In an ideal world, Oklahoman columnist Jenni Carlson's assertion that the Oklahoma City "Thunder has gone from being hated to loved" would even apply to Seattle
↵↵↵Thunder has gone from being hated to loved | NewsOK.com
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If the Thunder were still the Sonics, the scab would be picked every time they were mentioned. Instead, the wounds have had a chance to heal and the Thunder has had an opportunity to build its own identity.It's an identity that people have come to love. Media pundits and basketball fans alike have taken to this team because of their star, their style and their substance.
↵The franchise that folks loved to hate is now feeling the love.
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Unfortunately, I've found it exceedingly difficult to find a Seattle Sonics fan for whom the wounds from losing a team in that manner have healed, extremely likable superstar and high pre-season expectations notwithstanding. The entire, long, drawn out relocation process created a wound that even remains present amidst the championship success of the Seattle Storm.
↵What might be interesting is whether Sonics fans will warm to the Thunder before Cleveland Browns fans warm to Art Modell.
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