Brooklyn Might Be Next Team Fans Love To Hate
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By DERON SNYDER
Brooklynites faced a major dilemma this year when the Nets crossed the Hudson River and relocated downtown in New York City’s most populous borough, near the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic. Playing their home games in the brand-new, splendiferous Barclays Center, the Nets are minutes from the team that has owned Big Apple hearts since 1946.
The New York Knicks, one of the NBA’s marquee franchises, have the history, memories, championships and Madison Square Garden, aka the “World’s Most Famous Arena.” But they don’t wear “Brooklyn” on their chests. That gives the Nets a prime opportunity to siphon allegiance among the proud residents and natives who have lacked such specificity in a rooting interest since the Dodgers relocated to Los Angeles in 1958.
While Brooklyn’s NBA fans ponder their longstanding relationship with the Knicks and newfound affection for the Nets going forward, other fans have their own questions to answer:
Will they make a distinction between two teams that, ultimately, represent New York City? Which team should they root for in border skirmishes, a la the Lakers-Clippers annual grudge matches?
And, finally, would the presence of All-Star center Dwight Howard make the Nets even more loathsome than the Miami Heat?
