Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026
SBNation.com homepageSB NationSB Nation logo

Podcast: The Nets’ rebirth in Brooklyn

Jake Appleman, author of Brooklyn Bounce, talks to us about the rebranding of the Nets and their historic first season in Brooklyn.

by Paul Flannery

If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Longtime NBA chronicler Jake Appleman spent a season with the Brooklyn Nets as the former laughingstock franchise moved from the swamps of Jersey to a the ultra-cool borough. His book, Brooklyn Bounce, captured the mood and feel of the team’s rebirth. Here’s what we talked about on this week’s Drive & Kick:

  • How did the project come together? Also, Paul discusses his own failed book idea. The reporting process and Jake’s identity crisis.
  • Why Jake was relieved the Nets didn’t get Dwight Howard.
  • The real, the contrived and the difficulties in creating a franchise out of thin air.
  • Whether the Nets would have done things differently with the roster if they had known how the season turned out.
  • The point guard lineage and how much Jason Kidd means to the franchise.
  • Jake shares the Kevin Garnett love.

Online Basketball Radio at Blog Talk Radio with SB Nation NBA podcast on BlogTalkRadio

Subscribe on iTunes | All “Drive & Kick” episodes

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
NBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, rankedNBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, ranked
NBA

Let’s rank the 60 best players in the 2026 NBA Draft.

By Ricky O'Donnell
Men's College Basketball
Dallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coachDallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coach
Men's College Basketball

Let’s grade the Mavs’ decision to hire Dusty May away from Michigan.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Giannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offerGiannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offer
NBA

A Giannis trade is reportedly coming before the draft, and there’s two teams left.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
We didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebrationWe didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebration
NBA

On the Knicks parade, fatherhood, sports fandom, and the war on attention spans

By Abe Beame
NBA
NBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-roundNBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-round
NBA

Here’s an updated NBA mock draft ahead of Tuesday’s first round.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Zohran Mamdani gave a legendary sports speech at the Knicks rallyZohran Mamdani gave a legendary sports speech at the Knicks rally

The Latest