Phoenix Suns assistant coach Brent Barry spent 13 years in the NBA, and in five of those seasons, he was a member of the Seattle Supersonics. The two-time NBA Champion shared his favorite moment as a Seattle Supersonic after the Suns’ recent trip to Dallas to take on the Mavericks.
“Oh, wow, I just enjoy playing the Key Arena and playing in front of that crowd,” said Barry.
“I can’t really pick any one moment, but I miss the moments that I think about.”
Brett Barry Shares His Assessment Of Climate Pledge Arena In Seattle
Due to the NBA not having a franchise in Seattle, most of the personnel have not had the opportunity to visit Climate Pledge Arena. Still, Berry has had the privilege of scouting college games at the facility as a former scout for the San Antonio Spurs. The former Supersonics guard believes it is a great space to play and brings back memories.
“It’s a great space. I scouted a few games there for college when I was with the Spurs,” Barry shared.
“It brought back many memories of being in town and the festive atmosphere around basketball in the building. I enjoyed being back in the city for the buildings.”
Climate Pledge Arena is the current home of the Seattle Storm of the WNBA and the Seattle Kraken of the NHL. Once the league announces it is ready to expand, it will have space for an NBA team.
According to constructiondive.com, the venue can accommodate up to 17,100 fans for ice hockey games, 18,100 for basketball games, and 17,200 for concerts.
In October 2021, Climate Pledge Arena opened its doors for the first time following a three-year complete renovation that cost the Oak View Group (OVG) and its partners, who privately financed the $1.15 billion project, according to the Seattle Times.
Before the renovation, Key Arena could only hold around 17,000 fans for basketball games, 15,000 fans for ice hockey games, and 16,000 fans for concerts.
Brent Barry Shares Why He Persued Coaching
Last July, former NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Phoenix Suns hired Brent Barry as an assistant coach.
“Humbled and excited to be a part of the @Suns organization and appreciate so many that have a part in this step in a basketball journey that has not chapters but volumes to be written,” he wrote. “Looking forward to the journey w/some incredible minds but moreover some incredible players.
“And to the @spurs organization-there aren’t words there is only what has already been shared. It is family and it is community and it is knowing that there is a life bigger than basketball. There is no place like SA and you helped raise three men, I am forever grateful.”
While speaking with the Seattle Times in February 2025, he said it was the right timing, with his son in college and not having anything to do.
“My youngest son was off to college and so if you’re not paying for burgers for your kids, what are you doing?” Barry said. “And so he took off to college and the timing was really ideal for taking a step to do a job that’s relentless and rewarding all at the same time.”