During this off season the Brooklyn Nets have definitely stirred up some attention, but as of Friday they sparked a new found rivalry against the neighboring New York Knicks.
Standing in front of 1,000 fans, the duo of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, were greeted with cheers and welcomed by Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz.
"For nearly 40 years the Manhattan Knicks have shown they can't bring the championship home to New York, so it's going to take the Brooklyn Nets to get the job done," Markowitz bellowed. "So move over Manhattan-enough air balls. You had your chance."
Markowitz got a little support from Johnson when asked who he felt was the better team in New York.
"The Nets, definitely the Nets," Johnson said.
Markowitz added on with a few remarks dissing the "mecca" of basketball, Madison Square Garden.
"Now that the Barkley Center is in town the national basketball spotlight is focused on Brooklyn's big stage and Madison Square Garden just doesn't have that same sparkle anymore," he said. "By the way, for any Brooklynites still rooting for the Manhattan Knicks, as of November and on I'm giving you fair warning. It's treason to support the outer borough's team over our Brooklyn Nets."
Williams and head coach Avery Johnson took a more diplomatic approach, when asked about the burgeoning rivalry.
"It's not just about winning a local championship or a regional championship," the coach said. "It's really about winning an NBA championship, and that's what our focus is on."
The lines have been drawn and it seems the Nets have given birth to a new intense rivalry in the NBA. Though they haven't even won a game, they seem confident and eager for the challenge.
The rivalry reminds me of a KRS-One quote from his song The Bridge is Over,
"Manhattan keeps on making it, Brooklyn keeps on taking it,"
With bold statements made, it seems like the Nets aren't just here to be neighbors to the Knicks, they're obviously here to take over as the No.1 team in New York.
This all boast well to be an exciting upcoming season for the city of New York, I'm already eager with anticipation.