BY KEITH EVANS
It's been a while since i really cared about basketball. Not since the Jordan Era, and probably about 5 years post that, have I been really "into" the sport. Sure, I keep up with the basic goings ons of the league, but with the player not being as "playeriffic" as they used to be (not to mention my favorite NBA team, the Indiana Pacers, not being very watchable at all) my urge to stalk an entire season is weak and depleting.
In my fantastical mind, I've always equated basketball to hip hop. Much like hip hop, basketball's best days are behind it. The 90's were not only hip hop's Golden Era, but basketball as well. While I'm sure eventually, just like hip hop, basketball will pull itself out of its present fianacially influenced stump, as of right now there aren't many things in the sport that reveals that happening anytime soon. Things like hating Kobe Bryant, the Decision fiasco, and my undying love for EA sports NBA Live series were the only ties that kept me within "field goal" distance of wanting anything to do with the organization. Then, I realized, after listening to a disappointing single from the much talked about Dr. Dre Detox album; What ever happened to the whole New JErsey Nets situation?
The New Jersey Nets. Even the times they did have a successful season and shining players to back it up, they were always a blah team. A few years ago, the Nets were bought by a multiple of different owners, including high profile hip hop superstar Sean "Jay-Z" Carter. This was around the time my interest in pro hoops was on it's final leg. Word had it that the plan was to move the Nets to Brooklyn, prompting a rumored overhaul of the name, logo, and overall identitiy of the franchise. I'm always excited, no matter the sport (with the exception of hockey) in regards to new teams and logos (with the exception of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gross).
OVer the years however, this New Jersey Net situation seemed like the "Detox" of the NBA. An idea that was starting to take too long to develop, therefore losing my interest completely. Well kids, it seems things are about to pick up. A new logo sketch has made it's rounds and honestly, despite the fact that it is JUST a black and white sketch, I like it, a lot.
The New Jersey Nets (tentatively titled; The Brooklyn New Yorkers) has a fresh feel to it. Unlike when the Seattle SuperSonics went up under the knife to become the Oklahomo Shitty Blunders (yeah, not a big fan), this would be a much bigger deal. My only concern, logo wise, is the team colors. I hope for something new and eye popping. For so long, new teams arrive, or old teams get a make over, and more often than not, they generally recycle the same stock colors other teams are using. I remember when the Atlanta Hawks changed their colors, which was cool, except for the fact that countless teams, all sports included, don the red, white, and blue. You didn't have to be from Denver to appreciate the freshenss provided by the then debuting Colorado Rockies purple and black. Or what about when the Charlotte Hornets (now New Orleans Hornets) premiered Carolina blue into the league. As far as the Brooklyn NYers are concerned, let's try something the NBA hasn't seen before. I don't recall and all black and gold team prowling the NBA circuit. Just a suggestion, not to mention a tame one. When I play MAdden or NBA Live and I create a team, by go to colors are purple and green, not sure why, but it definitely gives my games a sense of vivid brand new-ness.
Ironically enough, the actual state of New Jersey has been getting mad press and popularity points due to the rise in stock of guidos (italian "niggas") and their love for its shore. I remember thinking that now N.J. was famous, the Nets would stay in NY's little step brother of a state and acquire Italians freshly picked from the wine barrels of Italy. They could've re-named themselves the New Jersey Situation an perhaps turned out to be the Washington Generals of the league, which would be pathetic but way more entertaining than what they are currently.
Tis not the case however. Jay-Z and his Jewish majority stock holding cohorts are moving th team to Brooklyn. I see And 1 street ball players creaming up their overly sized basketball shorts now. In 2 years, The Brooklyn New Yorkers will make their debut in the National Basketball Association. LeBron-less? Obviously. It's unlikely they will make a splash their first few years, though one can field the possibility that they may win more games than the Cleveland Cavaliers. What is likely is the media attention provided by the move, the change, and the facilitators involved. I wish the organization luck, and have a positive outlook. Sure, you guys didn't secure James or anyone close to his stature, and sure, Carmelo Anthony will probably be ripping and running at Madison Square Garden when you guys debut, but if you want my advice, hold out for Jordan's son. Though he's a pretty good ball player, he isn't Lebron or Kobe status, on the court. But talk about the press being all over THAT one. Jay-Hova, the Jordan of rap, together with Jordan's son (sounds like situation only Bruce Willis should handle). And all the while, Harold Miner sits weeping in his one bedroom apartment, doing suicides with a nerf ball.
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