Brooklyn Nets: 6 Reasons They've Got New York Knicks Management Terrified

In the matter of two days, the Brooklyn Nets have gone from a starless team with no chance in the East to a franchise on the brink of a breakout season. If the chips fall in the right places, they'll also be a championship favorite.

With one swing of the free-agency bat, the Brooklyn Nets netted All-Star shooting guard Joe Johnson. Less than 24 hours later, rumors began to swirl that a proposed deal was in place for the Nets to acquire Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.

And you thought Deron Williams was the one grabbing attention in Brooklyn.

With a power trio potentially on the way, the Brooklyn Nets have become the team to watch in New York. This beckons the question that everyone from James Dolan to the conductor of the 6 train has begun to ask themselves: In a matter of days, could the New York Knicks become the second-best team in their own city?

Yes, Knicks management, it's time to panic.

6. When Aren't They in Ruins?

If you can name a time in the history of the James Dolan era that the New York Knicks haven't been in panic mode, I'll consider shaking your hand. Chances are, we won't be meeting anytime soon.

James Dolan has been the Knicks owner since the 1990s and has never failed to provide us with head-scratching moments. From his hiring of Isiah Thomas to the NBA commissioner publicly criticizing his management skills, there's never been a dull moment with Jimmy D in office.

Don't expect 2013 and beyond to be any different.

5. Brooklyn Has a Formula

Unlike the New York Knicks, whose management has as short a leash on their players as any franchise in professional sports, the Brooklyn Nets seem to believe in what they're doing. They've rallied the borough behind their newborn franchise, all the while promoting a "win-now" philosophy.

A philosophy that has come via financial investment and calculated risk.

The New York Knicks, meanwhile, traded away the very young players who gave the Los Angeles Lakers a run for their money in the 2012 NBA playoffs while with the Denver Nuggets. What did they receive? A mercurial superstar whose support is as inconsistent as any player's in professional sport.

In case you don't understand what I'm getting at, the Knicks lack consistency. The Nets, meanwhile, have stood behind their head coach and player and appear to be building for many years to come.

4. Losing the Fans

Today, they're Giants fans. Tomorrow, they're Jets fans. If Mario Williams pans out, they might even be fans of the Buffalo Bills.

But of course, they'll have been fans of their team "all of their lives."

As is the life of a New York sports fan. As a New Yorker, I offer that insight from a first-person perspective. Due to this fact, one can only imagine that the Nets' potential addition of both Deron Williams and Dwight Howard will stir some early controversy.

Once they start winning, it might stir a different pot.

The lifelong Knicks fans will remain loyal to their team. The young fans who have no great memories to remain loyal to, however, will quickly don their black and white T-shirts reading "Welcome to Brooklyn!"

It's not just Williamsburg that's on the rise.

3. The Knicks Lack Patience

Chemistry can be built, and, in my humble opinion, will be. The Knicks will emerge as the second or third seed in the East this season and find their way into the Eastern Conference finals.

And then we hit the offseason.

As one could only expect with James Dolan, the patience will run out with the Knicks' current roster. Carmelo Anthony will certainly be safe, but star power forward Amar'e Stoudemire will probably go on the trading block. With him may go young shooting guard Iman Shumpert, as the Knicks' history with trades suggest they'll ship out their most valuable pieces.

The Knicks roster offers more depth and an equal chance at a title. Their owner, however, will destroy both of those before they can flourish.

2a. Dwight Howard

You know how sports fans always say, "That team would be nothing without their star!"

Unlike the Chicago Bulls, whose coach, formula and roster are good enough to make the playoffs, the term is applicable to the Orlando Magic.

Without Dwight Howard, that team would be nothing.

Due to this fact, even the average fan can understand how good Dwight Howard truly is. While the team may have made the playoffs in six straight seasons, including one NBA Finals appearance in 2009, the 2011 postseason put the Magic on full display.

They're a team with competitive players and an outstanding head coach. Without Dwight Howard in the lineup, however, every player not named Glen Davis suffers tremendously. Just ask Ryan Anderson, who averaged 16.1 points in the regular season, but posted just 9.6 points in the Dwight Howard-less postseason.

Cut it however you'd like; Dwight Howard is a franchise player.

2b. Brooklyn Nets Will Land Dwight Howard, One Way or Another

What does this mean to the New York Knicks? It means that a global superstar with dominant ability is headed to their cross-bridge rival. It means that the learning curve for the Brooklyn Nets will be one year at most before they match or overtake the Knicks as the best team in New York.

Now pause.

Dwight Howard might not even go to Brooklyn, right, Knicks fans? After all, who says the Magic will trade for him? Who says the Nets will have the cap space to sign him?

In the words of Dwight Howard, "There's only one team on my list and if I don't get traded there, I'll play the season out and explore my free agency after that."

Dwight Howard is going to Brooklyn. It's simply a matter of when.

And the Knicks have no one who can match him.

1. What If Nets Win First?

It's been a long time since 1973.

The New York Knicks have waited since that very year to win an NBA championship, placing the burden of a title on everyone from Bernard King to Carmelo Anthony. From Patrick Ewing to Allan Houston, not a single one of those great players has been able to deliver.

So what would happen if the Nets trio did?

Deron Williams, Dwight Howard and Joe Johnson may not even come together. If they do, however, title aspirations are clearly on the horizon. With three of the best players at their position, who's to say they can't get the job done?

If they do, pandemonium won't be the word to describe the New York Knicks front office. The question will haunt the Knicks as they ask a detrimental question.

How will it take five decades to win a title for the Knicks and one for the Brooklyn Nets?