New York Knicks: Reasons Why Future Rivalry with Brooklyn Nets Could be NBA’s Best
“They want to leave here and go to Brooklyn? Good riddance. See you later.” And like that, Governor Chris Christie brashly sent off the team formerly known as the “New Jersey Nets” from his city. Starting in the 2012-2013 NBA season, the Nets will be suiting up as the “Brooklyn Nets” becoming the second basketball team in the Big City. And with these two teams sharing the spotlight in America’s Mecca, it’s only a matter of time before these teams butt heads.
Here are three reasons why the future with the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets could be NBA’s best.
1. It will bring about another Subway Series.
Although an immediate Knicks and Nets rivalry won’t have the typical World Championship setting–but will someday–it has all the makings of a competitive bout.
Firstly, the diehard fans in New York will fuel this series to prominence. Just like the Giants and Dodgers before them, the Knicks and Nets will have the same gimmick as next door borough competitors and fans will most certainly will take pride in this. Both sides already garner celebrity fans, Jay Z and Beyonce for the Nets and Spike Lee and Chris Rock and will gain more as the season rolls on. These fans will escalate the rivalry when they attend their games, rock their gear, and cheer their tails off from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
Secondly, these borough bouts will always have playoff atmosphere in whatever building they’re played in. These pressurized games will mean more than just Atlantic Division edge but for the prestigious title of “best” team of the Big Apple.
2. The Rivalry will showcase “Star Power.”
The Knicks already have two All Star talents in Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. The former a prolific one on one scorer, and the latter one of the most explosive players in the league and both have proven to have enough “star power” to put butts in seats.
On the other hand, the “star power” in Brooklyn at the present moment is in jeopardy with the uncertainty of Deron Williams’ future. But let’s assume here that the Nets can retain Williams, this will put them great position to nab Dwight Howard. The pairing of Williams and Howard would not only be a dominant pick and roll threat but also a great crowd attraction.
Howard and Williams pairing would also be formidable opponents for Melo and Amar’e adding more competitiveness to these games. Throw in defensive player of year Tyson Chandler and former All Star in Gerald Wallace, New York basketball fans will be more than entertained when these two teams finally meet.
3. Everything and anything is popular in New York City.
In the city that never sleeps, anything or anyone can become relevant–just ask Jeremy Lin. With New York being one of the biggest markets in the NBA, a Knicks and Nets rivalry would have a ton of promotions for their games. These promotions will draw great fanfare because the history tied to Madison Square Garden and polarizing pedigree of Jay Z. And even if the Nets can’t rival the “star power” in Manhattan, the Nets will still have enough spirited fans to make every game seem like a playoff game.