Nets take a shot at Knicks with Kyrie Irving jersey giveaway day

The man who was supposed to land at MSG chose Barclays instead.

This was supposed to be the Knicks big break. They were supposed to be the team that signed Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Instead, the Nets-yes those Nets-became the preferred destination for both free agent superstars. 

The culture, coaching staff, front office, and facilities in Brooklyn became major selling points and positives for prospective free agents. It didn't sound like the Nets had to put on too heavy of a recruiting pitch as both players hinted that the choice was clear all along. 

The Nets, not the Knicks were the top choice for two of the league's most talented and popular players. So when the Nets welcome the Knicks to Barclays Center on Oct. 25, they'll be handing out Irving replica jerseys to the first 10,000 fans in attendance. 

It's the ultimate slap in the face for Knicks fans whom have endured mediocre basketball for the better part of the past two decades. The Nets are living proof of how a change in ownership can revitalize a franchise and give fans hope and reason for optimism. 

With James Dolan not showing any signs of giving up control of the Knicks, MSG or the Rangers, fans of the Orange and Blue can only hope that ownership stays out of the way and lets Steve Mills, Scott Perry, and David Fizdale try to organically build a winner like the Nets have over the past four years.