When they existed, the Seattle SuperSonics probably had the coolest name in the NBA. It was super. It was electric. It was almost mystifying.

Now that they’re going to be playing in Oklahoma City, they won’t be the Sonics anymore. They NBA has bid on six nicknames for the team: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind.

Seriously? Those are all names that would blend in perfect with the WNBA, which also boasts the Fever, Liberty and Sky.

Team nicknames and mascots should be ferocious, a great competitor, or at least something that can walk around. Sky, Fever, Thunder, Wind and Energy can’t walk. Yes, there are mascot exceptions. The Red Sox substitute a pair of socks for their mascot, Wally, named after the big green wall, and there are many other teams that do this.

But the former Sonics team is supposed to be something new in the NBA, something great to represent a great and very humid city. And one of the best six names they can come up with is ENERGY? Seriously?

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In honor of ESPN’s “Titletown” summer series, let’s take a look at a few cities on the losing end. Vote now in the poll!

• Miami: Dolphins (flirting with imperfection). Heat (a second overall pick is never a good thing when reflecting on a franchise’s recent history). Marlins (three fans per game).
• The entire state of Ohio: Columbus (Ohio State, the back-to-back BCS losses, ‘07 Final Four loss). Cleveland (Both Cavs, Indians with painful post-season losses). Cincinnati (the Bengals franchise as a whole, run by T.O.)
• Atlanta: Falcons (Michael Vick fights dogs). Hawks (aside from a surprising NBA Playoff run, generally dormant). Braves (an NL East title is like being the head of the kids table at Thanksgiving).
• Philly: Just all-around a city that hasn’t seen a parade in decades. Sixers, Phillies and Eagles all choke.
• Seattle: SuperSonics. Seahawks (also suffering from Philly Eagles Syndrome). Mariners (just a complete downfall since that 100+ win season).

SuperSonics Nation was fun while it lasted, especially for This Guy:

They’re gone.