By Matt Levin
TULSA (MCT) — The Tulsa 66ers announced Wednesday the team will serve as the minor league affiliate of the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA Developmental League.
The move appears to be another step in relocating the Sonics franchise to Oklahoma City. The 66ers will act as the affiliate for both the Sonics and the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2008-09 season. In addition, the D-League will expand from 14 teams to 16.
In separate releases about the 2008-09 affiliations, neither the NBA nor the 66ers mentioned the SuperSonics prospective move to Oklahoma. Jim Brylewski, the 66ers’ president, mentioned that no matter what happens with the Sonics, it’s a great opportunity for Tulsa.
“Officially, the board of governors approved the move form Seattle to Oklahoma City,” Brylewski said. “Whether this happens this upcoming season or in two
years we’re confident the affiliation between the Sonics and us will be mutual beneficial.”
The 66ers functioned as the Hornets D-League affiliate when the New Orleans Hornets played in Oklahoma City for the two years following Hurricane Katrina.
The SuperSonics begin a six-day trial in Seattle on Monday in which a judge will determine whether the city can force the NBA squad to play out the final two years of its KeyArena
lease.
Brylewski added the Supersonics have been an active team in the D-League, making it a prime team for Tulsa to affiliate with as the D-League grows in size–and seemingly importance to the NBA. The D-League, in essence, is a minor league for the NBA. Players in their first or second season can be assigned to the league for any length of time.
In the past, Tulsa had affiliations with NBA teams like the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks. But with the D-League expanding — to Erie, Pa. and Reno, Nev. — new rules limit a D-League team from being affiliated with more than two NBA teams, Brylewski said.
The previous SuperSonics affiliate was located in Boise, Idaho. Now with the Sonics having an affiliate just 90 minutes away from Oklahoma City, it appears Oklahoma is one step closer to hosting an NBA team. And that also bodes well for Tulsa and the future of its D-League club.
“I think it’s limitless,” Brylewski said. “We’re just excited with the opportunity”
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