A recent viral video has underscored the distinct levels of celebrity and fan reception in New York City, contrasting the arrivals of New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and Brooklyn Nets player Michael Porter Jr. at a World Cup after-party hosted by Justin Bieber.
The video captured Brunson, accompanied by his wife Ali, walking directly into the venue without needing to check a guest list, met with immediate recognition from security. In contrast, Porter Jr., who plays for the Nets and earns a higher salary per season, was shown waiting at the entrance to verify his name on the list, alongside his former Denver Nuggets teammate Peyton Watson.
This disparity has ignited discussions about the hierarchy of New York basketball franchises. The Knicks, with their storied history and recent NBA championship win after a 53-year drought, are often perceived as holding a more significant cultural cachet in the city compared to the Nets. The Knicks' championship victory led to widespread celebrations, including a ticker-tape parade in Manhattan.
The Knicks play at Madison Square Garden, a venue steeped in NBA lore, and their recent title has generated immense enthusiasm. The Nets, who relocated to Brooklyn in 2012, have had periods of success but have not historically commanded the same level of widespread fan devotion across the city's boroughs as the Knicks. The Nets have been in a rebuilding phase for the past three seasons, with Porter Jr.'s individual performance in the 2025-26 season showing career highs in points and assists, but the team's overall record being 20-62.
While both Porter Jr. and Watson were eventually admitted to the event after checking the guest list, the footage has become a talking point for fans debating the perceived status of players on New York's two NBA teams. Brunson was named the NBA Finals MVP following the Knicks' championship win.