The Nets Take Center Stage In New York With The Signings Of Kevin Durant And Kyrie Irving

Rod Thorn was working as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets when the franchise transferred from the ABA to the NBA in 1976. It was also the time the franchise made the regrettable decision to receive monetary compensation for the contract of Julius Erving.

Thorn was also with the team a quarter of a century later. This time he worked as the general manager of the Nets. He made what is considered to be the best trade in franchise history and landed hall of fame point guard Jason Kidd. The result was two trips to the NBA finals.

Thorn was watching from his home in Rye, New York, on Sunday night when the Nets may have scored their biggest victory ever against hometown rival New York Knicks. The Nets were able to land two of the top players in this year’s free agent class. Both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant decided the now Brooklyn Nets were the best place for them to continue their NBA careers.

Thorn spoke joyously of the victory in a phone interview. He says the Nets have been forced to play second fiddle to the New York Knicks for most of their time in the NBA. He says that all changed with the signing of Durant and Irving.

Thorn recalled a period in the 2000s when the Nets won 24 of 31 contests played against the Knicks. He says even at that time the Knicks were more of a favorite with the fans.

The Knicks are still the Knicks but now have to deal with a team that has risen from what seemed to be a bleak NBA future just a few years ago to a legitimate contender for the NBA Championship.

Three seasons ago the Nets suffered through a season that included only 21 victories. They also had a brand new general manager who seemed overmatched by the position. Surprisingly, that new general manager, Sean Marks, was able to begin pulling the team out of the cellar without the trade and draft assets most experts feel is necessary to improve.

The Nets and Knicks were both able to accommodate the salary demands of the two superstars. Both players wanted to live in New York and the roster that is already in place with the Nets began to be a great draw for Kevin Durant as last season developed.