It was speculated that the trades that brought Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets would fuel the growing rivalry with the New York Knicks, but Pierce's latest comments may have given it the extra spark and intensity needed to make it one of the most exciting rivalry's to watch this upcoming season.
"I think the hate [for the Knicks] has grown a little. Everybody knows how much I disliked the Knicks when I was with the Celtics, but I think it's grown to another level," Pierce said on ESPN NewYork 98.7 FM's "The Michael Kay Show" on Thursday. "I think it's time for the Nets to start running this city."
Pierce added: "The only thing that separates the two teams is a bridge. And both of them are in the same division and both of them are considered contenders. You can't help but say this is probably gonna be the best rivalry in sports next year."
Pierce also said that he believes that the current Nets team is easily one of the most talented teams he's been on-at least on paper. He also believes that the Nets currently have the players in positions to make a championship run, but sacrifices will have to made.
"What team in the NBA can say they can put a starting five out there with all the guys have been All-Stars?" Pierce said, referring to himself, Garnett, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez. "That's tough. It's definitely the most talented team, but come the end of the year -- June, July -- when I'm out there on the beach, I want to say this is the best team I've ever played on, and the only way we can do that is to win a championship."
Pierce is looking forward to creating a legacy with his new team.
"I want to be that guy that says I was one of the first guys to put a banner in Brooklyn," he said.
Pierce thinks the only way the Nets can surpass the Knicks is to win.
"So I just want to instill that in the teammates, the organization," Pierce said. "This is our time. This is it. A lot of players, a lot of teams, you don't get this opportunity. It's tough. I played so many years with so many bad teams -- it's like, when you get these opportunities, you cherish them."
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