The basketball championship that New York deserved, but never got, is a fascinating 'what if' scenario. It's a story that sparks curiosity and ignites the imagination of sports fans everywhere. The Knicks mania in the city is palpable, with the sacred number 53 representing the last time New York celebrated an NBA championship. But what many people don't realize is that there have been two pro basketball championships in the intervening years, both won by the Nets in the ABA. This raises a deeper question: what if the NBA had merged with the ABA earlier? What if the Nets had been given the opportunity to compete for the NBA title instead of the ABA championship? The story of the 1976 Nets, celebrated in a wonderful article by Paul Forrester, is a testament to the potential of a merged league. Julius Erving and the Nets roared back to beat David Thompson and the Nuggets, 112-106, in the clincher at the Nassau Coliseum. I was there as an 8-year-old, screaming myself hoarse, and my question to my father was a poignant one: when do we get to play the NBA champs? The answer, my father knew, was a bittersweet one, similar to the feeling he'd offer 13 months later when he told me about Tom Seaver's trade. This 'what if' scenario is a fascinating one, and it highlights the potential for a more diverse and competitive NBA. The Nets, with their ABA championship under their belts, could have brought a different dynamic to the league. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for a more inclusive and exciting basketball landscape. In my opinion, the NBA's decision to merge with the ABA earlier could have led to a more vibrant and competitive league, with the Nets as a key player. From my perspective, this scenario raises a deeper question about the nature of sports leagues and the potential for growth and change. It's a reminder that sometimes, the 'what ifs' are just as important as the 'whens' and 'hows' of sports history.
