Paolo Banchero explains why NBA expansion in Seattle 'should be mandatory' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

Paolo Banchero -- Seattle born and raised before going on to be the No. 1 pick of the Orlando Magic -- appeared on the latest episode of Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson's "All The Smoke" podcast and talked about the need to get a team back in his hometown.

Paolo Banchero

Position:PFAge:19Height:208 cmWeight:113 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Host Barnes asked Banchero whether he views it as important that the NBA makes its return to Seattle.

Banchero responded it "should be mandatory" for the league to revive a Seattle team.

"I think it needs to happen, I think it should be mandatory," the American-Italian forward said. "Not just because I'm biased, but because it'd be a great look on the NBA.

It's a great city, the fans there are crazy. If you get a team in Seattle, they'll automatically be a top … not the top, but a top fanbase. Those games would be sold out right away."

Seattle, along with Las Vegas, is considered a clear frontrunner if NBA expansion happens.

The Seattle SuperSonics are viewed as one of the most iconic franchises in the NBA.

A Seattle native Banchero admitted that he isn't into Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of the draft ceremony. At that time, OKC held the second pick in their pocket.

The Thunder controversially relocated to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008, turning away many Sonics fans, including the American-Italian prospect.

"I grew up with the [Seattle Super] Sonics a little bit. I was like six, I think, when they left, so I never liked the Thunder," Banchero revealed.

Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.