What in the good name of Sharpe James is going on here?
Seems a truce is in the works between New Jersey’s two major sports arenas — the Izod and Prudential centers — in an effort to keep the Nets from exiting the Garden State.
The two venues would form a ven ture called Jersey Presents, with the Nets and Devils playing in Newark, and concerts, circuses, etc., playing exclusively in East Rutherford.
Sounds good except for one nitpickin’ nuisance — the Nets are Brooklyn-bound.
No matter how grand the dreams and schemes of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, it’s (over)time to believe the franchise will be over the bridges or through the tunnels at some point during the 2011-12 season.
All that remains officially uncertain is when the Nets, who face a Dec. 31 evidently flexible deadline to give notice, aim to leave the Izod.
Unofficially, this is the end, my friend — as soon as Gov.-elect Chris Christie, ahem, weighs in on this issue next month after his inauguration. The Nets’ relocation to Newark next season requires his OK.
Why would Christie not sign off on it? Because Jon Corzine endorsed it behind closed doors before the election, that’s one rationale. Another is that some Bergen County politicians are opposed because of lost revenue that 41 dates, if not that many people, bring to East Rutherford-area businesses.
Just to cover my behind, receiving the go-ahead does not obligate owner Bruce Ratner to follow through. Still, make no mistake about it; that’s his short-term plan, for all the right reasons.
The Prudential Center is a modern arena with ample, nearby parking and excellent security. And, it’s inordinately easier and cheaper to reach by car, bus, train, ferry or hitchhiking.
Mass transit allows NBA fans from the five boroughs to sample the Nets without having to fight rush-hour traffic and get back home without the usual hassle and headache coupled with a trip to the Swamp.
Once more, with feeling — just so we understand each other — the Nets’ intention to shift to Newark for 1½ seasons will have no impact on the team establishing residence at the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush avenues some time in 2012.
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What do we make of the Knicks — four wins in five games, including three straight — and beginning a three-game business trip tonight in New Orleans?
No longer the shanty team that began the season 3-14, the Knicks have shown balance not previously seen in these here parts — four different high scorers in the past five games, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Larry Hughes and Al Harrington twice.
Household Harrington leads the Knicks at 19.8 points per game. More important, he has become much more efficient in that department. During that same five-game stretch, he hit 38 of 74 from the field (51 percent plus), and that includes 11 of 15 stink bombs Monday vs. the Frail Blazers. Compare that to just under 45 percent in his first 17 games.
Scoring in bunches has never been Harrington’s problem. Picking his spots, taking fewer bad shots and spotting an open teammate are things he never had to learn in high school or AAU ball.
Think there’s some convivial coincidence between more ball-sharing and more Incrimi-Nate squatting? Nate Robinson has four consecutive DNP-CWD (did not play-coach’s wise decision).
I don’t want to say he’s out of sight and out of (his) mind, but, then again, that’s precisely what I want to say.
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OK, now we know for sure, these are not Tom Boerwinkle’s Chicago Bulls, losers in nine of 10, including four straight.
While the HorriBulls’ most embarrassing loss was by a mere two points — at home to Screw Jersey — the other carnage came by 14, 32 and 35 points.
Tonight, against the What, Me Worriers, begins a six-game homestand, with the next two against the Celtic and Lakers, who may not lose again season until they meet in The Finals.
Far be it from me to suggest Vinny Del Negro is in trouble, but Rod Blagojevich just sold his United Center seat.
This just in from column contributor Richie Kalikow: Tiger Woods should be in Norway, not Barack Obama. If you go by sheer numbers, he’s really the winner of this year’s Piece Prize.