Today we present the greatest one-year wonders in Seattle sports history. They range from Spencer Hawes, who bailed out of Washington after his freshman year, to Cliff Lee, who spent half a season with the Mariners before they traded him to Texas.
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Spencer Hawes, UW, 2007: The 6-11 center from Seattle Prep could have teamed on Washingtons front line with Jon Brockman for three years (2007-09), likely ensuring three trips to the NCAA Tournament over that span rather than just one. But Hawes wanted the money and got it $2.1 million from the Sacramento Kings. - 4
Joe Jurevicius, Seahawks, 2005: After signing with the Seahawks, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer became an integral part of Seattles Super Bowl team, catching 55 passes for 694 yards and 10 touchdowns. But no sooner was Jurevicius here than he was gone. Jurevicius bolted after the 2006 Super Bowl in order to play for the Cleveland Browns, his hometown team. His return to Cleveland didnt have a happy ending. Jurevicius sued the Browns this past year for a staph infection on his right knee, claiming the Browns misrepresented the cleanliness of its training facility. - 3
Marvin Webster, Sonics, 1978: Websster came to the Sonics after two years in Denver and became a major focus of the 1977-78 team that reached the NBA Finals opposite the Washington Bullets, averaging 14.0 points and 12.6 rebounds. But after nearly grabbing a ring, Webster jumped to the New York Knicks, enamored by their three-year offer of $400,000. The Sonics received Lonnie Shelton as compensation, won a title the next year, and Webster faded into oblivion. - 2
Corey Dillon, UW, 1996: Dillon set single-season records for rushing attempts (301), yards (1,695) and touchdowns (24), while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. In a game against San Jose State, he rushed for an NCAA-record 222 yards in one quarter. A third-team All-American, Dillion had the option of returning in 1997, but ruined it all for Jim Lambright by declaring for the NFL Draft. - 1
Cliff Lee, Mariners, 2010: Lee made only 13 starts for he Mariners before his July trade to the Texas Rangers. But in those 13 starts, Lee walked a total of just six batters in going 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA and five complete games. He made the American League All-Star team, but his success in Seattle didn’t translate in Texas. In 14 starts following the trade, Lee went 4-6 with a 4.25 ERA and two complete games.