New York media lauds Knicks, Nets just an afterthought locally

If you listen to sports talk radio or peruse a local newspaper or website in the New York market, you'd think the New York Knicks were the favorites to win the Larry O'Brien trophy. Instead, that distinction goes to the Brooklyn Nets. As local media outlets fawn over the Knicks' first playoff appearance since 2013, Tom Thibodeau will never have to buy a meal again in the Big Apple after the job he's done with the previously happless franchise. Steve Nash earns little respect for inheriting a loaded squad, while remarkably Sean Marks has not been listed as the favorite for NBA executive of the year.

"'We think we're cute now'"

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 17, 2021

The Nets are a long, long way from reaching the popularity of the Knicks, and that's no more evident than by the fact their historic season has been overshadowed by the Renaissance taking place at MSG. The trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden will not live down anything short of winning a title this season as detractors are wishing and praying for the other shoe to drop. As both franchises prepare for the start of the 2021 playoffs, the Knicks are a cute feel good story to local media in New York, but as far as the national media landscape, the Nets will draw the most fan interest and intrigue in the weeks to follow.