Kevin Pelton, SUPERSONICS.COM | September 25, 2006
The Sonics & Storm Legends Tour continued Saturday when former Sonics sharpshooter Dale Ellis was honored at Pratt Park by emcee Francis Williams, the newest member of the Sonics radio broadcast team, Sonics President and CEO Wally Walker and fans who turned out to enjoy a skills clinic for kids, food, drinks and a sunny day.
"I've been proud to call Seattle my home twice," said Ellis, who played for the Sonics from 1986-91 and again from 1997-99. "These are truly the best fans in the league."
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"I've been proud to call Seattle my home twice. These are truly the best fans in the league."
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Ellis rededicated the court by making a layup, but fans wanted a shot from behind the arc from the player who ranks third in NBA history in 3-pointers, and - after missing his first attempt - Ellis obliged.
Afterwards, Ellis chatted about the event and his Sonics career.
SUPERSONICS.COM: What was your reaction to hearing you would be a part of the Sonics & Storm Legends Tour?
Ellis: I was honored that the Sonics thought enough of me to want to rededicate a court in my name. I'm thrilled to be here. I haven't been in Seattle for about a year and a half. I love the area and I love the food, so I was happy to come here and get a good meal.
What do you recall about being traded to the Sonics?
I wanted out of Dallas, I wanted an opportunity to play basketball. I set there and studied the game for three years under Dick Motta, who's an excellent coach. I wanted an opportunity to show what I could do. Lenny Wilkens was the one that made it possible for me. He thought enough of me to make the trade. It was the highlight of my career, 1986-87. That team was picked to lose more games than anybody in the league the year I came here - I think 10 new players. We end up in the Western Conference Finals. That's definitely the highlight of my career.
What else stands out from your Sonics career?
All the Sonics teams I played for here. If I had to decide which was the best team, I would probably go with the 86-87 team. The years I played my first stint here, I enjoyed playing for those teams more than any other teams I played for.
What do you remember of Sonics fans?
They were always supportive, through all times - good and bad. I love them for that. I miss the area. I get a lot of love when I'm here. I enjoy every minute of it.
What are you up to now?
I started a foundation, the Dale Ellis Foundation, for literacy. That's the main focus, educating. I believe with that, you can solve a lot of problems that we have out there. I've toured with the military the last couple of years. Last year, we were going to the Middle East, but the tension built up, so we ended up in Germany, Italy, Sarajevo and Bosnia. This year, I was in Afghanistan for two weeks just to build the morale. You have our young men dying over there. The tension right now is over in Iraq and Iran, but people are dying in Afghanistan as well.
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