Q&A with Clay Bennett: Preseason game in Tulsa

NBA OKC chairman Clay Bennett held a press conference Monday in Tulsa to announce the team will play a preseason game Oct. 13 against the Houston Rockets in the BOK Center.

There were two interesting twists: The team will play a preseason game in Tulsa before it makes its debut in the Ford Center. Oklahoma City also will be the "visiting team.”

The Rockets scheduled the game. They were supposed to play the Orlando Magic. Oklahoma City made a deal to replace Orlando, so the Rockets technically will be the home team.

It won't be Oklahoma City's first game. The team debuts with another preseason road game before the trip to Tulsa. The entire preseason schedule will be announced today.

Listed below are Bennett's comments on other topics:

Q: How is the relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City going?

A: We're very close to finalizing that. We've had individual conversations with each employee. Those decisions have all been made. Now it's the process of moving. You have family issues. School is starting.

Q: Have most of the people moving from Seattle already relocated to Oklahoma City?

A: Yes. But more are coming. Some people that only intended to help us with the transition are seeing what's happening here. They're enjoying it and are changing their minds. They want to be a part of it and stay with the organization.

Some still in Seattle are inquiring about opportunities because things are going well. The chance to build something from the ground up is a pretty special opportunity.

Q: How many times have you been asked about the nickname and whether it's Thunder?

A: Almost every conversation.

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