS GAY!
Joe, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 4:57 PM
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YOU'RE ALL A BUNCH OF LOSERS FOR GETTING THIS FIRED UP ABOUT A TEAM NICKNAME!!! GET A FREAKIN LIFE
Joe, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 4:57 PM
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jerry loves atm
tu, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 4:55 PM
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Thundering Herd = Buffalo or Bison. Thunder = that noise that follows lightening.
Darrell, Woodbury - Jul 21, 2008 4:49 PM
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tu, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 4:30 PM
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ok jerry tell me where all the shabu is and i'll leave
tu, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 4:30 PM
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I still think the best name for OKC is Bennetts Bandits....
Gregory, Vancouver - Jul 21, 2008 4:14 PM
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Tu: I'll help you pack. Get gone.
Jerry, oklahoma city - Jul 21, 2008 3:54 PM
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tu, you need to get out more. There are quite a few people living here who are not "horrible racist bible dummies". Sorry, it's been the worst experiences of your life, but most of us are responsible for our own happiness and entertainment, and it's usually attitude that affects one's negative experiences as much as anything. I didn't want to move here, and it's been one of the best experiences of my life. I like Oklahoma City and I like living here. I don't want to move back to Denver, which is where I moved here from. Change your attitude, and you may you change your life.
Jill, www.okcthunderfans.com - Jul 21, 2008 3:53 PM
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You know, tu, all personal attacks aside: I used to think that there could be no worse place on this earth than Salt Lake City, Utah. I had no desire to ever travel to that part of the country, let alone to Salt Lake. Then, I attended a convention out there, and I stayed for a week. I would live there in a heartbeat. The city is metropolitain with a suburb-feel to most of the areas. Public transportation is very clean, fast, and easily accessible. Every street was clean, and everywhere I went, I was greeted by warm, hospitable people. The kind of people that live down here. I guarantee they will love it here. Oh, and by the way- you don't like it: Get Out.
Nathan, Norman - Jul 21, 2008 3:52 PM
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Actually I thought Oklahoma City SkyRockets would be a good name, but that's just my opinion
Donna, Hobart - Jul 21, 2008 3:40 PM
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BOOMER........SOONER!
Chris, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 3:26 PM
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They need to hurry up and get this over with. It's dragging out into the No. 1 priority. I'm ready to talk football.
Chris, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 3:26 PM
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Here's a quote from Fox News that supports the association between thunder and bison: "Scientists: Bison Could Once Again Thunder Across Great Plains". I believe there used to be so many bison on the Great Plains that when they ran, it sounded like thunder.
Jill, www.okcthunderfans.com - Jul 21, 2008 3:17 PM
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OKC Skunk Apes? Swamp Things? Sasquatch? Bigfoots? (no, that should be Bigfeet) ???? I still think Thunderbirds is best so THERE!
Steve, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 3:06 PM
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ummm ok, israel....whatever you say.
Jeff, Norman - Jul 21, 2008 2:54 PM
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REDRUM Israel 1 - Everyone else 0
israel, mhafb - Jul 21, 2008 2:52 PM
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Whatever the name is, I hope "city" is dropped.
Jeff, Norman - Jul 21, 2008 2:51 PM
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We could get a live buffalo like the Colorado Buffaloes have and run it up and down the court.
Joe, Oklahoma City - Jul 21, 2008 2:38 PM