1999–2000 Seattle SuperSonics season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Seattle SuperSonics 2000 45 37 Pacific 4 7 Paul Westphal Wally Walker Barry Ackerley KeyArena First round(lost to Jazz 2–3) SEA KSTW Fox Sports Net Northwest KJR The 1999–2000 Seattle SuperSonics season was the 33rd season for the Seattle SuperSonics in the National Basketball Association. Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/ August 9, 2026 Season summary Off-season The SuperSonics received the 13th overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft, and selected shooting guard Corey Maggette out of Duke University; Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Safety First: The Bulls Make Brand the Top Pick The New York Times July 1, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/01/sports/pro-basketball-safety-first-the-bulls-make-brand-the-top-pick.html November 27, 2022 Heisler Mark Dukies Are Way Up Los Angeles Times July 1, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-01-sp-52079-story.html June 4, 2023 1999 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1999.html December 1, 2022 however, the team soon traded Maggette to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Horace Grant. Associated Press SuperSonics Send Maggette to the Magic Los Angeles Times July 1, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-01-sp-52103-story.html July 3, 2023 Goodall Fred Magic Trade Grant for Maggette The Washington Post July 1, 1999 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1999/draft/articles/trade1.htm November 30, 2022 Povtak Tim Magic Trade Grant to Seattle Orlando Sentinel July 1, 1999 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1999-07-01-9907010039-story.html July 13, 2022 During the off-season, the SuperSonics acquired Brent Barry from the Chicago Bulls, Nelson Glenn Sonics: Hawkins and Cotton Traded for Brent Barry; Deal with Chicago Also Nets "Cap" Space The Seattle Times August 12, 1999 https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19990812&slug=2976898 July 3, 2023 Associated Press N.B.A.: Notebook The New York Times August 13, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/13/sports/nba-notebook.html October 14, 2021 Smith Sam Bulls Get Some Cap Room Chicago Tribune August 13, 1999 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-08-13-9908130096-story.html January 9, 2023 and signed free agents Vernon Maxwell, second-year forward Ruben Patterson and three-point specialist Chuck Person. Demasio Nunyo Sonics: Small Forward, Big Opportunity The Seattle Times October 5, 1999 https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19991005&slug=2987030 October 12, 2022 Wise Mike 1999–2000 N.B.A. Preview: The West Is Still the Best The New York Times October 31, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/31/sports/1999-2000-nba-preview-the-west-is-still-the-best.html January 13, 2022 For the season, the SuperSonics revealed new dark red alternate road uniforms, which featured a dark green and golden yellow trim, and dark green side panels with golden yellow and dark green outlines on the right side of their jerseys and shorts; these uniforms would remain in use until 2001. Seattle SuperSonics Alternate Uniform Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.net http://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/gbj8e38e5p7erzigg2fgjhvjn/Seattle_Supersonics/1998/Alternate_Uniform December 31, 2021 Regular season With the addition of Grant, Barry, Patterson and Maxwell, the SuperSonics won nine of their first eleven games of the regular season, posted a seven-game winning streak in January, and later on held a 31–20 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 10, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=10&year=2000 July 22, 2022 However, the team played below .500 in winning percentage for the remainder of the season, losing five consecutive home games in March. The SuperSonics finished in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a 45–37 record, earning the seventh seed in the Western Conference, and returning to the NBA playoffs after a one-year absence. 1999–2000 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/2000_games.html July 21, 2021 Gary Payton averaged 24.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game, and led the league with 177 three-point field goals; he was also named to the All-NBA First Team, and to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. In addition, Vin Baker averaged 16.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while Barry contributed 11.8 points, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game, along with 164 three-point field goals, Patterson showed improvement averaging 11.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, and Grant provided the team with 8.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Off the bench, Maxwell contributed 10.9 points per game, but only played just 47 games due to a knee injury, Associated Press Sonics Declare Sore-Kneed Maxwell Inactive ESPN April 24, 2000 https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs00/s/2000/0421/494665.html November 17, 2022 and second-year forward Rashard Lewis provided with 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. 1999–2000 Seattle SuperSonics Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/2000.html July 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at The Arena in Oakland in Oakland, California, Payton was selected for the 2000 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Western Conference All-Star team. NBA All-Star 2000 Deseret News February 13, 2000 https://www.deseret.com/2000/2/13/19490723/nba-all-star-2000 January 9, 2023 NBA.com Staff 2000 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2000 May 15, 2023 2000 NBA All-Star Game: West 137, East 126 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2000.html November 27, 2021 Payton also finished in sixth place in Most Valuable Player voting, Beslic Stephen "I Got Death Threats": Fred Hickman on the Aftermath of Denying Shaquille O'Neal His Unanimous MVP Basketball Network April 9, 2022 https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/fred-hickman-on-the-aftermath-of-denying-shaquille-oneal-his-unanimous-mvp March 17, 2024 1999–2000 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2000.html January 2, 2022 and tied in fifth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, Elliott Helene Hot Spot Los Angeles Times May 17, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-17-sp-30878-story.html October 3, 2022 and Patterson finished tied in sixth place in Most Improved Player voting, while Lewis finished tied in eleventh place. The SuperSonics finished 22nd in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 615,730 at the KeyArena at Seattle Center during the regular season. 1999–2000 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2000.html October 10, 2025 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 2000 NBA playoffs, the SuperSonics faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Midwest Division champion Utah Jazz, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Karl Malone, All-Star guard John Stockton, and Bryon Russell. The SuperSonics lost the first two games to the Jazz on the road at the Delta Center, but managed to win the next two games at home, which included a Game 4 win over the Jazz at the KeyArena at Seattle Center, 104–93 to even the series. Evans Rich  Sonics Confident Following Win  Deseret News  May 4, 2000  https://www.deseret.com/2000/5/4/19558591/sonics-confident-following-win/ June 11, 2026 Hendersonville Times News  SuperSonics 104, Jazz 93  BlueRidgeNow  May 4, 2000  https://www.blueridgenow.com/story/news/2000/05/04/supersonics-104-jazz-93/28113886007/ June 11, 2026 2000 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 4: Utah Jazz at Seattle SuperSonics Box Score, May 3, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200005030SEA.html June 11, 2026 However, the SuperSonics lost Game 5 to the Jazz at the Delta Center, 96–93, thus losing in a hard-fought five-game series. Associated Press Pro Basketball: Malone and Stockton Lead Way in Finale The New York Times May 6, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/06/sports/pro-basketball-malone-and-stockton-lead-way-in-finale.html May 25, 2022 Associated Press Jazz Keeps Composure, Finishes SuperSonics Los Angeles Times May 6, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-06-sp-27151-story.html June 3, 2022 2000 NBA Western Conference First Round: SuperSonics vs. Jazz Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-western-conference-first-round-supersonics-vs-jazz.html February 14, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Grant was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a four-team trade after only one season with the SuperSonics, Broussard Chris Knicks Send Ewing to Sonics as 4-Team Deal Ends an Era The New York Times September 21, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/21/sports/knicks-send-ewing-to-sonics-as-4-team-deal-ends-an-era.html September 13, 2022 Heisler Mark Lakers Move Forward Los Angeles Times September 21, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-21-sp-24481-story.html October 14, 2021 Wyche Steve Done Deal: Ewing Goes to Seattle The Washington Post September 21, 2000 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2000/09/21/done-deal-ewing-goes-to-seattle/fe4710e7-22cf-4a99-997b-1adc4e3f5665/ May 17, 2023 while Maxwell was traded to the New York Knicks, but was released to free agency, and re-signed as a free agent with his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, Maxwell Done with Sixers United Press International December 22, 2000 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/12/22/Maxwell-done-with-Sixers/4285977461200/ November 17, 2022 and Person retired. Offseason Draft picks 1999 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 13 Corey Maggettehttp://www.nba.com/news/draft_board.html 1999 NBA Draft Board nba.com 2013-02-04 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20001206005800/http://www.nba.com/news/draft_board.html December 6, 2000 SG/SF United States Duke The 1999 NBA Draft saw the Seattle SuperSonics with the 13th and 41st overall picks, the latter of which was acquired by the Denver Nuggets.http://www.nba.com/news/draft_board.html 1999 NBA Draft Board nba.com 2013-02-04 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20001206005800/http://www.nba.com/news/draft_board.html December 6, 2000 With the remaining pick, the Sonics selected Duke University's Corey Maggette,http://www.nba.com/news/draft_board.html 1999 NBA Draft Board nba.com 2013-02-04 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20001206005800/http://www.nba.com/news/draft_board.html December 6, 2000 regarded by some as the "best pure athlete in the entire draft."http://www.nba.com/draft99/playerfiles/corey_maggette.html Prospect Profile: Corey Maggette nba.com 2013-02-04 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20001202211900/http://www.nba.com/draft99/playerfiles/corey_maggette.html December 2, 2000 On draft night, the Sonics traded Maggette to the Orlando Magic, along with veteran players Billy Owens, Don MacLean, and Dale Ellis. In return, the Sonics received veteran forward Horace Grant, a three-time NBA champion with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls (1991–1993).http://nba.com/draft99/seattle_orlando_trade.html Magic Deal Grant to Sonics nba.com 1999-06-30 2013-02-04 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20001216010600/http://nba.com/draft99/seattle_orlando_trade.html December 16, 2000 They also received two future second-round draft picks (No. 42 in 2000 and No. 42 in 2001) in the deal. Roster Seattle SuperSonics 1999–2000 #18453B #ffc11f #B22222 #FFFFFF 42 Vin Baker C 6 11 232 Hartford 1971–11–23 31 Brent Barry G/F 6 6 185 Oregon State 1971–12–31 11 Lazaro Borrell F 6 8 220 No college 1972–09–20 15 Emanual Davis G 6 4 195 Delaware State 1968–08–27 yes 44 Greg Foster basketball F/C 6 11 240 University of Texas at El Paso 1968–10–08 54 Horace Grant F 6 10 215 Clemson 1965–07–04 7 Rashard Lewis F 6 10 215 No college 1979–08–08 3 Vernon Maxwell G 6 4 180 Florida 1965–09–12 34 Jelani McCoy F/C 6 10 245 UCLA 1977–12–06 21 Ruben Patterson F 6 5 224 Cincinnati 1975–07–31 20 Gary Payton G 6 4 180 Oregon State 1968–07–23 45 Chuck Person F 6 8 220 Auburn 1964–06–27 5 Vladimir Stepania C 7 0 236 No college 1976–05–08 yes 24 Fred Vinson basketball G 6 4 190 Georgia Tech 1971–01–28 1 Shammond Williams G 6 1 201 North Carolina 1975–04–05 Paul Westphal Dwane Casey Nate McMillan Bob Weiss https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/2000.html#roster::none February 4, 2000 Regular season 1999–2000 NBA season Seattle began the season by winning 9 out of their first 11 games, capping off the run with a win over the Houston Rockets on November 20, 1999. Their strong play continued through the month of January, where a 7-game win streak put them at a season-high 14 games over .500 (27–13). Though the Sonics only managed to win 18 of their final 42 games, their early-season success offset their late-season losses, keeping them safely within the playoff picture.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/2000_games.html 1999-00 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results Basketball-reference.com 2013-02-13 With two games left in the season, the Sonics overcame the Sacramento Kings in overtime to secure the 7th seed in the Western Conference.https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200004180SAC.html Seattle SuperSonics at Sacramento Kings Box Score, April 18, 2000 Basketball-reference.com 2013-02-05 This assured that the team would avoid the 1st-seeded Los Angeles Lakers, who finished the season with an NBA-best 67–15, in the first round of the playoffs. Particularly, the seeding eliminated the possibility of unfavorable match-ups with a young Kobe Bryant and season MVP Shaquille O'Neal.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2000/playoffs/news/2000/04/20/sonics_feature_ap/ https://web.archive.org/web/20010522105917/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2000/playoffs/news/2000/04/20/sonics_feature_ap/ dead May 22, 2001 SuperSonics still ecstatic over seeding Sports Illustrated 2013-02-05http://www.nba.com/history/awards_mvp.html Most Valuable Player History nba.com 2013-02-05 The Sonics would lose their final game of the regular season and finish with a 45–37 record.https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SEA/2000_games.html 1999-00 Seattle SuperSonics Schedule and Results Basketball-reference.com 2013-02-13 Season standings SEA SEA z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Playoffs 2000 NBA playoffs Seattle SuperSonics yes 2000 #18453B #FFC11F Seattle SuperSonics First Round yes yes no #B22222 #FFFFFF 2 0 0 3 |- | 1 | April 22 | @ Utah | L 93–104 | Gary Payton (24) | Gary Payton (11) | Gary Payton (6) | Delta Center19,911 | 0–1 |- | 2 | April 24 | @ Utah | L 87–101 | Gary Payton (20) | Vin Baker (7) | Shammond Williams (10) | Delta Center19,911 | 0–2 |- | 3 | April 29 | Utah | W 89–78 | Gary Payton (23) | Vin Baker (11) | Gary Payton (10) | KeyArena16,713 | 1–2 |- | 4 | May 3 | Utah | W 104–93 | Gary Payton (35) | Gary Payton (10) | Gary Payton (11) | KeyArena16,631 | 2–2 |- | 5 | May 5 | @ Utah | L 93–96 | Gary Payton (27) | three players tied (7) | Gary Payton (9) | Delta Center19,911 | 2–3 |- SEA yes 2000 Player statistics Season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Baker, Vin Vin Baker797536.1.455.250.6827.71.90.60.816.6 Barry, Brent Brent Barry807434.1.463.411.8094.73.61.30.411.8 Borrell, Lazaro Lazaro Borrell1769.8.444.000.5452.40.60.40.23.6 Davis, Emanual Emanual Davis54213.0.364.301.6841.91.30.70.14.0 Foster, Greg Greg Foster60512.0.406.200.6431.80.70.20.33.4 Grant, Horace Horace Grant767635.4.444.000.7217.82.50.70.88.1 Lewis, Rashard Rashard Lewis82819.2.486.333.6834.10.90.80.48.2 Maxwell, Vernon Vernon Maxwell47021.0.345.300.7301.71.60.80.210.9 McCoy, Jelani Jelani McCoy58212.9.576.4953.10.40.30.84.3 Patterson, Ruben Ruben Patterson817425.9.536.444.6925.41.61.20.511.6 Payton, Gary Gary Payton828241.8.448.340.7356.58.91.90.224.2 Person, Chuck Chuck Person3709.2.301.253.5001.40.60.10.12.8 Stepania, Vladimir Vladimir Stepania3016.7.367.000.4721.60.10.30.42.5 Vinson, Fred Fred Vinson805.0.294.286.5000.10.00.40.01.6 Williams, Shammond Shammond Williams43512.0.373.296.6471.21.80.40.05.2 Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Baker, Vin Vin Baker5435.4.400.000.5887.62.01.00.414.0 Barry, Brent Brent Barry5331.0.364.400.7142.63.00.60.68.4 Borrell, Lazaro Lazaro Borrell2113.0.571.5005.50.50.00.05.0 Foster, Greg Greg Foster5013.6.368.4001.0002.20.20.00.23.6 Grant, Horace Horace Grant5537.0.407.5006.22.01.61.04.8 Lewis, Rashard Rashard Lewis5531.4.441.474.8006.20.61.00.615.4 McCoy, Jelani Jelani McCoy308.7.400.0002.00.70.00.01.3 Patterson, Ruben Ruben Patterson5016.8.538.000.8673.00.40.60.48.2 Payton, Gary Gary Payton5544.2.442.391.7697.67.41.80.225.8 Person, Chuck Chuck Person201.0.000.0000.00.00.00.00.0 Williams, Shammond Shammond Williams5219.8.545.636.7272.23.61.60.010.2 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Gary Payton, All-NBA First Teamhttp://www.nba.com/history/awards_allnba.html All-NBA Team History nba.com 2013-02-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20120109062543/http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allnba.html 2012-01-09 dead Gary Payton, NBA All-Defensive First Teamhttp://www.nba.com/history/awards_defensiveteams.html All-NBA Defensive Team History nba.com 2013-02-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20080717145338/http://www.nba.com/history/awards_defensiveteams.html 2008-07-17 dead References Category:Seattle SuperSonics seasons Seattle