NBA Free Agency Made Basketball in New York Fun Again

During NBA free agency, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets have acquired players who provide extra incentive to attend the games.

NBA free agency answered the hopes and prayers of those hoping acquisitions would make basketball fun again in New York City.

The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets combined for 53 wins during the previous season, four fewer victories than the champion Cleveland Cavaliers. That pretty much sums up the 2015-16 season for both teams.

If not for budding Latvian star forward Kristaps Porzingis and his thunderous putbacks, there was very little reason to watch either New York team on the court. Both franchises hired new head coaches and roster turnover ensued.

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Honestly, neither team secured a superstar player who’s going to ultimately lead his team to an NBA title. The biggest moves for either team came before or during the draft.

The Nets drafted a hometown favorite in guard Isaiah Whitehead and picked up a promising versatile talent in Caris LeVert with the No. 20 overall pick. The Knicks acquired former league MVP Derrick Rose in a trade with the Chicago Bulls.

While the anticipation for Rose builds, the Knicks acquired a true character in center Joakim Noah. He’s going to play hard and provide some candid interviews similar to the one below:

Noah will also agitate his opponents. He’s a 6’11”, 232-pound gnat that buzzes in your ear at night, which makes him great for the Knicks. The team needs an enforcer and someone to get in the opposing players’ heads:

Not only are the Knicks relevant in the Eastern Conference and likely headed to the playoffs once again, but the roster also has flair.

The intrigue starts with Noah in the middle. He’s coming to his native city to play alongside long-time teammate Rose. There’s no question the 2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year will suit up amped to play for the Knicks.

A core consisting of Noah, Porzingis, Rose and forward Carmelo Anthony will be something to watch in the upcoming season. More importantly, it’s a team that should compete for a decent seed in the postseason. Barring injuries, the unit should come close to 50 wins.

As for the little brother basketball team at Barclays Center, the season outlook doesn’t seem as promising compared to their crosstown rivals. However, general manager Sean Marks brought Linsanity back to New York City.

Sure, his stardom faded after several mediocre seasons, but it’s not past the expiration date, specifically for New Yorkers. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams welcomed Lin to the city where it all started:

As Knicks’ fans roll their eyes because they’ve seamlessly moved onto the next trendy player in Porzingis, the Nets have the proverbial hand-me-down item that still looks good after a quick dry clean.

Lin comes back ready to make the most of his time in the spotlight. Nothing compares to the initial outbreak in stardom, but the Nets have someone who can draw fans to the home games. He’ll easily become the fan favorite until Whitehead earns significant time on the court. Together, with center Brook Lopez, they’re the identity of this rebuilding franchise.

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After mortgaging their future, which is now, years ago, it’s the best-case scenario for a team that traded forward Thaddeus Young for raw talent. Beyond the bottom line in a results-driven business, the Nets needed excitement.

What’s going to be the reaction to Lin when he returns to Madison Square Garden in a Nets’ uniform? Will he resurrect the Linsanity craze with amazing play in the backcourt? Can he continue to develop his game at 27-years-old?

Unless the Nets land point guard Rajon Rondo, the team will finish well below .500. But hey, if Lin proves to have some spark left, the little brother team in the city can cultivate much-needed fanfare in an area loyal to the Knicks.