Speaking to NetsDaily, Nets governor Joe Tsai admitted that he wasn’t thrilled about the fact that his team’s cross-town rivals won a title in June, but he made it clear it won’t impact how he runs his own franchise.
“Every year, some team is going to win a championship,” Tsai said. “So it happens that this year that team is in the same city. It doesn’t make us feel very good. It irritates our fan base and it is embarrassing, but in business or in competition, in sports, or in anything, you shouldn’t let the embarrassment factor affect how you perform.
“… (We) had a plan and we’re rebuilding and I think right now we are on a positive trajectory. So it doesn’t change my thinking at all.”
Nets general manager Sean Marks echoed Tsai’s assertion that the Knicks’ recent success won’t change anything about the way Brooklyn operates, as well as the team owner’s optimism about the path that the Nets are on.
“We’re not going to be motivated or less motivated by what somebody else is doing,” Marks told NetsDaily. “I think we control is our path. I think we set out on this a couple of years ago, and I think I’m very happy with what the group has done, what (head coach) Jordi (Fernandez)the coaching staff, have done to develop these young men. And it’s gonna be really exciting to see what they look like, and you know, whether it’s a year or two years from here, who really seizes this opportunity?”
We have more from around the Atlantic:
- Speaking to Mark Medina of Fadeaway World, Knicks forward AND Anunoby discussed his goals after winning a championship, as well as offering his thoughts on what it will take for New York to defend its title. Anunoby suggested that it will be important for the team to carry over last season’s intensity while avoiding early-season burnout. “You do want to peak toward the end of the season, and not at the beginning,” Anunoby said. “So it’s about understanding that it’s an 82-game season as well as trial and error. It’s about trying things. Maybe it doesn’t work. Maybe it does work. That’s what the regular season is for, to figure stuff out and learn so you’re ready for the playoffs.”
- Celtics big man Nehemiah Queta will suit up for Portugal during the upcoming window of qualifying games for the 2027 World Cup, as Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops details. The Portuguese national team will face Spain on August 28 and Georgia on Aug. 31 as it looks to claim a spot in next year’s FIBA tournament.
- On Sunday, the Celtics published a YouTube video showing new additions Paul George, Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley making their first visits to the team’s practice facility. “It’s surreal. I’m ecstatic,” George said of being traded to Boston. “I’m looking forward to the journey. I’m looking forward to wearing that green and representing for Boston.”