A fast start to the regular season would release a lot of the tension and uneasiness surrounding the Nets as they head into training camp, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes.
Media day will be much anticipated, as Kevin Durant will be asked why he wanted Steve Nash and GM Sean Marks fired, and the latter duo will have to discuss how they plan to coexist with the player who tried to oust them. They did already meet in Los Angeles to discuss the situation.
However, if things don’t go well during a rugged early schedule, issues created by Durant’s previous trade request and others regarding Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons could resurface, as Lewis observes.
We have more on the New York teams:
- The Nets’ Edmond Sumner is excited about his progress from a ruptured Achilles that sidelined him last season when he was with the Pacers. He has apparently gone full speed in five-on-five scrimmages. He feels he can provide versatility to the club, as he told Chris Carrino on a podcast (hat tip to NetsDaily). “I feel I can do a lot of stuff, play off the ball, if you want me to play multiple positions. guard multiple positions,” he said. “I feel I can be a jack of all trades.” Sumner signed a two-year contract that is partially guaranteed in the first year and non-guaranteed in the second year.
- Andrew Lustgarten is stepping down as CEO and president of MSG Sports, the parent of the Knicks and Rangers, according to Sportico.com. Lustgarten will stay on as MSG Sports CEO through the end of the year, when he will transition to the board. David Hopkinson, an executive vice president at MSG Sports, has been promoted to president and COO.
- TNT analyst Charles Barkley said in Sirius XM interview (hat tip to Ian Begley of SNY.TV) that he spoke with Knicks executive William Wesley about why they didn’t complete a deal for Donovan Mitchell. Wesley told Barkley that the Jazz asked for too much.“They wanted my wife, my kids…. We wanted the deal, obviously,” Wesley told Barkley. “But he said they wanted my wife, they wanted my kids, they wanted my grandkids. They were just trying to rip somebody off.”
How would a team made up guys born & raised in NY state do if they were allowed to play at EuroBasket? Cole Anthony/Donovan Mitchell/Kevin Huerter/Tobias Harris/Myles Turner starting with Kemba, Ty Jerome, Obi, Mo Bamba & others off bench
Didn’t include Precious Achiuwa, Jose Alvarado or Chris Duarte bc they play on other national teams
That’s ok, because no one is interested in this.
Not very well. The difference between playing pro ball since the age of 14 vs on started on Monday effectively shows big time.
We have athletes playing basketball vs. Players trained to play the game of basketball.
I have seen more of these players from summer leauge to the Sr. national team here in Vegas and we get used like it’s nothing.
Sadly for the Nets, a fast start is unlikely. They have a tough schedule the 1st 20 games. 8 home, 12 road, 10 against last year’s playoff teams.
1st 5 games:
Vs Pelicans
Vs Raptors
@ Grizzlies
@ Bucks
Vs Mavs
Looks like a 2-3 start at best to me.
The first games aren’t going to mean anything. First 20 maybe.
Love Barkley!!! These days it’s hard to find a public figure so candid, and that gets away with it.
Barkley is actually right. Danny didn’t want DM to go to NY. So he asked for everything. Just glad Dolan didn’t step in. Or we’d have Zero picks today.
Ainge knew someone would overpay. I’m pumped the Knicks didn’t cave. They got everything the Cavs had to offer that was available. If the Knicks gave them 3 young players (2 starters), 3 unprotected picks, and two pick swaps, all 5 picks would be in the top 10, and Mitchell would be playing in Brooklyn after he leaves the Knicks because of how much they suck. If you’re a GM, and want to keep your job, just block Danny Ainge’s number.
I agree Danny wanted to send Donovan anywhere but NY his preferred destination but I also this is a spin job by the NY Knicks front office to make up with this long suffering fan base like myself that gets constantly disappointed like the guy at the prom seeing his prom date dance with every other guy at the prom but his self. Let’s be honest this is the second time The so call Don Leon Do Nothing couldn’t close a deal and the sad part about it Donovan was a CAA client and the Knicks who are part of the CAA Mafia couldn’t get their guy. Then they send out this spin job of how RJ Barrett is a cornerstone piece but just a few days before you were dangling him in front of the cut throat Danny Ainge chops. Give me a break. Yes I give them props for not selling the farm but we are still devoid of All Star talent. Signing Brunson was a start but we need to trade for a All Star because every free agency we strike out and we can’t even get a cup of coffee with the All Star Free agents. But kudos for Jalen Brunson who wanted the Knicks .
Maybe you need All NBA guys rather than just All stars? You know, players who contribute to winning rather than just being popular?
I hate that being an All Stars is percieved to be better than being an All NBA player