Matching 30 Marvel Cinematic Universe characters with each NBA team
By Mark Lynch
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are like the Cleveland Cavaliers because they haven’t had a lot of success. Unlike the Cavs, there was a stint when they made noise.
With Jason Kidd leading the way, The New Jersey Nets made short work of the teams in the eastern conference. They ended up losing in the NBA finals both years they made it. One was a sweep to the L.A. Lakers (that’s nothing to be embarrassed about). The following year they lost to the San Antonio Spurs. This time they won two games (an accomplishment despite the loss). Since then it’s been first and second round defeats.
Since moving to Brooklyn, the Nets have only missed the playoffs three out of seven years. Last season they shocked the league. D’Angelo Russell became an NBA All-Star and led the team to a playoff berth. Things may continue to go well for them. They have superstar Kyrie Irving and talented players around him like Spencer Dinwiddie. Next year, Kevin Durant should be back to his normal unstoppable self. Once that happens, the Nets could be the scariest team in the east.
This next character is someone with tons of potential who will benefit from a big change in their life.
Valkyrie
The Valkyries were once one of Asgard’s toughest warriors. They ended up being slaughtered by Hela before Odin banished her. The last remaining Valkyrie took the loss of her sisters to heart. She left and became a drunk on Sakaar, collecting money from the Grandmaster by finding him fighters for his arena. And she was damn good at it. It wasn’t until she made her journey back with Thor, that she got back to who she was. Later, in Avengers: Endgame, she was given the rule of New Asgard. A position she will excel at.
New Jersey fans must have been disappointed when their team left. Thankfully, they didn’t move too far away. Since moving to Brooklyn, the Nets have signed some big stars. Kevin Durant is one of the best scorers of all time. Valkyrie leaving Sakaar and going to Asgard helped her. She became a leader, a hero (again), and helped save the world from Thanos and his ilk. Both the Nets and Valkyrie benefited from there change in scenery. They also have bright futures ahead of them.