Corey Kispert, who is from Edmonds and plays for the Washington Wizards, has always been one of the most proud basketball ambassadors in the Pacific Northwest. Kispert has always been willing to give credit to the region that shaped him, from his breakout years at Gonzaga to his growing NBA career. During a recent interview with RG.org, he clarified that the Pacific Northwest is still not receiving the respect it deserves from the rest of the basketball world.
“The Talent Out There Is Still Pretty Under-Recognized”
When questioned about the current state of basketball in the Pacific Northwest, Kispert didn’t hesitate to give his opinion.
First of all, the talent out there is still pretty under-recognized,” Kispert said. “We’ve got everything – max players, role players, defenders, Hall of Famers, legendary scorers, the list goes on. It’s a great place to learn the game and to invest in the game.”
He is correct. Elite-level talent has been produced by the region for decades in a quiet and consistent manner. The Pacific Northwest has undisputed basketball DNA with icons like John Stockton, Jamal Crawford, Doug Christie Jason Terry, Nate Robinson, and Brandon Roy, as well as modern stars like Isaiah Thomas, Dejounte Murray, Matisse Thybulle, Paolo Banchero, and Zach LaVine.
Kispert contends that Washington and Oregon, two states that consistently produce skilled, fundamentally sound, and fiercely competitive players, are still not receiving the attention they deserve from the national spotlight.
A Region Without a Franchise — And A Legacy Too Strong to Ignore
The Pacific Northwest hasn’t had an NBA franchise since the Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, despite the steady flow of elite players. For Kispert, the absence still doesn’t add up.
“We Definitely Need a Team Back in Seattle”
Kispert was a force to be reckoned with when it came to the subject of NBA expansion.
We definitely need a team back in Seattle,” he said. “Guys on this team who’ve spent time in Seattle love the city — honestly, most players do. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of time before we get a new franchise there. It would be really good for the league.”
The sentiment he expresses echoes that of numerous NBA stars who have played in Seattle during preseason trips or remembered facing the Sonics earlier in their careers. It is also in line with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s recent assertion that Seattle is among the top contenders if and when the league expands beyond its current 30 teams.
A Basketball Culture Built to Thrive
Seattle’s basketball community is among the most passionate and connected in the country. Seattle has long been known as a place where skill and swagger can thrive, from the Seattle Pro-Am to powerhouse high school programs like Rainier Beach, O’Dea, and Garfield. The community is still deeply invested in the sport, even if there is no NBA team to rally behind.
Kispert thinks that Seattle’s inclusion makes the league stronger, and he’s not alone in this belief.
A Region Ready for Its Spotlight
Corey Kispert’s remarks are more like a reminder that the Pacific Northwest has a place in the basketball discussion, and not just a hot take. Elite players, invested communities, and a legacy already written — even without an NBA team. Kispert believes it’s time to take the subsequent step. Seattle deserves more than just basketball. Basketball deserves Seattle.
