In interview with Italian newspaper, Andrea Bargnani talked about challenges of playing in New York
Andrea Bargnani is staying in New York, but not with the Knicks.
The former Knicks big man signed a two-year, minimum deal with the Nets on Sunday, and afterward, he dished on some of the details about playing in blue and orange. What were the struggles of playing for one of the NBA's premiere franchises?
NetsDaily translated some of Bargnani's quotes from Italian so we can find out:
Even though he's staying in the same city, the pressure will probably be much less with the Nets. Not only is Bargnani making a minimum contract compared to the massive one he had with the Knicks, making him one of the most overpaid players in the league over the past few years, but he also goes from one of the most intense fan bases in the league to one of the least. Nets fans are far tamer than the ones across the river.
If that doesn't help him, then nothing will.
(H/t NetsDaily.)
Photo Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
According to a Google translation of the article, Bargnani spoke about the challenge of media scrutiny in New York.
"In the Big Apple, journalists are more aggressive," said Bargnani. "At the end of each workout there are 50 of them, always trying to get you into trouble. It's part of my job, not a negative situation or a sacrifice. Otherwise I should change jobs."
His last season in New York, in which he played only 29 games, was filled with "crazy bad luck," he said, adding, "But now it is all behind me." Asked how he;s feeling, the 29-year-old said, "I would say well." Hamstring issues had kept him out of the Knicks last four games.
Bargnani told La Gazzetta that he wanted to win with his next team. "The goal is to play at the highest possible level, the city is an important factor," he said. "For sure, I will go to a strong club. I'm almost 30. I want to win again, play at a high level and have fun."
