The Nets: Coming To A Brooklyn Palace Near You

First off let me point out that the title of this may be somewhat misleading.  Technically, the Nets would only be coming to YOU if you lived in the New York Metropolitan area, so I apologize for that mislead.  However, don't think I was being mislead when I used the word "palace".  The Nets new arena is an absolute palace.  And for those of you who don't believe me, or think I'm some sort of bias Nets fan even though I'm far from one, see for yourself. 



If this doesn't make you want to move to Brooklyn of all places, what will.  This arena is an absolute gem and will easily give the traditional and historic Madison Square Garden, and home of the New York Knicks, a definite run for it's money in many different areas.

Back to the Nets though.  Was anyone else surprised that they decided to keep the name "Nets"?  Or even more importantly was anyone shocked that they decided to make their hometown Brooklyn and not New York?  This blogger was surprised on BOTH of those decisions. 

I remember watching CNBC yesterday and seeing a segment talking about how big of a branding opportunity they missed out on by naming themselves the "Brooklyn Nets."  You will rearely see this from me, but I actually agree with the "industry" for once.  This is a huge opportunity to change the culture around a franchise who has struggled in the previous few years and give them a brand new identity with a brand new arena.  Why wouldn't you take advantage of that?

I can see the argument about keeping the name "Nets".  The franchise has had that name ever since their inception in the American Basketball Association and their eventual move to the NBA.  But I don't agree with putting the name Brooklyn.  I can see giving the team a specific identity but it's not just Brooklyn that will be coming to see this team.  You have Long Island.  You have Queens.  You have Harlem.  You might even have a couple converters from Manhattan who are tired of the Knicks. 

I agree with keeping the Nets.  I agree more with the idea of being from New York instead of Brooklyn.  The Nets may prove to be competitive and there's no doubt the Barclays Center will be packed every night.  But just like their previous NBA Finals appearance, the Nets really "choked" on this one.