Training camp is here, and Mike is feeling some hope for the Nets. Mike and Alex discuss Egor Demin’s development, Brooklyn’s young players and why the team could beat its low win projection. Then they turn to Jalen Brunson’s rise, Knicks fans’ championship confidence and whether it’s too early to judge the Mikal Bridges trade.

- Can Egor Demin take a big step in his second season?
- Which Knicks and Nets players offer the best fantasy basketball value?
- Could the Nets surprise people and reach the play-in?
- Did anyone really see Jalen Brunson’s rise coming?
- Is the Mikal Bridges trade settled, or does Brooklyn’s return still need time?

The Knicks are coming off a championship, but keeping their core together could get expensive. Mike and Alex discuss Karl-Anthony Towns’ future, Jalen Brunson’s next contract and the impact of the second apron. Then they turn to Brooklyn: Are the Nets better than their 24-win projection?

- Could Towns take a discount to stay with the Knicks?
- What will it cost to keep Brunson and the rest of the core?
- Is the reported “black cloud” over Towns’ negotiations overblown?
- Can the Nets’ young players help them exceed expectations?
- Could a Knicks-Nets playoff series finally be on the horizon?

In this two-part episode of Bad Weather Fans, Alex pays tribute to former Knicks draft pick Michael Sweetney before discussing the Knicks’ offseason roster competition, Mike Brown’s impact and Taj Gibson’s retirement.

Mike breaks down why the Brooklyn Nets’ success could depend on the internal growth of their young players. He also discusses Julius Randle’s arrival, the pressure on Sean Marks and why the national media may be overlooking the Nets heading into the new season.