NBA Expansion EXPLAINED by Former Sonics GM and How Expansion Teams Can Be Contenders In 5 Years
Iconic Sonics
In this episode of Iconic Sonics, Danny sits down with former Sonics GM Bob Whitsitt for a rare, in-depth conversation about one of the most important eras in Seattle basketball history. Bob breaks down the news around expansion, how to an expansion team can contdend for a title very quickly and more. He also details building one of the first NBA practice facilities while he was in Seattle, building competitive teams and the realities of running an NBA franchise. Bob shares firsthand insight into the decisions, challenges, and moments that shaped the Sonics. This episode also comes at a...
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NBA Expansion is HAPPENING?! NBA Owners Vote Could Change Everything with Brad Townsend
Iconic Sonics
The Seattle SuperSonics are closer than ever to returning—and this episode breaks down exactly why. Danny Ball is joined by NBA insider Brad Townsend for a deep dive into the league’s latest expansion momentum, including the expected Board of Governors vote that could officially move Seattle and Las Vegas into the next phase. With a potential 2028–29 debut on the table and franchise valuations reportedly reaching $7–10 billion, this is no longer just speculation—it’s becoming reality. What makes this even more compelling: Brad previously joined the show last month with early...
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Is This The BEST Year EVER in Seattle Sports History? | NBA Expansion, Star of the Year & More
Iconic Sonics
This week on the podcast, Danny sits down with Beth Knox, President and CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission, to talk about why this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in Seattle sports history. From major events coming to the city to the continued growth of Seattle as a global sports destination, Beth shares what’s ahead and why the momentum around Seattle sports is real. Later in the episode, artist and lifelong basketball fan Django Degree joins the show for a conversation about National Basketball Association culture, the deep nostalgia surrounding the Seattle...
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“It’s Been Percolating” Inside the NBA’s Seattle Expansion Timeline with Brad Townsend
Iconic Sonics
Seattle this may be the clearest NBA expansion signal yet. Veteran NBA reporter Brad Townsend joins host Danny Ball and says the financial groundwork is already circulating among owners… with a vote this summer but other owners wanting to vote sooner, expansion could be closer than fans think. Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News joins Iconic Sonics to break down what he’s hearing about NBA expansion, including a possible vote timeline, why Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners, and why the process may be further along than most realize. Follow the show: Instagram:...
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From the Sonics to the Super Bowl: Why Seattle Believes Again with Mike Gastineau
Iconic Sonics
Seattle doesn’t experience big moments the way other cities do. Here, history is always in the room. Host Danny Ball sits down with Seattle sports legend Mike Gastineau for a wide-ranging conversation on why this Seahawks Super Bowl run feels bigger than just football and why longtime Seattle fans instantly recognize the energy behind this team. From the echoes of the SuperSonics era to the heartbreaks and near-misses that shaped Seattle’s sports identity, Danny and Gas connect the past to the present. They break down how this Seahawks team, led by head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback...
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Inside the NBA’s Expansion Timeline: Seattle, Vegas, and What’s Changed with Chris Daniels & Tim Booth)
Iconic Sonics
The Seattle SuperSonics conversation just shifted following the commissioner’s announcement ahead of the NBA Cup Finals. Danny Ball, Tim Booth, and Chris Daniels break down why this time feels different. On this episode of Iconic Sonics, we’re joined by Tim Booth (The Seattle Times) and Chris Daniels (KOMO News) to unpack Adam Silver’s latest comments on NBA expansion, what’s changed since Las Vegas Summer League, and why 2026 has suddenly become a real inflection point for Seattle. We dive into: Adam Silver’s evolving language around expansion Why Seattle and Vegas are now...
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RIP Lenny Wilkens | Spencer Haywood's Legacy, Portland's Perseverance and More Ball Boy Stories with Jason Quick
Iconic Sonics
Jason Quick discusses the legacy of Spencer Heywood, his impact on the NBA, and his relationship with the late Lenny Wilkens. Danny Ball also asks him about the ongoing developments in the current NBA season, including the Portland Trail Blazers' performance and the gambling scandal surrounding Chauncey Billups. for more Sonics content! You can read Jason's article about Spencer Haywood . Host: Danny Ball Guest: Jason Quick Executive Producer: Brett Goldberg
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Coaching Journeys, Sonics Ball Boy Memories and the Father Son Connection with Coby Karl
Iconic Sonics
Coby Karl shares his unique experiences growing up in the basketball world as the son of George Karl, former Sonics coach. He reflects on his time in Seattle, the relationships he built with players and coaches, and the lessons he learned that shaped his own coaching philosophy. Coby discusses the evolution of basketball, particularly the WNBA, and emphasizes the importance of creating environments where players can thrive. He also shares his thoughts on the legacy of the Sonics and the potential for their return to Seattle.
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Passing The Torch In Seattle and the (Bright) Future with Will Conroy Sr. & Will Conroy Jr.
Iconic Sonics
Danny Ball interviews the father-son duo Will Conroy Sr. and Will Conroy Jr., exploring their deep connections to basketball, particularly within Seattle. They discuss the cultural impact of the Sonics, their personal basketball journeys, and the evolving landscape of youth basketball, including the influence of NIL and AAU. The conversation also touches on the importance of community in Seattle basketball, memorable experiences at the Crawsover, and reflections on family dynamics in sports, particularly in light of LeBron and Bronny James. The episode concludes with insights into their future...
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LeBron Would Love The Gum Wall, the WNBA Playoffs with Flagrant Magazine
Iconic Sonics
Danny Ball speaks with Alex and Ashtyn from Flagrant Mag about the origins of their magazine, their upcoming issue, and the cultural commentary surrounding women's basketball. They discuss the importance of covering both men's and women's basketball, the naming conventions of their brand, and the dynamics of player relationships in the WNBA. They also talk about the concept of 'Girl Shams' for breaking news in The W. They delve into their PNW connections as Oregon State alumni and express excitement for the return of the Portland Fire WNBA team. The discussion shifts to the future of the WNBA,...
info_outlineJason "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!