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Jon Finkel: Hoops Heist and the Story of how Seattle Lost the Sonics

  • Writer: Greg Inglin
    Greg Inglin
  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read
Jon Finkel: Hoops Heist and the Story of how Seattle Lost the Sonics
Jon Finkel: Hoops Heist and the Story of how Seattle Lost the Sonics

Nearly 20 years ago, the Seattle SuperSonics were swept away by a new owner, relocating to Oklahoma City, and Sonic Fans still can't believe it ever happened. Today's guest does a deep dive into what lead up to Seattle losing it's team.


If you’re curious about the true stories behind NBA superstars, lost franchises, and the real work it takes to “pay your dues” as a writer, this episode is for you. Greg Inglin welcomes award-winning author and journalist Jon Finkel, whose books, like "Hoops Heist," "Heart Over Height," "Mean Joe Greene: Built By Football," and "1996: A Biography", have captured the grit, resilience, and inspiration at the heart of sports. Jon reflects on his journey from writing for Men’s Health and GQ to chronicling basketball royalty, ranking athletic presidents, and sharing honest stories about fatherhood through bestsellers like "The Life of Dad" and "The Dadvantage." Don't miss this deep-dive on the NBA’s hidden legacy, how writing mimics athletics, the mentorships between Seattle hoop stars, and why saying “yes” (and surviving “no”) creates enduring impact - in sports, in writing, and in life. 


What you can expect from this episode:


- Seattle SuperSonics, Hoops Heist, and building an NBA dynasty: Discover how Jon captured the lost legacy of theSeattle SuperSonics and the interconnected stories of Jamal Crawford, Isaiah Thomas, Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, Jason Terry, and others shaping basketball culture.


- Resilience in writing and sports: Hear Jon’s behind-the-scenes journey from hustling for magazine bylines to collaborating with icons like Mean Joe Greene and Nate Robinson - plus how rejection and persistence led to a bestselling career.


 - Fatherhood and growth lessons: Jon shares advice and stories from "The Life of Dad" and "The Dadvantage," revealing how elite athletes, writers, and dads navigate fatherhood, vulnerability, and lasting impact.


 Guest Resources:


More About My Guest: Jon Finkel is an accomplished author, journalist, and editor with a distinguished career writing for prominent publications such as Men’s Health, GQ, The New York Times, and Muscle & Fitness. He is the author of numerous acclaimed sports biographies, including Hoops Heist, Mean Joe Greene: Built By Football, and Heart Over Height with NBA star Nate Robinson. Jon also created the popular Greatest Stars of the NBA book series for the NBA’s “Read to Achieve” program. As a passionate storyteller and father, he explores fatherhood in books like The Life of Dad and The Dadvantage. Jon brings a unique perspective on resilience, sports culture, and personal growth.


 


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