N.Y. Islanders: The Thrill of Victory and Agony of the Seats

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

Year One in Brooklyn

45-27-10 (100 Points)

Kings County's second ever NHL season is done.

The Borough's first ever NHL Playoffs is underway!

New York Islanders: The Brooklyn Americans were first to play in Kings County.  The former Long Islanders now bring the Borough into their first ever NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

*The 1939-1940 New York Americans qualified for the playoffs.

The Islanders first season in Brooklyn was a difficult adjustment to say the least.

I knew it would be.  

I settled on the blog title Five For Flatbush in order to capture the Islanders' quest for a 5th Stanley Cup, and to inaugurate their arrival on Flatbush Avenue.

There was a reason, however, why I initially titled this blog Brooklyn's Foster Hockey Club prior to their actual move into Barclays Center.  They are here due more to circumstance, than by choice.  An overburdened Long Island (Nassau County) tax base was unnecessarily forced to vote with their wallets instead of their hearts on a new arena proposal - which could have been avoided if local gov't would have simply worked more cooperatively with Charles Wang and his originally proposed Lighthouse Project.

Looking back, the timing couldn't have been worse.  Barclays Center was never intended to host NHL hockey - nor was there a reason to even consider it.

At the time, the New Jersey Nets were still working in cooperation with the New Jersey Devils on a proposed arena in Newark.  When that plan fell apart, native Brooklynite/real estate developer Bruce Ratner purchased the Nets from motivated sellers.

Since the day Ratner announced intentions to move the Nets into a new arena to be built in Brooklyn, and even throughout the construction of Barclays Center a decade later, no one anticipated the Nets and Islanders reuniting under the same roof ever again.  The two ceased being room mates back in the late 1970's when the Nets moved from Nassau Coliseum, and into the Meadowlands Brendan Byrne Arena.  The hockey Devils then moved from Colorado to join them during the early 1980's.  

The situation left the Islanders alone - a situation very unlike that of the Knicks/Rangers, and aforementioned Nets/Devils.

Quite honestly, I have no idea how many locals are attending home games.  I know some due.   Obviously, wearing Isles gear throughout the decades has not been uncommon here, but I see more now than at any other time I can recall.  Long Islanders may very well be carrying attendance largely by themselves, though  I don't know that, but I'm sure of it.  These figures, however, speak truth...

Local Attendance:

• New York Rangers: NHL rank #18.  They averaged 18,006 per game;100% capacity.
• New Jersey Devils: NHL rank #26.  They averaged 15,073 per game; 91% capacity.
• New York Islanders: NHL rank #28.  They averaged 13,626 per game; 86% capacity.

Here's the rub - the remaining 15% of Barclays Center potential seating for hockey games are (terrible) obstructed views.  Were it for more suitable seating, their attendance would perhaps be on par with that of the Devils, if not better (relatively speaking...) considering capacity is roughly 15,000 at Barclays Center for hockey.  In fact, the Islanders ranked #25 during their last season at the Coliseum, averaging 15,334 per game, or 95% capacity.  A now competitive team playing out a swan song season played into that, but they nevertheless outpaced the Devils whom ranked #26 last season.

Therefore, the Islanders' attendance figures might actually be healthier than meets the eye, but still does nothing to help the fact Barclays is somewhat unsuitable for hockey.  The scoreboard isn't even centered on the rink, adding to the general aesthetic detraction.

Then there's the partial re-branding of the team.  What choice did Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark have?  He had to keep the traditional Long Islanders content, while at the same time entice a new local market with its own very strongly held identity.  As a result, we essentially have a team with an alter ego, donning a completely distinct alternative (or primary?) uniform designed in part to compliment the Brooklyn Nets and the reuniting of one-time arena mates.

At this point, Brett Yormark's mind is undoubtedly pinned on Sunday's first playoff game at Barclays. Only winning playoff games, building a winning atmosphere, and sustained success, make other problems (perceived or real) magically disappear.

Even then, the nuances of this whole arrangement will continue dominating any conversation unless parading a Cup down Flatbush Avenue can change more minds..,

...or one of these parties opt out in a few years.

*          *          *          *

Much like life around Brooklyn, the 2015-16 regular season itself can be summed up with a simple - damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

Four teams exceeded 100 points in the Metropolitan Division this season, led by Washington's eye popping 120 points.  The Islanders came in at an even buck, while the Blueshirts finished just a mere point better.

The Islanders arrived in Kings County replete with a genuine star performer - John Tavares.  For several seasons now, his forward line (w/ Kyle Okposos/various third skater) has routinely been the best among any formed by either of the three local hockey clubs.

2015 - 2016

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE 

PLAYOFFS

Game One Final

Islanders    5

Panthers    4

As presently formed, John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, and Frans Nielsen led the Islanders to a 5-4 victory in Game One of their opening round series over the Florida Panthers.

The seasoned Islanders opted to counter-punch with the feisty Panthers.

Florida opened the scoring within the first two minutes of play.  Just under five minutes later, Brock Nelson tied the game at one.  But the Panthers converted a power play at the 13:51 mark to inch ahead.  Not for long though ...  Frans Nielsen reciprocated at 16:46 with a power play goal of his own, assisted by Tavares.

One again, Florida opened the 2nd period scoring within the opening two minutes.  Flatbush then embarked on a methodical grinding down of the younger cats.  With 0:22 second left in the session, John Tavares converted feeds from line mates Okposo and Nielsen, tying the game at three.

Flatbush continued turning the tables with Kyle Okposo's early score opening the 3rd period - fed once again by Tavares.

At 6:01, Ryan Strome next scored what proved to be the difference in the game, because within another minute, Florida scored giving the Isles their eventual one goal margin of victory.

Goalie Thomas Greiss, starting in place of injured Jaroslav Halak, faced 46 shots and made 42 saves.

For the moment, home ice advantage has switched over into the Islanders hands.

Playoff hockey arrives in Brooklyn this Sunday for Game Three.

Brooklyn Nets: They Came; They Saw; They Left Disinterested as Ever

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Taxi!

BROOKLYN NETS: Veni, Vidi, Fugheddaboudit...

They came; 

They saw;

They paid respects to Kobe Bryant with cheers of MVP! one last time, and got to see Byron Scott again, whom once led the (New Jersey) Nets to back-to-back Eastern Conference titles;

Then they filed out of the building just as disinterested in their own local product as when they entered.

Brooklyn fans, that is...

To say fans exited Barclays Center discouraged would be to imply they cared in the first place.  Most of them were there to see Kobe.  But actual Nets fans gave their team a silent, chilly glance on their way out the door - as if to say it's time for you to hit the road, Jack (every pun intended), and we'll deal with you when you get back.

The Nets did just that, opening a four game trip with a loss in Milwaukee to Jason Kidd's young Bucks.  They're presently off till Wednesday, when they'll visit Houston.

I can't speak for others, plus, I might be overstating the issue.  But I doubt it.  Very early in this relocation process, I warned just how apathetic this Borough can be when it comes to certain things - their moving into the neighborhood among them.

With every aspect of this organization now seemingly conspiring against him, I say with great confidence as a life-long resident of Kings County, Nets CEO Bret Yormark should be worried.

After a strong initial push into Knicks territory (Bernard King's turf), the Nets invasion efforts are losing ground on all fronts.  In truth, the product is bad, getting worse, and has no hope of improving (through the draft for several more years to come), and as a result, the whole campaign is teetering on ruin.

Like any sports franchise or company, most major issues usually start at the top.

Outside of spending money well wasted, ownership has done little else towards convincing the fan base he/they are in this for the long haul.  The team generally lacked a greater presence, and perhaps more involvement on Mikhail Prokhorov's part.  He has in fact previously entertained thoughts of selling, even if only fleetingly, despite public, yet coded reassurances to the contrary.

It's difficult arguing, however, how he left the door strategically ajar for just such a move.  We saw his political aspirations put this franchise on hold once before.  Who's to say his next eclectic endeavor won't place the same neglectful distance between him and the team again?

Enter Billy King.

The man has made a complete and utter mess of Brooklyn's first professional sports franchise since the old Dodgers left town.

The man took Mikhail Prokhorov's vision, and money, and effectively recreated the Washington Generals (while simultaneously helping build Boston's next potential title).

The Nets have now lost seven straight to open the 2015-2016 regular season; Brooklyn's fourth season, and sure to be their worst.

There's something to be said for trending...

• 1st year in BK; 49-33 
• 2nd year in BK; 44-38
• 3rd year in BK; 38-44
• 4th year in BK; 0-7 to date.

So far, opponents are outscoring the Nets by an average 103-90 margin, and I fear we have not yet begun to witness the full extent of futility which awaits us.

The Big Three is officially no more.  Deron Williams' time here expired with little to show.   Meanwhile, we're just seven games into this and Brook Lopez already had his first pedal setback (this, on the heels of new three-year contract).  That leaves Joe Johnson as the lone member that provided a representative contribution.  But, that's more an indictment than supportive.

But here's the main reason why Billy King no longer deserves serving as general manager of the Nets.

The Flatbush Avenue cagers are in the bottom tier in NBA attendance this season. Of course, we're dealing with a small sample size this early on, but the Nets should nevertheless recognize a foreboding trend.

• 1st season in Brooklyn - 16th in attendance; 94% capacity.
• 2nd season (2013-2014) - 17th in attendance; 95% capacity.
• 3rd season (2014-2015) - 20th in attendance; 94% capacity.
• 4th season (2015-2016) - 25th in attendance; 88% capacity to date.

If anything, Kobe's final appearance in Brooklyn helped inflate Brooklyn's numbers to some extent.

Kobe is not coming back though.  So, clearly then, we have a problem.

Ownership better rethink this thing before too many people stop caring.

N.Y. Islanders: Opening Night was a Flatbush Flop

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

No one ever said life in Brooklyn was gonna to be easy.

OPENING NIGHT

Blackhawks  3

Islanders       2

FINAL ~ OT

New York Islanders: With youz guys being new to the neighborhood and all, neutral zone gaffes are akin to playing in Flatbush Avenue traffic during rush hour - just brutal.  Way to throw your goalie under the bus!

The Chicago Blackhawks are no strangers to Thomas Greiss.  He previously part-timed in the Western Conference with San Jose and Phoenix during the first two of Chicago's recent three Cup championship runs.

After spending last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Garth Snow signed the free agent goalie to back up starter Jaroslav Halak.

The Fates, it seems, had other plans.

Let the record show, on October 9th, 2015, Thomas Greiss started the Islanders first official home game in Brooklyn against the defending Cup champions, and did well.  He will continue to start until Jaroslav Halak recovers from the proverbial upper body (chest) injury.

Greiss faced 32 shots and made 30 saves during Barclays Center's inaugural 60:00 minutes of regulation hockey.

Just beyond the midway point of the opening period, Chicago got whistled for too many men on the ice.  Then towards the latter end of the ensuing power play Brock Nelson committed the dreaded neutral zone turnover which resulted in Artem Anisimov's break-away short-handed goal.

It was only fitting that Captain John Tavares tied the game at 5:22 of the 2nd period on a nifty initial shot and his own rebound.

Fan relief was short lived, however.  At 15:11, Patrick Kane put Chicago back ahead.

The Isles struck back very early in the 3rd when Brock Nelson assisted on Marek Zidlicky's game tying goal at the 1:18 mark.

The Islanders were unable to convert their second power play of the game half way through the session.  The teams then remained scoreless for the balance of the 3rd period, which in effect provided Brooklyn ticket holders bonus hockey on Opening Night, and their first view of the NHL's new overtime rule change - five minutes of 3 on 3 hockey.

Barclays CEO Brett Yormark (who was resoundingly booed by the crowd) might have given traditional Islanders fans their goal horn back, however, he never promised them an ideal outcome.

Thomas Greiss turned away the first two Blackhawks shots in overtime.

Nick Leddy's slash on Marian Hossa at 1:18 perhaps only delayed the inevitable.  First off, the penalty was born of a defensive end turnover.  Then one could argue with an unobstructed Hossa bearing down upon Greiss, Leddy's infraction was justified.

No matter.  With Marian Hossa in the corner and traffic building in front of Greiss, Patrick Kane tipped in a rebound at the 1:49 mark.  Kane's game winning power play goal was his second of the game.

Tough break for Thomas Greiss, but look no further than Brock Nelson's gaffe in the 1st period as to why and when things went wrong.  It effectively cost the Islanders an Opening Night victory in their new home.

Despite the final score, the Islanders new beginning appeared well received.  All that's left is for them to post their first home victory.  Tonight, they'll finish out the back end of this home and home series against the Blackhawks in Chicago.

Then starting Monday, the Islanders will play three straight at home - along Flatbush Avenue that is.

On a side note, going out on a Friday night is somewhat of a lay-up.  With no work the following day, a hockey game is as good a destination as any.

Monday's and Thursday's games against the Jets and Predators, respectively, will prove far more telling about who's really dedicated to the new process, and who is not, I think.

Lets face it, with little to no designating parking (unlike Nassau Coliseum), we're going to find out how conducive the LIRR and MTA will be in so far as getting fans in and out of the immediate area.

The D-train is too simple for me.  It might be manageable for Mr. Smith coming from Franklin Square, but what about Mrs. Crabtree and her son coming from Islip?

We'll see.

Week days usually look like this.....

That's not exactly the Flatbush Freeway you're looking at.

N.Y. Islanders: Why Charles Wang Should Sell Now

From the desk of:  BROOKLYN'S FOSTER HOCKEY CLUB

GM Garth Snow's Gamble Backfired Miserably

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: Charles Wang Can Recoup A Decade Worth Of Financial Loss With One Fat Check.  He'd Be Stupid Not To Sell.

Recent reports suggest that Islanders owner Charles Wang, who has lost countless millions of dollars keeping the Islanders afloat for the last decade, is open to selling a majority stake in the team.  The timing of this scuttlebutt seems odd.  Why now?

Yet, the news is still reasonable to believe.  Although the shift to Brooklyn is still a full season away, there is little doubt the move will greatly improve the team's overall situation.  However, in signing a 25-year lease, the Islanders will continue playing as tenants in someone else's building.

There's the rub.

While Charles Wang might have indeed brokered a deal to ensure the continued operation of the Islanders by relocating them, I believe the move to Brooklyn only enhances Charles Wang's personal net gain by a marginal value.

His proposals to pay for, and construct the Lighthouse Project in Long Island were put down long ago, first by the local legislature, then reaffirmed by a vote of local taxpayers.  Now, with Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark having secured the deal to renovate Nassau Coliseum, Charles Wang's window of opportunity to build his own arena within the greater metropolitan area has officially passed.

In fact, when you consider the Nets and Devils no longer play at IZod Center, and after next season Nassau Coliseum will become empty, there's already a glut of unsuitable arenas.  Mr. Wang now has every businessman's reason to excuse himself from the local sports scene.

Even after having gained a measure of resolution with the move to Brooklyn, Charles Wang nevertheless apparently seems done with a very lengthy ordeal.

The situation on the ice has additionally taken another step back.  This year's regular season's results may have even hasted Mr Wang's willingness to entertain such an exit.  Therefore, why not sell, and recoup a decade worth of losses with one easy transaction?

In any event, the time to hold people accountable is at hand.

Over the previous two seasons, Long Island sported the best forward line of all three local area teams.  Last year, they were one of the top scoring teams within the division, and nearly toppled the Pittsburgh Penguins in the playoffs.  This year, the team has suffered a precipitous fall, and certainly not because of Coach Capuano.

Garth Snow's gamble to trade Matt Moulson and a pair a draft picks to Buffalo for Thomas Vanek is partly to blame, and wound up backfiring on the GM in the worst way imaginable.  The net result - Isles have no Moulson, no Vanek, and are minus a #1 pick in the next draft.  What Garth Snow needed to address was a suspect defense, and upgrading the goal tending situation.  He instead, depleted his resources, and compromised the short term fortunes of the club.

Hiring Garth Snow, who lacked any practical experience as a front office executive, was a worthwhile experiment.  I'm not out to lambaste a risky appointment, but merely suggest, it is time for the Islanders to broaden their horizons, and seek out a more experienced, and savvy general manager.

In the broader picture, Garth Snow was merely Charles Wang's latest attempt at trying to recover what is increasingly looking like an unrecoverable operation.  I find no fault with either man.  A combination of the still lingering wreckage left behind by Mike Milbury operating under destructive ownership, a fast deteriorating and out of date arena, and the political situation in Long Island have conspired against Mr. Wang's efforts for a decade.

A fresh approach may indeed be in order for the Islanders sake.  Perhaps the move to Brooklyn should be accompanied by an entirely new slate of ownership and front office personnel, who can approach hockey operations with the advantage of being once removed from the organizational meltdown Charles Wang was left to rebuild.

When you get to the heart of the matter, this has been a fruitless process for him.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Flagpole From Ebbets Rededicated At Barclays Center

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN  NETS: The Flagpole Of Flatbush


I had a chance to ask Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz what the chances were that a blue line could be painted downtown along Court Street to signify and pay tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers 1955 victory parade route.  He said, "No, no way."  He pondered the question for another second.  I understood then there were very real reasons why that would never happen.  But the Borough President finished his response by telling me, "...that is over.  The Dodgers are done here.  This (the Brooklyn Nets) ends that."  It was hard to argue with that reasoning.  Then I thought perhaps I didn't really want to know the real reason.  Responding in fan-speak was perhaps the best way he could have answered.


I met the Borough President today because the old Ebbets Field flagpole was rededicated and given new life at Barclay Center.  While the flagpole has been in place since the arena opened last month, this afternoon a plaque affixed to the base was unveiled.

(left to right) Nets CEO Brett Yormark; Jerry Stackhouse;

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; Sharon Robinson; Bruce Ratner.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the background.  This was the flagpole perched atop the scoreboard along Bedford Avenue.  I can speak for a VFW post once owning it.  The casket company is a little fuzzy to me.  When the Veterans vacated the property, the location on Utica Avenue became a church.  And so, the flagpole became the property of the pastor.  There it stayed for many many years on a side wall, not quite in front.  Most of the neighborhood residents were aware of it.  My baseball teams utilized indoor batting cages on the same block.  That's how I became aware of the flagpole.  After seeing it so often as a younger boy, I returned a few years ago to take a picture.  However, I arrived two weeks too late.  The businessman next door told me a flatbed truck came by and took it away.  The pastor sold it.  No one ever found out where it was taken.  I heard a rumor someone from Long Island purchased it.  On a side note, I've read some of the media's background stories, and I'm not sure who they're talking to.  Anyway.....


As part of this afternoon's presentation, Borough President Marty Markowitz clarified the matter.  Apparently, when he became aware of the flagpole's availability, in 2007 he suggested Bruce Ratner purchase it - which he did.  The Borough President also related to me later during our personal exchange, that it came at a rather high price.  Let's just say the pastor did very well in the transaction.  I do not mean to paint the wrong picture.  Truth be told, the church was struggling financially, and the flagpole was an asset.  Five years later, the flagpole thankfully has a new home in Brooklyn again.

 

 

 

 

The daughter of the late Jackie Robinson, Sharon Robinson, was also on hand for today's dedication.  And in meeting her, I freely admit I was a little overwhelmed.  I told her as much.  I told her I didn't even know where to start expressing how privileged I felt at that moment, much less making mention of her family's place in history.  So I just told her I was humbled and extremely honored to have met her.

Marty Markowitz, Bruce Ratner, and Sharon Robinson were also gracious enough to grant me a shameless photo request.  And so did Jerry Stackhouse..!  My man!  The small ceremony concluded by raising the American colors up the flagpole, followed by a Brooklyn Nets flag.

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets - 30 Pictures In 30 Days - Barclays Minus 18 Days

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

BROOKLYN NETS

 

 

 

 

BARCLAYS CENTER:

 

T-Minus Eighteen Days

"Nets Unveil New Floor Pattern"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture from:

WelcomeToBrooklyn.BrooklynNets.com

 

 

 

September 11, 2012

 

 

The Brooklyn Nets unveiled their new floor design today.  Barclays hardwood will sport a herringbone design.  As team CEO Brett Yormark stated, it is unique to the NBA.

 

 

Yahoo Sports - Brooklyn Nets Reveal Their New Herringbone Patterned Home Court

Nets Daily - And Now The Video Tour...

NBA.com - Brett Yormark Debuts Brooklyn Nets New Court

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hoops of Flatbush; THE BROOKLYN NETS

Kings County Cagers; thine name is: 

BROOKLYN NETS

And since today was unofficially declared Name Day, if you're not familiar already, the Nets portion of TheBrooklynTrolleyBlogger; 

..is titled:

THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

In a little over one year from today, the Kings County Cagers will open the doors to begin
 Basketball at Barclays; and they will officially do so, as

THE BROOKLYN NETS. 

Photographed with permission;

Brooklyn Nets Jersey - Junior's Cafe at Flatbush Avenue

Get your Sharpies ready to mark your calendars.  The one year countdown has officially begun.  And as he begins to take on a more prominent role in the team's marketing and transitional stage, minority-share team owner Jay-Z made the announcement this morning himself.  After much speculation; scuttlebutt; and waste paper basket scavenger hunting for records of trade-mark filings..., the debate has been settled.  The team will brand it's Brooklyn home, and keep the organization's traditional name.  It's also now understood, the name was requested by Jay-Z himself.

Billboard; Flatbush Ave at Dean Street

 

 

Jay-Z made the official naming announcement this morning, while also unveiling the organization's plans to steal away some of the Knickerbocker fan base.  If you didn't catch page three of today's New York Post, do yourself a favor and go to NetsDaily.com for more comprehensive details of the Nets' plan to conquer not only on-the-fence Knick fans, but Wall Street also.  NetsDaily has been a good neighbor to me and has this ALL covered.  Check em out.

I offer you this.  -  Obviously, the Lock-Out has changed everything across the NBA landscape; even down to what signs the Nets have been posting around town.  The billboard pictured above featuring Jay-Z was rolled out a little prematurely by the Nets because due to the Lock-Out, teams were no longer allowed to use player representations in a team capacity.  Hence, the Deron Williams campaign was shelved.

Now, high above Flatbush Avenue, positioned directly across the street from Barclays Center between 5th Avenue and Pacific Street, is a glimpse into the next stage of Nets' marketing.  The new signage is a radical departure from the last ad-campaign featuring Deron Williams, and Jay-Z, with an artist rendering of a completed Barclays Center in the background.

You know what they say; black is never out of style.  And so, boldly, with big white all-cap lettering, WELCOME TO BROOKLYN remains the theme.  But now the question is asked:

WANT ALL ACCESS?

Vague; isn't it?  The bottom line gives their netsbasketball  tumblr/facebook/twitter accounts.

So I'll quote Rich Calder's article from today's N.Y. Post pictured above:

Net CEO Bret Yormark said:  "Jay-Z will be the face of the team's fourth-quarter campaign" to sell 4,400 "All Access" premium seats at the rapidly rising 18,000 seat arena.

There ya go.  Want All Access?  I'm sure it will cost a pretty penny.  No wonder they're trying to attract the Wall Street types.  And if that's sarcasm you sense, that's because I sense it too.  I digress.  For me, things of that nature are for another day.  I will consider the ramifications to my disposable income when I come to that proverbial (Brooklyn) bridge some time in the near future.  But not now; not today.


All things are well in this respect; I think we (area fans and interested Brooklynites alike) are on the ground floor of history.  And with every development; any development really; that brings closer the day Brooklyn makes it's return to major league sports, I'm contented.  I've said many times in this blog, if you're a big fan, don't wait around for someone else to write this story for you.  It's here; you're here; it's happening; get close to it and write your own story.  Then..., pass it down.  That's how you start a tradition....(again).



I've also said, the Brooklyn brand; and now that's it's official; the Brooklyn Nets brand and jersey, will soon be one of the hottest selling items with respect to NBA properties.  Period!  And with the right player; Theee Hottest.  I stand by that.  And you may not get the sense now.  But I assure you, players will want to play here.  They will come and speak of the Borough and the jersey in that order.  You will see.  And I stand by that also.


Speaking of being on the ground floor, I had good fortune (and reason) to be inside the footprint of Barclays Center construction site last week.  While there, I managed to snap a few shots of the on-going construction of the Brooklyn Nets' new home.

As far as the Lock-Out, the two parties are supposed to meet again Tuesday.  The NBA Office has already cancelled a portion of the exhibition schedule.  And the consensus says, there's no deal in sight.



...Just another day in the neighborhood.





Mike.BTB

Barclays Center ~ Of Lock-Outs and Long Islanders

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH




BROOKLYN ~ Will Barclays Center Be Home For Two Professional Franchises?

Not if the NBA doesn't get back to work!  So, don't blow this move for me!

...And the New York Islanders need to figure out their situation first.


There's a Lock-Out?  Then it's being met with a whole lot of apathy and a tinge of complacency because I'm not hearing about it much.....; from anybody.  So while the NBA and it's member clubs fade from existence due to their labor short circuit, talk about a possible relocation of the New York Islanders and bringing NHL Hockey to Brooklyn continues to pick-up steam. 



Early, during the inaugural construction phases of Barclays Center; the subject of the Islanders finding a new home in Brooklyn's arena was always left open however as a remote, and unlikely possibility.  Barclays Center officials and Nets CEO Brett Yormark put more effort into explaining why it wasn't the best venue for Hockey because of the limited seating capacity after reconfiguring the floor space.  And no; ideally and theoretically; 14,500 seats is not the best NYC can do for a professional Hockey franchise.  But right now, after Nassau County voted against their own new arena proposal, Brooklyn is unofficially the best option the Islanders have at the moment.



And the tune in Brooklyn seems to be changing.  We hear Bruce Ratner let it be known he's agreeable to the idea.  Now all of a sudden, 14,500 seats seems to be OK as far as Nets' CEO Brett Yormark and apparently NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman are concerned too.  But all this remains in the realm of scuttlebutt.  Anything on the matter is purely speculative on the part of everyone.  The Islanders still have a lease in Nassau County for a few more fading years.  So Brooklyn isn't a terribly pressing matter in the Islanders' plight right now.


But this construction site IS due to deliver it's (mostly) completed product by the summer of 2012; right around the time this already distressed up-coming NBA season, which is in jeopardy of ever kicking-off, should be ending.  The last I understood, Barclays Center was set to kick-off events in June or July 2012, before the grand opening of the Brooklyn Nets inaugural season in the Borough later that year.  So entertainment wise, let's just set the Barclays' Clock at T - Minus Ten Months. 


Then, as far as Brooklyn; making history; the NBA; and it's Players; they have one year to figure out a deal.  Get a deal done before the Nets are due to open in Brooklyn.  That's the only thing that concerns me at this point.


I'm going to be honest - The fact that this Lock-Out and the date when the first season in Brooklyn is due to kick-off are happening so close to each other is frightening to me.  It's bad friggin' karma.


....As if getting this arena wasn't hard enough to get started in the first place.  Now this.

BARCLAYS CENTER:
Construction; September 2011

T - Minus Ten Months.

NBA ~ You Got One Year!

Mike.BTB

N.J./BKN NETS ~ Signs and Seats

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NJ/BROOKLYN NETS:  New Billboard Pops Up At Gold Street And Tillary Street.

BARCLAYS CENTER UPPER DECK SEATING STARTING TO FILL IN.

 

If you're travelling east bound on Tillary Street,

you'll find The Nets' latest marking of their territory.

 

 

Construction of Barclays Center:

A quarter mile down the way on Flatbush Avenue, construction crews and cranes have been lifting and placing formed concrete bases for seating in the upper deck sections.

 

 

 

RELATED ARTICLES:

New Jersey Nets intend to provide fans in Brooklyn with cheaper alternative to New York Knicks. ~ NYDN; by Stefan Bondy

Deron Williams to Follow LeBron James to CAA? ~ CBSsports; by Ben Golliver

NJ,BKN NETS CEO Brett Yormark Talks Brooklyn. ~ Mike.BTB

 

Mike.BTB

N.J./BKN NETS ~ Nets' CEO Brett Yormark Talks Brooklyn

From the desk of: 

THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS:  Nets' CEO Brett Yormark Spoke With Bill Daughtry This Evening On 1050espn Radio.


On the future name of the Team:
As of right now, the organization favors the BROOKLYN NETS.  Brett Yormark said, "We like Brooklyn".  He believes it will be an incredible brand and that is transcends this market.  He described the likely name, Brooklyn Nets "...strong and bold."  And likes the ring of it.

There was a consideration for NEW YORK NETS because of their Long Island roots in the ABA.  They are dedicated into tapping into their heritage.  He said an announcement regarding team colors, uniforms, and a name, will come by Fall at the latest.



On the Barclays Center Arena:
He praised Bruce Ratner's progress with the arena.  Ratner remains as majority owner of the Barclays Center.  Construction is ahead of schedule.  Brett Yormark expressed hope there would be initial events in June 2012 leading up the Nets Opening.  He said there is an event planned for Labor Day and has over 150 events planned for the initial year of operations.

He said a big celebration is on tap before the NBA season kicks off.  He believes, and is pitching Brooklyn as a supreme venue for older Brooklyn stars (such as Barbara Streisand..etc.) along with being the place for newer Brooklyn stars.

Brett said Boxing and concerts would be scheduled before an opening night in October or November of 2012.



On The Team:
He believes Billy King and Avery Johnson are a strong combo.  And he called Deron Williams the magnet and quarterback of the Nets future.  Deron has indeed been open to Brooklyn and has made his contributions in the team's promotions.  His likeness is being used in billboards all over town (see phone booth above).  However his future is still unknown.  Overall, Brett Yormark called Brooklyn the transformation of the team.

He pointed to improvements made on the court this past season, their ability to make a trade, and harbors high hopes for the up-coming draft.  He also offered the obligatory, "the best years are ahead."

The question was posed about playing out a season in somewhat of a lame-duck status next season as it being the last one in Newark before the move.  Yormark responded by saying the goal was to be competitive and relevant.  Brooklyn makes that possible on a much bigger level.  There are 2.5 million people in Brooklyn and there are many of them anticipating the move.  Aided by the Long Island Railroad and 9 NYC subway connections serving the area, the Nets can be a tri-state team he said.  There is still a commitment to the N.J. fans.  And Yormark told of his surprise as to the response by N.J. season ticket holder's and their eagerness to renew subscriptions in spite of the team moving.



On the Knicks:
Healthy competition is good.  Once the Nets are in Brooklyn, he's envisioning a rivalry with the Knicks and Nets providing New York City with the biggest moments in winter sports.

"WELCOME TO BROOKLYN"

Pay Phone: Garfield Place and 5th Avenue

BARCLAYS CENTER

Construction:

a/o June 2011

 

 

Mike.BTB