The NBA is quietly creating the Spurs' next great rivalry

When I was growing up, New York was often referred to as the Mecca of basketball. As someone raised in Texas, I didn't really understand the details, but it seemed like the Big Apple and hoops were synonymous. Lots of players came up there, and Rucker Park was infamous for hosting insane runs with bona fide ballers, from street legends to pros.

However, as time continued to pass without a relevant New York team, that mystique faded. I haven't even heard the word "Mecca" in nearly a decade in reference to basketball in NY. A resurgence was needed, and the Spurs helped give it to them with the NBA's help.

What better way to revitalize the Knicks' aura than nurturing a rivalry with the most obvious up-next face of the league we've had since LeBron James? You can believe in coincidences if you'd like, but I think the NBA was more intentional than that, and frankly, the game is better for it.

The NBA has every reason to want Spurs-Knicks to become a rivalry

It's great for the NBA when small-market teams like Oklahoma City and Denver are doing well and winning championships. It's even better when their large-market teams are great. It can bring in more revenue and attention for the sport. Lately, the biggest of the heavy-hitters haven't been pulling their weight.

The Lakers, Heat, and Knicks haven't consistently delivered the kind of relevance the NBA's biggest markets usually provide. New York's championship changed that. But it didn't make their resurgence a done deal. Even after they secured that chip, NY hasn't really been a huge topic of conversation.

I'm not sure if that's just a product of short attention spans or a lack of interest in a Jalen Brunson-led squad, but it doesn't really matter much, does it?

Adam Silver's job is to make as much money for the league as possible, and putting the Knicks back in the spotlight is a great way to do that. Selling New York vs. Wembanyama is a gold mine, and it's easy. It's bright lights and glamour mixed with international appeal. The benefits are obvious.

The Spurs and Knicks have given the NBA plenty to work with

To be clear, I don't think this is a long-standing plan. When the Spurs were chosen to face off against the Knicks on Christmas Day two seasons ago, that could have been anything.

However, setting up a rematch after the epic game they gave on that day and the crazy meetings they've had since, on top of the short series they just had in June, is intentional.

And I'm here for it. The more rivalries, the better. Bring it on.

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