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Steve Kerr on Expansion: “Vegas & Seattle seem to be such smart franchises. As you look forward & think of what we need, we need a couple of Western time slots. Think about all the doubleheaders you have where the 2nd game starts at 8:40 CT. When Seattle & Vancouver left, it hurt the TV schedule”



[Source](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38132943/josh-hart-ny-decision-austin-reaves-la-plan-steve-kerr-expansion-thoughts)

> Thursday, when asked about the possibility of Las Vegas being home to an NBA team, Team USA coach Steve Kerr enthusiastically supported the idea, adding he felt similarly about the league returning to Seattle.

> **”It feels right,” Kerr said. “Obviously it’s not my department, but Vegas and Seattle seem to be such smart franchises. It’s a shame that we ever lost the Sonics in the first place. But as you look forward and you think of what we need, we need a couple of Western time slots. Think about all the doubleheaders on TV you have where the second game is starting at 8:40 central time. We lost a couple of West Coast time slots back when Seattle and Vancouver left the league. It hurt the TV schedule, which hurt the whole league schedule.**

> “You factor in Vegas for the time slot. But also just how great of a venue this is for summer league, USA basketball, the fans here have proven they’ll come out, they love the Aces. The Knights just won the Stanley Cup, the Raiders are filling it up every Sunday. So this seems like a really good next team.”

>Kerr’s answer led to a funny exchange with a reporter who brought up to the coach that the Final Four would be held in Las Vegas this upcoming season.

>When Kerr said he didn’t realize the NCAA tournament Final Four would be in Las Vegas, it was quickly clarified by the reporter that the final four in question was actually the NBA’s first in-season tournament, with the semifinals and championship game set for Dec. 7 and 9.

>With a sheepish smile and ensuing laughter from the assembled media, Kerr said, “I forgot about that.”

by NokCha_

32 Comments

  1. LSFjanniesarecringe

    Bakersfield team…who says no ?

  2. Raptors2017champs

    Fuck Vegas. I want a team in California.

  3. Smart of Kerr to avoid the whole Athletics situation when talking about what an appealing destination Vegas is

  4. BaileyHistory

    They should add four teams. Vegas & Seattle within five years, Pittsburgh/Baltimore/St. Louis/Montreal & Mexico City within fifteen.

  5. schuuin

    Kerr just want more shite franchises in the west so he can eke out a fifth ring

  6. Hoops_MD

    One thing I have always considered with the Vegas idea is how big of deal summer league is becoming. Maybe I’m overthinking it but wouldn’t it be kind of weird to have this massive event on one teams home turf every year? I don’t see them moving summer league anytime soon.

  7. JalonDanielsHeisman

    Seattle already had a team and they blew it.

  8. shreks_burner

    It would just be so weird to have Memphis or Minny in the Eastern conference

  9. Milla4Prez66

    Bring back the Flint Tropics you cowards.

  10. goldspikesv9

    bring back the Anderson Packers you cowards

  11. Wazzoo1

    I’ve had to explain this for years when people ask why Portland is on national TV so much. Because there aren’t many teams on Pacific time. Literally five teams. They have to fill the slots somehow.

  12. rattatatouille

    Huh, given Kerr’s experience in the broadcasting booth I didn’t think of that factor, the broadcasts I mean.

  13. cuhman1cuhman2

    Itd be so funny if the team ends up not being Seattle or Vegas after how much theyvs mentioned sbout it

  14. dspencer97

    He makes a great point that I haven’t even thought about.

  15. For the love of god just do it already! Bring back my Sonics!

  16. Lower_Carpet9393

    Kerr guy seems like a smart cookie.

  17. AdmiralWackbar

    I’m still pulling for the Anchorage Snow Carbs

  18. Shauerkraut

    He’s just a shill for the casinos in Vegas

  19. LennoxAve

    So if Seattle gets a team , does OKC relinquish the stats and team history ?

  20. ConceptNo1055

    but Stars only want to play for 3 teams… Even Lillard only wants one of those 3 😅. LA, NYC, Miami

  21. uhlstar

    Why on Earth would anyone assume that “the Final Four” refers to the NBA?

  22. V_LEE96

    We Vancouverites never wanted our team to leave Steve

  23. astarisaslave

    If they go ahead with Vegas and Seattle does that mean Memphis and New Orleans move to the Eastern Conference? Sorry but I always thought they were way too far east to be part of the Western Conference

  24. HoyaDestroya33

    Seattle and Vegas then move the Wolves and Grizz to the East.

  25. Visual_Particular_48

    Does Kerr have an opinion on China’s human rights abuses?

  26. buffalobill41

    Wolves are just so much more logical in the East as well assuming that’s the move.

  27. Anon_be_thy_name

    Yes, bring back the Sonics… please.

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