[phesto]

The NBA is definitely not in expansion mode. If Seattle gets a team back, it will be through relocation. It looks like Sacramento has come to realize in looking at Seattle, Vancouver, etc. that once you lose an NBA franchise, it is extremely difficult to get it back.

As long as Stern is still commissioner, I think Vancouver's chance of getting an NBA team again is next to zero. I think it's partially because of his ego and partially because of past mistakes, but his current mandate is stability of the league; hence his extraordinary efforts to keep the Hornets in New Orleans.

I honestly think Vancouver could outperform some of the current NBA markets, but with Stern at the helm, it ain't gonna happen. Maybe once a new commissioner is in place, but Stern is only 70 and could be around for another 10 years or more!