When you look at the NBA standings, there isn’t much competition between the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks.
The Nets are the eighth seed and about to enter the play-in tournament and the Knicks…are not.
The Knicks are completely out of playoff contention and are sitting as the 12th team in the East with a dismal 35-45 record.
Still, Nets star Kevin Durant is hoping a strong rivalry only grows between the two teams.
“It’s fun rivalry. Hopefully it’s continues to build and we get more and more animosity between the fanbases. It’s going to be good for the game.”
— Chris Milholen (@CMilholenSB) April 7, 2022
Speaking about competition between the Nets and Knicks, Durant said: “It’s (a) fun rivalry. Hopefully it continues to build and we get more and more animosity between the fanbases. It’s going to be good for the game.”
These comments from Durant aren’t surprising – he’s always loved stirring the pot.
But will the Nets and Knicks ever be truly competitive?
Subway Series
Durant isn’t wrong: a strong rivalry between the Nets and Knicks is good for the NBA and fun for fans.
However, much like the Clippers and the Lakers right now, the two teams are vastly different in terms of capability.
The Nets are much better than the Knicks currently so in order for this rivalry to be more fun, the Knicks need to improve.
Realistically, there is a good chance of that happening.
After the nightmare season they had, the Knicks are certainly plotting a return to fine form even if it means trading a lot of the team and rebuilding.
That means that soon the Nets and Knicks might be on the same level and a true rivalry will be able to thrive in New York once again.
The Knicks aren’t too far off from becoming good again – they just need a few good trades and maybe a coaching change.
They could become very competitive again soon.
Therefore, this rivalry remark might come back to haunt Durant in the future.
NEXT: Kevin Durant Has Hilarious Interaction With Young Knicks Fans