As a recent arrival to Seattle, I feel like I stand alone in my obsession for Basketball. The local corner bar carries NBA games, and I have found myself there alone, nursing an expensive microbrew beer, cheering for the Pistons, Sonics, or just about any game they have on the TV. When I clap for a good defensive play, or stand up and cheer for an awesome dunk or block, I do it alone. Seattle is a city that doesn't care about hoops.

To say that Seattle doesn't care about basketball is inaccurate. To not care would be a passive, hands off attitude. This city seems to dislike the game. A few days ago, the city had it's elections and included several referendums on the ballot, including the "sports welfare" bill that prohibits the city from spending any money on new arenas. It was sold as a financial move but believe me, it's not about the money. This city has all kinds of money for all kinds of projects. This move was about Basketball.

I could rant on about this for days, but instead, I will let someone much more eloquent tell you about it. Sherman Alexie is a distinquished author, poet, and basketball fan. He explains what the game means to himself, to the city, and to the greater idea of humanity.

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=101518

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"Eastern Conference regular-season champs, baby," said Chauncey Billups. "This is what we set out for when we started the season in training camp. We did it and we're happy." (2003)

That is beautiful. I think he likes basketball more than me.

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To all of my friends, comrades and companions at PF.com

Thank you for another great season!

Thanks for posting this.

I love Sherman Alexie. And I love basketball. And I love the Pistons. And I loved the best starting five in the league until they weren't. And I loved Ben Wallace until I hated him for going to Chicago, until I realized that I also live in Chicago and I love Chicago and I love the Bulls, so by the transitive property of love, I love Ben Wallace again. And I love it that the things I love are in conflict with each other.

But I never have developed a taste for Starbucks.

Indeed. I was a Tazo Chai drinker for a couple years, but now I am strictly a Tim Hortons customer. Tim's is coffee for the people.

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To all of my friends, comrades and companions at PF.com

Thank you for another great season!

Basketball?
Aw it's alright I guess... when there's nothin' else going on...
like sleeping, eating, breathing, screwing etc... lol

I can do 3 of those 4 things WHILE watching basketball!

They allow that at your corner bar?

Aw, come on, roscoe. I think he likes you better than he likes

basketball. There, There, now. !!

Seattle is a real liberal place.

lmao. Funny thread. Between the Roscoe neglect and Linwood's fully-interactive bars I don't know where to direct my laughter to first.


By the way, this article is excellent.

I will have to follow this dude's work in the future.