Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai didn’t pull any punches, flat out calling the New York Knicks’ 2026 NBA championship win “embarrassing” for his own franchise. He said it loud and clear: seeing their crosstown rivals hoist the trophy absolutely “irritates” the Nets’ fan base. Talk about a rival taking a shot when you’re already down, right?
“Embarrassing” is the Word
Tsai told NetsDaily.com that the Knicks’ title run was a real gut punch for Brooklyn. “Every year, some team is going to win a championship,” he acknowledged, “So it happens that this year, that team is in the same city. It doesn’t make us feel very good. It irates our fan base, and it is embarrassing.” You’ve gotta respect the honesty, even if it’s brutal. Imagine the 12s watching the Rams win a Super Bowl, and then an owner says *that*. It’s a tough pill to swallow for any fan base, especially when it’s your biggest rival.
The Long Road Back to Contention
This “embarrassment” stings even more when you look at where the Nets are right now. They limped to a 20-62 record last season, missing the playoffs for the third straight year. That’s a rough run, no doubt. They’re deep in an ongoing rebuild, loaded up with one of the youngest rosters in the league, and are trying to build around their 2026 No. 6 pick, Mikel Brown Jr. It’s clear they’re focused on the future, but a rival celebrating a title while you’re still digging out of a hole? That just hits different.
But Tsai says don’t expect the Knicks’ championship parade to shake up their long-term vision. He’s committed to getting the Nets back into playoff contention, sticking to the plan they’ve already got in place. “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,” he added. “So it doesn’t change my thinking at all.” It’s a tough road ahead for the Nets, but with a young roster and their owner’s unwavering focus, they’re clearly trying to turn this ship around. The pressure is definitely on for Mikel Brown Jr. and the squad to show some serious progress next season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply