Don’t forget the Storm in this debate

I am shocked and dismayed at the sloppiness in the recent article, “Fans’ full-court press plays to packed house” [page one, July 20], debating the merits and drawbacks of building a new facility in order to usher “the return of professional basketball” to Seattle.

It seems there’s a glaring oversight or outright bias to give no acknowledgment of Seattle’s current and longstanding professional basketball team, the Seattle Storm. Not only has the Storm offered fantastic basketball to the city for years, including two championships, one as recently as 2010, we boast some of the best players in the league and two current Olympic athletes. The Storm is well-supported by a large fan base and continues to be affordable, family-friendly and an inspiration to young athletes.

In addition, the grass-roots effort that prevented the sale of the Storm along with the Sonics is particularly poignant while discussing a potential Sonic return. Argue what you will about the potential differences between men’s and women’s hoops, the fact is Seattle has a great professional basketball team that deserves mention when debating another.

— Rebekah Winters, Seattle