Nets owner says Knicks' title 'embarrassing' but rebuild continues

Brooklyn Nets majority owner Joe Tsai described the New York Knicks' 2026 NBA Championship as "embarrassing" for his team's fanbase, acknowledging the significant reputational impact as his franchise continues a lengthy rebuild. The comments, made in an interview in August 2026, came after the Knicks ended a 53-year title drought, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the Finals.

Tsai expressed the difficult emotions felt across the borough following his rival's success. "Every year, some team is going to win a championship. 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," he said. The Nets endured a poor 2026-27 season, finishing with a 20-62 record and missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Despite the sting, Tsai emphasized that the Knicks' triumph would not alter the Nets' strategic direction. "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 stated. General Manager Sean Marks echoed...