Sonics Forever

On this special NBA Playoff edition of 3 Things To Know, host Danny Ball breaks down Adam Silver's latest comments on expansion and what they could mean for Seattle's hopes. Plus, Danny gives his updated playoff picks now that the first round is over, shares a spicy same game parlay for Wolves vs. Warriors, and wraps things up by comparing NBA stars to iconic movie characters. From Legally Blonde to the league's future and The Town to the second round, this episode has it all. Follow us on IG: @iconic_sonics Sponsored by Swinomish Casino & Lodge, with all odds powered by their brand-new BetRivers Sportsbook.  Please gamble responsibly. For help you can call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gamblerchat.org. For in-state resources contact Washington Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-547-6133 or visit their website at evergreencpg.org.

On September 25, 1997, one of the most shocking trades in NBA history included Seattle SuperSonics legend Shawn Kemp, traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and rising star Vin Baker going to the Pacific Northwest. More than two decades later, these two former All-Stars sat down together for the first time to reflect on that pivotal moment in their careers. In this exclusive episode, recorded live from Seattle's Edgewater Hotel in February 2025, Kemp and Baker talk about the day of the trade, what it felt like to be swapped for one another and how their careers unfolded in the years since. They share behind-the-scenes stories about going head-to-head on the court, their experiences playing in front of the passionate Seattle crowd, and how the trade shaped their legacies. The conversation also dives deep into their personal journeys, including battles with addiction, the path to recovery, and life after basketball. They talk about what they're up to now, including Vin's work with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Recovery Centers he's opening—starting in Wisconsin—to support others on their own healing journeys. Special thanks to The Edgewater Hotel for hosting us, and to the Swinomish Casino and Lodge for sponsoring this conversation. This episode was co-produced with our friends at Converge Media. And of course, thank you to Seattle NBA Fans, our additional partners and the entire Seattle hoops community for riding together with us as we continue this journey toward the eventual return of the NBA to the Emerald City.

In this episode of "3 Things," Danny Ball breaks down the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament and first-round matchups with bold picks, spicy takes, and a few Coach Carter references for good measure. We kick things off with the state of the basketball scene in the Pacific Northwest, followed by a quick recap of the regular season, then we fly through every first round series — East to West. This episode is sponsored by our friends, the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, with all odds powered by their brand-new BetRivers Sportsbook. Please gamble responsibly. For help you can call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gamblerchat.org. For in-state resources contact Washington Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-547-6133 or visit their website at evergreencpg.org.

Seattle sports reporter Tim Booth joins Danny Ball to talk about his experiences at the NBA Board of Governors meeting this week and Adam Silver's subsequent press conference. He breaks down what the Commissioner said in his answer to The Question. Plus, they talk NBA expansion league in Europe, Tim's recent meeting with Shawn Kemp and Vin Baker, a timeline for the Sonics first game and more!  Tim's article for the Seattle Times about the league's possible expansion is out now. And here's his recent article about Shawn and Vin. Be sure to follow us on social media & go Sonics!

Brian Windhorst from ESPN stops by to talk about the timeline for NBA expansion, his love for the Pacific Northwest and if Kevin Durant will finish his career in Seattle.   3 Things You Need To Know with Danny Ball is a short form show that aims to keep fans informed about the latest news on NBA expansion and the potential return of the Seattle Sonics.  Thanks to our partners who make this possible: Rise Above, the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Edgewater, Simply Seattle, Epic Seats and the Hall Group. And to our Team who produces these episodes: Danny Ball, Trevor Bond, Ciella Sfirri, Allena Rouse, Cory Jackson and Brett Goldberg.  

Jason "Puck" Puckett hosts Iconic Sonics here from the SixSeven restaurant in the Edgewater Hotel. He's joined by former Sonic, Rashard Lewis, who made a visit to town this month to attend the Rain City NBA preseason game. Puck and Sweet Lew discuss when Rashard was drafted by the Sonics in '98, his decade in Seattle, his relationships with former teammates Gary Payton and Ray Allen, leaving in '07 and what he's up to today.     You can check out Puck's daily show at pucksports.com or on X and Instagram. And be sure to check out all Iconic Sonics episodes, if you haven't previously, wherever you get your audio and on X, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.     Thanks to the Edgewater Hotel for making this episode possible as well as our long-time partners Simply Seattle, Epic Seats, Rise Above, the Hall Group and Swinomish Casino and Lodge. Thanks, too, to the Seattle Storm, Climate Pledge Arena and the Kraken for their support and hospitality during our visit to Seattle with Rashard Lewis this month!  

3 Things You Need To Know with Danny Ball is a short form show that aims to keep fans informed about the latest news on NBA expansion and the potential return of the Seattle Sonics.   This episode covers the latest on the Warner vs. NBA lawsuit about media rights, potential conference realignment and how the sale of the Boston Celtics is related to the return of the Sonics.   Thanks to our partners who make this possible: Rise Above, the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Edgewater, Simply Seattle, Epic Seats and the Hall Group. And to our Team who produces these episodes: Danny Ball, Trevor Bond, Ciella Sfirri, Allena Rouse, Cory Jackson and Brett Goldberg  

3 Things You Need To Know with Danny Ball is a short form show that aims to keep fans informed about the latest news on NBA expansion and the potential return of the Seattle Sonics. This episode covers when the NBA will announce that they are expanding, what cities are being considered for expansion and when the Sonics would play their first game.    Thanks to our partners who make this possible: Rise Above, the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Edgewater, Simply Seattle, Epic Seats and the Hall Group. And to our Team who produces these episodes: Danny Ball, Trevor Bond, Ciella Sfirri, Allena Rouse, Cory Jackson and Brett Goldberg.    

In this Iconic Sonic Rewind episode, we're joined by Chris Ackerley, son of the former Sonics Owner and a prominent Seattle business person and community member himself.    Chris spoke with us a couple years ago in an episode hosted by the Gas Man, Mike Gastineau. Chris and Mike discussed great Sonics memories, the Ackerley family in Seattle, the Kraken and the anticipated return of the NBA.    Stay tuned for more Rewind episodes and then new Iconic Sonic episodes in a few weeks.  And, be sure to rate, review and share Iconic Sonics with friends as well as following us on X and Instagram.    Thanks to our partners who make this possible: Rise Above, the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Edgewater, Simply Seattle, Epic Seats and the Hall Group.  And to our Team who produces these episodes: Danny Ball, Trevor Bond, Ciella Sfirri, Allena Rouse, Cory Jackson and Brett Goldberg.

In this first Iconic Sonic Rewind episode, we're joined by Samantha Holloway, Chair of the Seattle Kraken Executive Committee and majority Owner.    Samantha spoke with us 18 months ago live at the Edgewater Hotel with Mike Gastineau and Chris Daniels. They discuss the Kraken, Seattle sports community and had Samantha share her perspectives about the evolution of the Seattle SuperSonics return, including the required steps and the potential price for NBA Expansion.     Now in mid 2024, the deal appears to be getting closer with each passing month. Stay tuned for more Rewind episodes and then new Iconic Sonic episodes in a few weeks. And, be sure to rate, review and share Iconic Sonics with friends as well as following us on X and Instagram.   Thanks to our partners who make this possible: Rise Above, the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Edgewater, Simply Seattle, Epic Seats and the Hall Group.  And to our Team who produces these episodes: Danny Ball, Trevor Bond, Ciella Sfirri, Allena Rouse, Cory Jackson and Brett Goldberg.

Jason Puckett hosts Iconic Sonics again and is joined by long-time Seattle Sports Executive, Nate Silverman. Nate discusses his current team, the Seattle Storm, and his role as the organization's Chief Commercial Officer. He also talks about the WNBA, the rise of women's hoops, Sue Bird, Caitlin Clark and more. Puck and Nate then review the SuperSonics and what the team's anticipated return could mean for the Storm and expanded Seattle sports community.   You can check out Jason's daily content at http://pucksports.com or on X and Instagram. And you can check out more Iconic Sonics at http://iconicsonics.com as well as on X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and wherever else you get your media.   Thanks to all our partners who make this Season of Iconic Sonics possible -- Rise Above, Simply Seattle, the Edgewater Hotel, Epic Seats, the Hall Group and Swinomish Casino and Lodge.  

Longtime Seattle media guy, Jason Puckett, hosts Iconic Sonics for the first time. He's joined by former Sonic Coach and Hall of Famer, George Karl. Puck and Coach discuss the passing of Sonics legend, Bob Kloppenburg, George's recent trip to OKC and the start of the NBA playoffs. They also talk about young hoops stars including SGA, Chet, Maxey, ANT and Wemby.   You can check out Jason's daily content at pucksports.com or on X and Instagram. And you can check out more Iconic Sonics at iconicsonics.com as well as on X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and wherever else you get your media.   Thanks to all our partners who make this Season of Iconic Sonics possible -- Rise Above, Simply Seattle, the Edgewater Hotel, Epic Seats, the Hall Group and Swinomish Casino and Lodge.  

The NBA's new media rights deal is reportedly the final step before the League potentially expands. Guest Hosts Chris Daniels and David Rumsey from Front Office Sports discuss the League's upcoming rights deal, including the dollar figures, timeline and Amazon's potential involvement.Chris and David also talk about the pending League expansion. They discuss how institutional and international capital could affect things and what we should expect for the Sonics return at this point.For more on David Rumsey, visit frontofficesports.com or @_DavidRumsey on X. Thanks to our current partners, Rise Above, the Hall Group, Epic Seats, Simply Seattle, the Edgewater Hotel and the Swinomish Casino and Lodge.  To get discounts on great sports and entertainment tickets from Epic Seats, use the code Coachk.  And use Iconic15 for discounts on Sonics gear, Storm gear and more from Simply Seattle.

Nate McMillan, AKA Mr. Sonic or Mac10, joins the Show for a second time and a first time as part of our special series, Iconic Sonics City Edition. Nate sat down with Omari Salisbury in the Black Media Matters studio during a recent visit to Seattle. They talk here about Nate's connection to the Emerald City, some of his closest relationships in Seattle and and his history with the Black community in town. Mac10 and Omari also discuss his new foundation, the Nate McMillan Foundation, and if he envisions being a part of the future Sonics organization. Thanks to Iconic Sonic Season 5 partners Rise Above, the Edgewater Hotel, Simply Seattle, Epic Seats, the Hall and Swinomish Casino and Lodge. Plus Converge Media, Seattle Magazine and the Nate McMillan Foundation. This episode was produced in partnership with Converge. You can check out the video edition at: https://www.youtube.com/@ConvergeMedia/videos. You can learn more about Nate's new foundation here: https://www.natemcmillanfoundation.org/  The team behind this production included Brett Goldberg, Omari Salisbury, Ciella Sfirri, Allena Rouse, Cory Jackson, Trevor Bond, Danny Ball, Ike Everard and Besa Gordon.

Things are warming up regarding the Sonics anticipated return and Guest Hosts Brian Robinson and KOMO's Chris Daniels kick off the season with an episode of our new series, Iconic Sonic News.  Brian and Chris discuss relevant NBA expansion topics, including recent Sonics mentions from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. Iconic Sonic Executive Producer Brett Goldberg also joins the Episode briefly in order to help kick things off this season. Thanks to all our Season 5 partners including Rise Above, Epic Seats, the Edgewater Hotel, Simply Seattle, the Hall and Swinomish Casino and Lodge.Plus Converge Media, Seattle Magazine and the Nate McMillan Foundation! This Episode was produced by Brett Goldberg, Allena Rouse, Cory Jackson, Trevor Bond and Danny Ball.  It was edited by Ciella Sfirri. 

Gary Payton makes a return appearance on Iconic Sonics for the Season Finale.  The Glove discusses his active coaching career, his love and connection to Seattle and Oakland, his new partnership with George Karl and Truth+Media and more. Thanks to all our Season 4 partners and partners on this episode starting with our Title Partner, Rise Above, and continuing with Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle, the Edgewater Hotel and Seattle Magazine! 

Blaine native, Pacific Northwest legend and former Sonic Luke Ridnour joins the Show to reconnect with Mike Gastineau.  Luke and Mike talk about former Sonic teammates including Ray Allen, Jeff Green, Rashard Lewis, Nick Collison, Vladimir Radmanovic and his former NBA coaches including Nate McMillian, Scott Skiles and Rick Adelman. They also discuss what Luke is up to now, including serving as the father and the hoops coach for his six sons. He shares too how he thinks about the NBA today and the hopeful return of the NBA to his home state.   Thanks to our partners Rise Above, Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle, the Edgewater Hotel and Seattle Magazine for helping make this episode possible.       

Former Sonic, Vin Baker, joins the Show to talk about his time in Seattle and what he's up to now in Milwaukee.  Recorded with Vin in Greece, who is working out this summer with the Antetokounmpo brothers, Baker discusses his experience as a Sonic and his relationships with guys including Gary Payton and Michael Jordan.  He also talks candidly about his experiences with alcoholism and his 13 years of sobriety. This Episode is presented by Rise Above, Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle, the Edgewater Hotel and Seattle Magazine. 

We're joined in this Episode by Jeff Green, one of two active NBA players who formerly played for the Seattle SuperSonics.  Uncle Jeff joins us on the eve of the NBA Western Conference Finals to discuss his career, his time in Seattle, Kevin Durant and what he's looking forward to in the weeks and years ahead.  This Episode is presented by Rise Above, Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle, the Edgewater Hotel and Seattle Magazine!  

Recorded live at the Edgewater Hotel a few weeks back, we're joined here by icons Lenny Wilkens, Spencer Hawes, Sandy Gregory and Show Host, Mike Gastineau.  The group discusses several topics from the Seattle sports community including the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, Rise Above, the recently created Sonics Legends Fund and more.    In particular, the Legends Fund has been helping iconic Sonics Gus Williams and Slick Watts with medical treatment and health services.  Visit more about the Fund at https://www.sonicslegendsfund.org/   Thanks to Rise Above, the Edgewater, Seattle Magazine and all our partners for their support of this Episode.  

Today on Iconic Sonics, we're joined by Guest Host Chris Daniels and Guest Kurt Badenhausen, a sports valuation reporter at Sportico and former senior editor at Forbes.  On the Show we dive into NBA expansion talk, how the new collective bargaining agreement will affect players and owners alike and what a $75 Billion media rights deal might look like. This Episode is presented by Rise Above, Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle, Seattle Magazine and the Edgewater Hotel.

The 2000 NCAA National Champ and former Sonic, Mateen Cleaves, joins the Show with Host Mike Gastineau and Guest Host Alyssa Charlston.  With this year's NCAA Final Four upon us, Mateen, Mike and Alyssa walk back his championship year at Michigan State and break down the state of college hoops today. We also revisit Mateen's time in Seattle and talk about the players, coaches and fans that helped shape his NBA career. This Episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle, Seattle Magazine and the Edgewater Hotel.

Recorded LIVE from the Queen Anne Beer Hall in Seattle, Guest Host Alyssa Charlston is joined by Hall of Fame Coach George Karl, Sonics legend Dale Ellis and broadcaster extraordinaire Kenny Mayne.  The group walks down memory lane talking about the great years in Sonics history and the even greater players coming out of the Emerald City.  They also go into what will happen when the team comes back, what the fans mean to the team and the city, and how the NBA returning to Seattle might happen sooner than we think! This Episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, Dicks Drive In, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle, Seattle Magazine and the Edgewater Hotel.

Recorded from Seattle's iconic Edgewater Hotel, Mike Gastineau and Chris Daniels sit down with the Co-Chair and Co-Owner of the NHL's Seattle Kraken, Samantha Holloway. Join us for a candid discussion as we talk with Samantha about her leadership role with the Kraken and how her Ownership group is thinking about the return of the Sonics.  We also review what's happening in and around Climate Pledge Arena and what the fans and community are doing to continue to fight for the teams' return. This Episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, Dicks Drive-In, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle and the Edgewater Hotel.

Whether it was as a player, a coach or an executive in the league, Rod Thorn is a name synonymous with excellence in the NBA. Drafted in May 1967 by the expansion Seattle SuperSonics from the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA expansion draft, He would go on to success in the emerald city and conclude his career as a player there.  Also known as the ‘Man who drafted Michael Jordan', Thorn spent decades in the league and has left a permanent imprint on the game today.  Join us with the Naismith Hall of Famer as we walk through his career, his impact on the game and the love he continues to have for basketball. This Episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, Dicks Drive In, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle and the Edgewater Hotel.

Will Conroy, associate Head Coach at the University of Washington and member of the Huskies staff since 2015, joins Iconic Sonics to talk with Mike Gastineau about his Seattle roots. Will remembers what it was like to be a kid during the '96 Sonics championship run in Seattle, what growing up with an NBA team meant to him, and talks about what he and his friends (including Seattle legend Jamal Crawford) do every year to grow and strengthen the impressive Seattle basketball youth community. This Episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, Dicks Drive In, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle and the Edgewater Hotel.

Kendall Gill joins Guest Host Chris Daniels to discuss his run in Seattle with the Sonics in the mid 90s.  The 15 year NBA vet also discusses his excellent college career including his first trip to Seattle for the '89 Final Four, his defensive prowess in the League and his post playing days, including boxing and broadcasts for the Chicago Bulls.    In particular, Kendall goes deep on his mental health suffering throughout his NBA career and how depression and headaches led to extreme suffering on and off the court.  He also discusses his relationship with other Sonics and Coach George Karl during that chapter in Seattle.    This Episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, Dicks Drive In, the Queen Anne Beer Hall, Simply Seattle and the Edgewater Hotel.    

Check out this special short episode from our sister podcast, Run It Back, hosted by college hoops great Mateen Cleaves and Josh Barnett from 19Nine.  This week we had Seattle native and 2013 NCAA Champion from the Louisville Cardinals, Peyton Siva on the show.  Listen to hear what he had to say about the Emerald City, his basketball time in the PNW and why players from Seattle bring something special to the court! The Episode is produced by Truth+Media and presented by 19Nine.  Thanks to Victory as well.  Visit truthplusmedia.com, 19nine.com and wearevictory.com  for more!  

Hall of Fame sports journalist David Aldridge joins us for this episode of Iconic Sonics. David, Host Mike Gastineau and Guest Host Chris Daniels discuss the factors that should lead to the return of the Sonics, including the media rights deal, other sports team sales and the Collective Bargaining Agreement. They also discuss how the NBA is evaluating the Seattle Kraken's success, the Crawsover's popularity and the League's relationship with the Oak View Group. This episode is presented by Rise Above and brought to you by Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-in, Simply Seattle and the Edgewater Hotel.    For more on this episode visit Truthplusmedia.com.     For the recent video of our interview with Mark Cuban, check out this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2EnftB3HOw&t=17s   And for more of David Aldridge's work with The Athletic, visit: https://theathletic.com/author/david-aldridge/

Big Smooth joins host Mike Gastineau for a thoughtful, fun trip through Sam's 17 year NBA career.  The two spend time discussing what he's up to these days with the NBA, his recent visit to Seattle and memories from the Emerald City in the 90s.  Sam also shares stories about his time and relationships with iconic basketball figures Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. This episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In, Simply Seattle and the Edgewater Hotel.   

Mark Cuban, Owner of the Dallas Mavericks for 20 years, was one of two NBA owners to vote against the relocation of the Sonics to OKC in 2008.  In this Special Interview with Executive Producer Brett Goldberg, Mark talks about the potential opportunity for the return of the NBA to Seattle.  Iconic Sonics is Presented by Rise Above and brought to you by Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-in, The Edgewater Hotel and Simply Seattle.  

This LIVE episode was recorded in October 2022 from the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle.  Host Mike Gastineau sits down for an intimate discussion with new Hall of Fame coach, George Karl, and is then joined by new Season 4 Guest Host, Chris Daniels. George reflects on his new Hall of Fame Enshrinement as well as his current perspectives on the return of the Sonics and his love for Seattle.  He also discusses growing up in Pittsburgh and his new documentary about the ABA hoops league of the 70s.     Chris then talks with Gas and Brett Goldberg about the timetable for the return of the Sonics and how the CBA and media rights deals will affect NBA expansion.  He also shares his thoughts on pro ball in Las Vegas, Jamal Crawford's influence on Seattle hoops and more.  This episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Simply Seattle, Dicks Drive-In and the Edgewater Hotel.  

This special LIVE episode was recorded prior to the Clippers-Blazers preseason game in October 2022.  It was recorded in front of a packed crowd at the Queen Anne Beer Hall, just three blocks away from the Climate Pledge Arena.     Host Mike Gastineau is joined by Coach George Karl and Seattle icon, Detlef Schrempf.  The three discuss the status of NBA expansion, the 90s Sonics and Detlef's position amongst all time European greats.     This episode is presented by Rise Above as well as Epic Seats, the Edgewater Hotel, Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Simply Seattle and Dicks Drive In.

In a follow up to our live show in Seattle earlier this month, we present a community focused show featuring some of our closest partners and collaborators. Saul Spady from Dicks Drive In is our host with Kimi King from Vault89, Jaci McCormack with Rise Above as well as Chairman Willie Frank of the Nisquali Tribe. This episode is brought to you by Dicks Drive In, Simply Seattle and Rise Above as well as Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Edgewater Hotel, Link and the Run Freely Foundation. 

This special LIVE episode is a ‘rewatchable' event of the Sonics Game 7 victory against the Utah Jazz during the 1996 Western Conference Finals.  It's a top 3 game in Sonics basketball history and holds a special place in the hearts of all Seattle hoops fans who experienced it.   Host Mike Gastineau is joined by Coach George Karl, Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and Kevin Calabro and the episode was recorded in front of hundreds of Sonics fans on May 27th at the Dicks Drive In Queen Anne. This episode is brought to you by Dicks Drive In, Simply Seattle and Rise Above as well as Swinomish Casino and Lodge, the Edgewater Hotel, Link and the Run Freely Foundation. 

Seattle radio legend Dave "The Groz" Grosby joins his old partner-in-crime Mike Gastineau on this episode of Iconic Sonics to talk about the team they love and the town they covered for nearly two decades. Here, Groz and Gas talk about the past, present and future of the Seattle Sonics and look ahead at the potential return of the team to the PNW. This episode is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-in and the Run Freely Foundation.

Seattle businessman Chris Ackerley joins the Show to talk basketball, the Sonics and the Kraken. The son of the former Sonics owner, Chris shares memories of the team in the 80s and 90s and discusses the potential return of the NBA to Seattle. This episode is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

Mike Gastineau and Co-Host Eldridge Recasner are joined by Haitian born NBA player Olden Polynice who played center for the Seattle SuperSonics, LA Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and Utah Jazz. On the show we discuss Olden's time playing in Seattle, the role of the "Big Man" (then and now) and how his transition to coaching has allowed him to stay in the game and teach the next generation how to play basketball both mentally and physicially. This episode is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-in and the Run Freely Foundation.

Senior NBA writer for ESPN and Andscape (formerly the Undefeated), Marc Spears joins us, along with newly inducted Hall of Fame coach George Karl, for a conversation on the state of the NBA, how the media now interacts with the sport and the status of hoops in Seattle. This episode is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-in and the Run Freely Foundation.

Seven year NBA player and former Sonic Jim McIlvaine joins the Show to discuss his time in Seattle and his hoops career. A defensive specialist and standout at Marquette, Jim shares illuminating stories about his time in Seattle, including the circumstances around Shawn Kemp. This episode is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-in and the Run Freely Foundation.

Sonics legend James Donaldson is our guest as we walk through his career in the NBA, being drafted by and playing for the Sonics, the era of the "Big Man" and how he's now focused on mental health awareness and breaking it's stigma in sports. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

We welcome to the show Derrick McKey who started his basketball career in small town Meridian Mississippi, played 3 years at the University of Alabama and ended up playing in the NBA for 15 years (6 with the Sonics). We also welcome our new co-host for the show, Eldridge Recasner (Iconic Sonics Ep. 33) who along with Mike Gastineau talk to Derrick on his long and successful career, the origin his nickname "Heavy D", and playing against Michael Jordan and the '98 Bulls. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

Former Sonic Detlef Schrempf (aka The Grand Teuton) joins the show to give us some insight into what it was like to play on the '96 NBA Finals team, being one of the first NCAA players from Europe, dunking in rec leagues between NBA games, and his future in Seattle basketball. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

With sports gambling now being HUGE in professional sports and becoming more and more popular every day, we invited gambling expert Bran Feinberg and marketing/creative guru Saul Spady on the show to talk about best bets, tricks of the trade and how to not lose all your money on in-game betting! This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

Talk about ICONIC! Spencer Haywood joins us again to talk about his years in the NBA and time playing for the Sonics. We also get into the 15th anniversary of his jersey retirement in Seattle and his lasting effect on the game of basketball, largely due to his legal case vs the NBA 50 years ago. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

Although never a Sonic, he was an NBA fixture for years and one of the great players at University of Washington. Eldridge Recasner joins the show to talk about his friend Gary Payton, playing in Taiwan with Shawn Kemp and how a cocky George Karl devised an illegal defense to guard Hakeem Olajuwon in the 90's. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

Feed the Hawk! Sonics star Hersey Hawkins joins Mike Gastineau and the Show to discuss his time in Seattle in the 90s. They recall playing with Shawn, Gary, Nate and others, the '96 playoffs and what Hersey is up to these days. Coach Karl joins a portion of the episode to share memories of his time together with Hersey. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

Broadcasting legend Kenny Mayne joins the show for a second time to dig into all things Sonics history, the new world of legal sports gambling and how an injury in college led Kenny to start an organization that is helping veterans and others walk pain-free again. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

Tod Leiweke, part-owner, president and CEO of the Seattle Kraken joins the show today to talk about the Sonics, Seattle and Sports in the PNW. Go behind the scenes with us at Climate Pledge Arena, catch up on the NHL's hottest new team and get the inside scoop on the Sonics returning to the city. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

We welcome Francis Williams (legendary Seattle Coach) and Danny O'Neil (local Seattle writer) to the Show to talk about the 90's Sonics, Ray Allen's sharpshooting and the trade for GP, how LeBron has changed the game and what 'The Last Dance' taught us about media in the game. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.

Frank Brickowski joins the show today to talk his about his two stints with the Sonics, shooting Coach George Karl in the face with a paintball gun, all night gambling sessions with Michael Jordan and how he helped Seattle make it to the 1996 NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls. This is presented by Swinomish Casino and Lodge, Dicks Drive-In and RunFreely.