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March 23, 2010
While Yormark aimed "not to alienate our core fan base," paper bag incident shows the limits of the future-in-Brooklyn strategy
Atlantic Yards Report
The hapless Nets are still playing in New Jersey, at the antiquated Izod Center, and last night Nets Sports & Entertainment CEO Brett Yormark took exception to a fan wearing a bag over his head sitting behind the Nets' bench, a clash that was noticed by many in the press.
Julian Garcia of the New York Daily News reported:
The fan claimed that Yormark asked him why he was wearing the bag and that when he sarcastically answered, "Because the Nets are so good," Yormark snapped at him.
Forget the present
Yormark surely is thinking more about the future--new players and a marketing platform. At the Barclays Center groundbreaking on March 11, there were no current Nets--they were on the road--and no one said that much about basketball.
After all, the team is on a path toward breaking the record for annual losses, a path that positions it for the best shot in the lottery for the top draft pick and thus turning the team around when it moves to Brooklyn.
"Our goal is to be the most community-active team in professional sports," Yormark said. "I can assure you that the Nets will be part of the fabric of the community like the Dodgers used to be. It will be Brooklyn's team."
NoLandGrab: Yeah, we can see it now. Brook Lopez riding the B67 to games. Devin Harris tending bar at Barbés during the off-season. CDR opening a hardware store in East Flatbush. Yeah, just like the Dodgers used to do it. Sure.
Posted by eric at March 23, 2010 9:44 AM