The SuperSonics' Mascot: A Tale of Two Creatures (and One Very Confused Sea Monster)
Ah, the Seattle SuperSonics. A team with a legendary history, a city that still mourns their departure, and a mascot debate that could get heated faster than a Shawn Kemp dunk contest. Today, we're diving headfirst (or should we say, bellyflop?) into the world of the Sonics' furry friends.
What Was The Seattle Supersonics Mascot |
Wheedle: The Original Oddball
First up, we have the Wheedle. Debuting in 1978, the Wheedle was...well, a sight to behold. Imagine a giant, fuzzy sea monster with a permanent case of the Mondays. Think Grover from Sesame Street crossed with the Loch Ness Monster after a particularly bad hair day.
Did it work? Honestly, it was less mascot and more "fever dream you have after eating too much clam chowder." But hey, points for originality!
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Squatch: The Aerial Acrobat
Thankfully, the Sonics saw the error of their ways (or maybe the Wheedle scared away too many sponsors). In 1993, Squatch lumbered onto the scene. This high-flying homage to Sasquatch was a much better fit. Here was a mascot that could soar through the air, mimicking the Sonics' high-octane offense of the Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp era.
Squatch was a crowd favorite, known for his acrobatic routines and playful demeanor. Plus, unlike the Wheedle, he wasn't likely to give small children nightmares.
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The Great Mascot Migration (or Theft, Depending on Who You Ask)
Sadly, the Sonics' story, like Squatch's inevitable return to the forest, has a bittersweet ending. The team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, and Squatch, much to the dismay of Seattle fans, didn't come along for the ride.
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However, a glimmer of hope! The city of Seattle retained the intellectual property rights to the Sonics' mascots, including Squatch. So, who knows? Maybe one day, when the NBA gods decide to shine on Seattle once more, Squatch will return to grace the court (and terrify opposing mascots) once again.
So You Want to Be a Mascot Expert? How to School Your Friends on the Sonics' Fuzzy Friends
Alright, class, quiz time! Here are some frequently asked mascot inquiries:
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How many mascots did the Sonics have? Two! Wheedle (1978-1985) and Squatch (1993-2008).
Which mascot was around for the Sonics' championship run? Wheedle was there to witness the 1979 glory, but Squatch gets bonus points for moral support during the Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp era.
Is Squatch ever coming back? Only time (and the NBA) will tell! But Seattle holds the rights to the mascot, so there's always a chance.
Who is the mascot for the Oklahoma City Thunder (formerly the Sonics)? That would be Rumble the Bison. No relation to Squatch or the Wheedle (thank goodness).
Can I get a Wheedle costume for Halloween? Let's be honest, you'd probably scare more people than get laughs. But hey, if you're feeling adventurous, more power to you!
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