Hey, Mikie, He Likes Us!

[Doug Loudenback]

http://www.newsok.com/a-good-spot-to-be-in/article/3306104/


Thunder coach Carlesimo loves OKC's 'geography'
A good spot to be in

By Darnell Mayberry
Published: October 2, 2008

Thunder coach P.J. Carlesimo called Oklahoma City "infinitely better” than Seattle — from a geographical standpoint that is.

"Geography is infinitely better for us because the travel is infinitely better,” Carlesimo said. "We’re just so much better situated geographically.

"The worst travel in the league was Seattle and Portland and is Miami and Orlando just because of where they are. So to be here compared to Seattle, the geography’s infinitely better even if we’re (in) the Northwest Division.”

In addition to the Thunder, Portland, Denver, Minnesota and Utah make up the Northwest Division.

For traveling purposes, at least.

[ThunderousFan]

kinda off topic, but is anyone else having trouble with the ssslllllowww "new" newsok.com site?

[Betts]

I think the best part of the geography here is that games will now be shown in Central time, as opposed to Pacific time. However, since we only have one game on national television this year, it's not quite as significant. Since the players fly chartered flights, they don't have to worry about the fact that we're not a hub and don't have many direct flights. Of course, you also never have a transcontinental flight, which would be exhausting.

[Jimmy Early]

Anybody who has ever travelled to or from Seattle to the southern, central or eastern U.S. knows what P.J. is talking about (and it doesn't matter if you're on a charter or not). This IS a big deal.

[Fast | Break]

After reading the thread title I thought maybe he was going to comment on how much nicer Draper or Thunderbird are than Puget Sound . . . bummer.

[COCajun]

I think the best part of the geography here is that games will now be shown in Central time, as opposed to Pacific time. However, since we only have one game on national television this year, it's not quite as significant. Since the players fly chartered flights, they don't have to worry about the fact that we're not a hub and don't have many direct flights. Of course, you also never have a transcontinental flight, which would be exhausting.

Doesn't the organization have its own private aircraft for such a purpose? Could have sworn it does, but could be wrong. I know Shinn has one for the Hornets as I see it at MSY practically every time I fly out of there.

[Betts]

I think only about half the teams have their own airplane. I know the Lakers don't have one, and I'm pretty sure the Thunder doesn't either. They used to use Champion Air, but I'm pretty sure Champion is now out of business, so don't know who's picking up that business.

[Trueblood]

If I'm not mistaken, Northwest took over the charters but I'm not sure.