As the Brooklyn Nets begin their new era in the Borough of Brooklyn, it also marks the beginning of a true rivalry in New York basketball. The Nets and the Knicks have never had much of a rivalry, many things prevented a spark. They were never good at the same time, it seemed like whenever the Knicks were good, the Nets were bad and vice versa. Although the rivalry has never really gotten off the ground, the Nets and Knicks have a history that date back to the Nets conception when they joined the American Basketball Association as the New Jersey Americans. From that point on, a series of events would lead the teams to where they are now, Brooklyn vs Manhattan.
There was a new franchise entering the ABA in 1967, they were to be called the New York Americans. They were to play in the 69th regiment armory in the Knicks home borough of Manhattan. The Knicks of course, denied access to the Nets, who then had to move to the Teaneck armory in Teaneck New Jersey, they were to be renamed the New Jersey Americans. This would be the first interaction between the teams. With the Nets now based in Teaneck as opposed to New York, they were doomed from the start since they had to play in a market that was much smaller. This wouldnt be the first time the the franchise in Manhattan would screw the Nets over. The Americans eventually would move from New Jersey to Long Island, New York where they would go on to have the most success in franchise history to this date. They would obtain Julius Erving and win two ABA titles, while the Knicks won two NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. This was the first time the Nets and Knicks were elite at the same time however, they played in different leagues.
This was soon to change, as the Nets would be one of four franchises to move to the NBA. Each ABA teams had a very expensive entrance fee to pay and had to give up many things, such as TV revenue shares. Despite that this would be the first time their would be two New York teams, both fairly competitive. The Knicks however, were not happy. They required the Nets to pay a $4.8 million "invasion" fee. Though this doesnt seem like in would hinder the Nets much, it might have very well changed the landscape of the franchise. The Nets were no longer able to give Julius Erving the raise he demanded, he then refused to play, which led to his departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets would finish their first NBA season with a record of 22-60, and a New York rivalry was put on hold.
The dream of a New York rivalry was put to bed when the Nets moved to New Jersey. The Nets and Knicks had never really played any meaningful games against each other, that is until the 1983 playoffs. The Nets had a surprisingly successful season, and was awarded the fourth seed in the playoffs, the Knicks were given the fifth seed. Though the teams didnt have a rivalry against each other at this point, the two teams were geographically close to each other, making this series a little bit more meaningful. The Knicks would eventually sweep the Nets two games to none. This was the first meaningful games the two teams played against each other.
Later on in the 1980's the Knicks would draft Center Patrick Ewing out of Georgetown who would eventually become a hall of famer, and the Knicks would have major success through the late 90's, making the playoffs nearly ever year, and have major playoff battles in the eastern conference with teams like the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. They would make two finals appearances in 1994 against the Houston Rockets and 1999 against the San Antonio Spurs, they would fall short in both. The Nets however, were mediocre throughout this period, only making the playoffs four times from 1986 to 1999 and never passing the first round. The success of the teams was very lopsided and the Nets were the extreme little brother team, rotting away in the swamp of New Jersey.
There was a new franchise entering the ABA in 1967, they were to be called the New York Americans. They were to play in the 69th regiment armory in the Knicks home borough of Manhattan. The Knicks of course, denied access to the Nets, who then had to move to the Teaneck armory in Teaneck New Jersey, they were to be renamed the New Jersey Americans. This would be the first interaction between the teams. With the Nets now based in Teaneck as opposed to New York, they were doomed from the start since they had to play in a market that was much smaller. This wouldnt be the first time the the franchise in Manhattan would screw the Nets over. The Americans eventually would move from New Jersey to Long Island, New York where they would go on to have the most success in franchise history to this date. They would obtain Julius Erving and win two ABA titles, while the Knicks won two NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. This was the first time the Nets and Knicks were elite at the same time however, they played in different leagues.
This was soon to change, as the Nets would be one of four franchises to move to the NBA. Each ABA teams had a very expensive entrance fee to pay and had to give up many things, such as TV revenue shares. Despite that this would be the first time their would be two New York teams, both fairly competitive. The Knicks however, were not happy. They required the Nets to pay a $4.8 million "invasion" fee. Though this doesnt seem like in would hinder the Nets much, it might have very well changed the landscape of the franchise. The Nets were no longer able to give Julius Erving the raise he demanded, he then refused to play, which led to his departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets would finish their first NBA season with a record of 22-60, and a New York rivalry was put on hold.
The dream of a New York rivalry was put to bed when the Nets moved to New Jersey. The Nets and Knicks had never really played any meaningful games against each other, that is until the 1983 playoffs. The Nets had a surprisingly successful season, and was awarded the fourth seed in the playoffs, the Knicks were given the fifth seed. Though the teams didnt have a rivalry against each other at this point, the two teams were geographically close to each other, making this series a little bit more meaningful. The Knicks would eventually sweep the Nets two games to none. This was the first meaningful games the two teams played against each other.
Later on in the 1980's the Knicks would draft Center Patrick Ewing out of Georgetown who would eventually become a hall of famer, and the Knicks would have major success through the late 90's, making the playoffs nearly ever year, and have major playoff battles in the eastern conference with teams like the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. They would make two finals appearances in 1994 against the Houston Rockets and 1999 against the San Antonio Spurs, they would fall short in both. The Nets however, were mediocre throughout this period, only making the playoffs four times from 1986 to 1999 and never passing the first round. The success of the teams was very lopsided and the Nets were the extreme little brother team, rotting away in the swamp of New Jersey.
The tides changed in 2001. The New Jersey Nets would trade for point guard Jason Kidd, and change the face and direction of their franchise. In the Nets first year with a core of Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin and Kerry Kittles, the Nets would finish 52-30 and first in the Eastern Conference. They would make their first finals appearance, and would get swept by the Los Angeles Lakers. They would make another finals appearance the next year and lose to the San Antonio Spurs.
Though the Nets were having the most successful period in the NBA, the Knicks were having one of their worst. The Knicks would not win a playoff game from 2001-2012, the longest winless stretch in NBA history. The Nets however, would win 44 playoff games in that period, and have the likes of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson leading them in that period. The Knicks and Nets played another playoff series against each other in 2004. This time it was different, the Nets were a relevant team. The Nets would sweep the Knicks and establish themselves in the New York area. Despite all of the success, the Nets would still be seen as the little brother team.
The Nets eventually traded Jason Kidd, the face of the franchise, leaving the team in a state of irrelevancy. The Nets would not make the playoffs for the next five years, from 2007-2012. They would also lose a franchise record 70 games, and win a franchise low 12 games. Things began to change. A front office rivalry seemed to be heating up when Mikhail Prokhorov, a Russian billionare, bought the New Jersey Nets and sealed a move to Brooklyn, a plan that seemed to be losing momentum. He stated that he would try to turn Knicks fans into Nets fans. Both teams would go into the stacked 2010 free agency class with tons of cap space looking to make a major splash, they both seemed to be competing against each other. The Nets sparked tensions by hanging a giant billboard with the words "Blueprint for Greatness" in front of Madison Square Garden. The Knicks would come out of the free agency period with Amare Stoudemire, the Nets would come out with nothing.
The two franchises would engage in yet another front office battle. The Knicks and the Nets would be locked in a battle for the services of small forward Carmelo Anthony for many months. The Nuggets would take new offers from both teams, some would include as many as three or four teams. The team that was in the lead would change many times, sometimes it was the Knicks, sometimes it was the Nets. The general opinion was that the Nets had a better package, so they were the favorites. After months of pursuit by both teams, the Knicks would come away with Carmelo Anthony. The Nets lost again, and seemed to be heading for a very long period of irrelevancy.
The Knicks celebration however, was cut short the next day. The Nets made the most surprising move of the season, the traded for Deron Williams. Both teams now had a superstar, and with the impending move to Brooklyn, a rivalry was brewing. The Knicks would make the playoffs that season, as well as the next and win their first playoff game since 2001, while the Nets searched for a star to assist Deron Williams. A major point in the 2011-12 season that gained buzz was the Nets first meeting with the Knicks at the Garden. The Nets appeared to be in control of the game, until a player from the D-League named Jeremy Lin came into the game. He would give a masterful performance and embarrass the Nets and Deron Williams. This would spark one of the biggest story lines in sports. This story line lasted for weeks, with the Nets being the start if it. Deron Williams stated that he had the next meeting against the Knicks circled on the calender. This game would spark one of the most heated games the teams have played against each other. Deron Williams would explode for 38 points against Lin, earning his payback. The Nets, sans Brook Lopez, defeated the Knicks at the Garden.
The Nets would pursue Dwight Howard for many months. The star was unhappy with the Orlando Magic and requested a trade to the Nets. This would surely make the Nets better than the Knicks, as a combination of Deron Williams and Dwight Howard would make for one of the deadliest in the league. The Nets failed in this pursuit, and nobody knew if Deron Williams would stay for the ride into Brooklyn. Although the Nets traded for Gerald Wallace, they were missing that second option, a player that can help take the load off of Williams. There was massive speculation that Deron Williams would leave for the Dallas Mavericks.
As the Nets made the much anticipated move to Brooklyn, another surprise trade occurred, the Nets saved their franchise by trading for six time all-star Joe Johnson. This gave the Nets and extremely talented core of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace and Brook Lopez. This rivaled the Knicks core of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler. The Nets, now in Brooklyn are on of the most hyped franchises in the league. The hype around the team and new arena has been more than the Nets have ever gotten, New York now has another franchise, that is equally as competitive as the Knicks. The trash talking has already begun, Joe Johnson called the Brooklyn Nets "the best team in New York" while Deron Williams said he will "do his talking on the court". While Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler called the Nets talk "foolish". The sparks have been made, this is now a legit rivalry that is being fueled by New York media, discussed on sports radio and written about in Newspapers. This is sure to be an amazing rivalry when the Knicks and Nets square off at the beautiful new Barclays Center in Brooklyn. A rivalry that never got off the ground is now in full swing. The Nets and Knicks have a long history with each other, and now, for the first time, both teams have something to prove. This is more than Knicks vs Nets, its Brooklyn vs Manhattan, its a new team trying to establish itself in New York vs the team that has always been there and loved by its fans. We shall see how this rivalry plays out, but when both teams take the floor, it is sure to be an epic battle.
Though the Nets were having the most successful period in the NBA, the Knicks were having one of their worst. The Knicks would not win a playoff game from 2001-2012, the longest winless stretch in NBA history. The Nets however, would win 44 playoff games in that period, and have the likes of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson leading them in that period. The Knicks and Nets played another playoff series against each other in 2004. This time it was different, the Nets were a relevant team. The Nets would sweep the Knicks and establish themselves in the New York area. Despite all of the success, the Nets would still be seen as the little brother team.
The Nets eventually traded Jason Kidd, the face of the franchise, leaving the team in a state of irrelevancy. The Nets would not make the playoffs for the next five years, from 2007-2012. They would also lose a franchise record 70 games, and win a franchise low 12 games. Things began to change. A front office rivalry seemed to be heating up when Mikhail Prokhorov, a Russian billionare, bought the New Jersey Nets and sealed a move to Brooklyn, a plan that seemed to be losing momentum. He stated that he would try to turn Knicks fans into Nets fans. Both teams would go into the stacked 2010 free agency class with tons of cap space looking to make a major splash, they both seemed to be competing against each other. The Nets sparked tensions by hanging a giant billboard with the words "Blueprint for Greatness" in front of Madison Square Garden. The Knicks would come out of the free agency period with Amare Stoudemire, the Nets would come out with nothing.
The two franchises would engage in yet another front office battle. The Knicks and the Nets would be locked in a battle for the services of small forward Carmelo Anthony for many months. The Nuggets would take new offers from both teams, some would include as many as three or four teams. The team that was in the lead would change many times, sometimes it was the Knicks, sometimes it was the Nets. The general opinion was that the Nets had a better package, so they were the favorites. After months of pursuit by both teams, the Knicks would come away with Carmelo Anthony. The Nets lost again, and seemed to be heading for a very long period of irrelevancy.
The Knicks celebration however, was cut short the next day. The Nets made the most surprising move of the season, the traded for Deron Williams. Both teams now had a superstar, and with the impending move to Brooklyn, a rivalry was brewing. The Knicks would make the playoffs that season, as well as the next and win their first playoff game since 2001, while the Nets searched for a star to assist Deron Williams. A major point in the 2011-12 season that gained buzz was the Nets first meeting with the Knicks at the Garden. The Nets appeared to be in control of the game, until a player from the D-League named Jeremy Lin came into the game. He would give a masterful performance and embarrass the Nets and Deron Williams. This would spark one of the biggest story lines in sports. This story line lasted for weeks, with the Nets being the start if it. Deron Williams stated that he had the next meeting against the Knicks circled on the calender. This game would spark one of the most heated games the teams have played against each other. Deron Williams would explode for 38 points against Lin, earning his payback. The Nets, sans Brook Lopez, defeated the Knicks at the Garden.
The Nets would pursue Dwight Howard for many months. The star was unhappy with the Orlando Magic and requested a trade to the Nets. This would surely make the Nets better than the Knicks, as a combination of Deron Williams and Dwight Howard would make for one of the deadliest in the league. The Nets failed in this pursuit, and nobody knew if Deron Williams would stay for the ride into Brooklyn. Although the Nets traded for Gerald Wallace, they were missing that second option, a player that can help take the load off of Williams. There was massive speculation that Deron Williams would leave for the Dallas Mavericks.
As the Nets made the much anticipated move to Brooklyn, another surprise trade occurred, the Nets saved their franchise by trading for six time all-star Joe Johnson. This gave the Nets and extremely talented core of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace and Brook Lopez. This rivaled the Knicks core of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler. The Nets, now in Brooklyn are on of the most hyped franchises in the league. The hype around the team and new arena has been more than the Nets have ever gotten, New York now has another franchise, that is equally as competitive as the Knicks. The trash talking has already begun, Joe Johnson called the Brooklyn Nets "the best team in New York" while Deron Williams said he will "do his talking on the court". While Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler called the Nets talk "foolish". The sparks have been made, this is now a legit rivalry that is being fueled by New York media, discussed on sports radio and written about in Newspapers. This is sure to be an amazing rivalry when the Knicks and Nets square off at the beautiful new Barclays Center in Brooklyn. A rivalry that never got off the ground is now in full swing. The Nets and Knicks have a long history with each other, and now, for the first time, both teams have something to prove. This is more than Knicks vs Nets, its Brooklyn vs Manhattan, its a new team trying to establish itself in New York vs the team that has always been there and loved by its fans. We shall see how this rivalry plays out, but when both teams take the floor, it is sure to be an epic battle.
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