John Hollinger of the The Athletic isn’t just a writer on NBA topics, particularly how front offices work. He was also vice president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies between his journalistic gigs. So he’s well versed in the ups and downs of franchises.
On Monday, Hollinger wrote how New York’s NBA teams have switched places with the Brooklyn Nets becoming the old version of the New York Knicks ... and the reverse.
New York — Once upon a time, this was supposed to be the Brooklyn Nets: Building patiently, developing late draft picks and smart free-agent signings and riding in the slipstream of good culture vibes while keeping their powder dry for just the right moment to pounce on a big star.