Several professional sports teams have moved, only for their original cities to be awarded new franchises through expansion, most notably in the NHL and NBA. Key examples include the Charlotte Hornets, Winnipeg Jets, and teams in Cleveland (like the Browns).
When the Sonics moved the city retained all the history and the original name. They still have Wilkens, Haywood, and Payton's jerseys in storage to hang up once the team is back. I just heard an interview with Spencer Haywood yesterday where he was talking about how excited he is to go and see his jersey retired by his original team when they're back. It may be awkward at first for some, but eventually it'll just be the Sonics who unfortunately had a 20 year hiatus in their history. Doesn't seem to effect the Browns at all. Do you really think of the Browns as not really the Browns?
Personally the Sonics I know, will never be associated with these usurpers who are calling themselves the Sonics. The chain of custody has been broken, broken for over 20 years and just cannot be unbroken. Sonics should be preserved laid to rest as part of Seattle's long history whilst a new chapter in her history begins.
I don't know about other expansion teams. frankly, don't care to, it s just how I feel.
just a thought though, say we win the championship in our first years.. will they say the Sonics have waited and endured for over 50 years to bring in another championship team?
lol, you know in the end, I don't care, I did love the old Sonics as at that time they were the only sports team here in Seattle and I liked the product. I've watched a game.. part of the game and frankly, I don't care for it and won't follow it if it's here. That said, that's what I'm saying now.. who really knows.