BROOKLYN — The NBA franchise with the league’s newest and edgiest arena will soon boast the most state-of-the-art training center in any professional sport, complete with a breathtaking view of New York Harbor.
The Brooklyn Nets on Thursday announced plans to build Hospital for Special Surgery Training Center. A press conference was held at the future site of the HSS Training Center. This new global standard for NBA practice, training, treatment and media facilities fittingly will be built in the Borough of Kings in Industry City in Sunset Park. The Nets new facility will open in time for the 2015-16 season. “This is the perfect location for the HSS Training Center because of its proximity to Barclays Center and because Industry City provides an authentic feel for Brooklyn," said Irina Pavlova, President of Onexim Sports and Entertainment. “Now, our arena, training center and offices will all be together in this great borough. The team’s ownership is committed to making the Brooklyn Nets a championship caliber team, and a best in class team deserves a best in class training center.”HSS Training Center, which will benefit the borough as well as the Nets, will feature two full-size basketball courts, state-of-the-art weight training and treatment rooms, a training pool, two hydro pools, an 18-seat multimedia theater for film study and team meetings, a 3,000-square foot player’s lounge and a media workroom complete with an interview area. HSS Training Center will be situated on the eighth floor and the rooftop at 148 39th Street in a historic waterfront warehouse. The facility will offer youth basketball clinics, community events, job fairs and other services to the neighborhood. “I am thrilled to see the Nets complete their move to Brooklyn by building their state of the art practice and training facility in Sunset Park and creating over 200 jobs in the process,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “And I applaud them for ensuring the local community also has a home in this facility — with job fairs for Sunset Park residents, community events for young people, and investments in the neighborhood's quality of life.” “In Brooklyn, we’re Nothing but Nets!’’ said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “It’s a slam dunk to bring every member of our home team, including its entire staff, into our home borough.” The Nets have used the PNY Center in East Rutherford as their practice facility since 1998. With the franchise’s 2012 move to Barclays Center, the new standard in NBA arenas, a nearby training facility is a logical next step. The Nets have had a nine-year relationship with Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Riley J. Williams, III, a sports medicine surgeon at HSS, has served as the team’s Medical Director since the 2005-06 season. Dr. Martin O’Malley, an esteemed foot and ankle surgeon at HSS, operated on center Brook Lopez and guard Deron Williams. HSS will now become the official hospital of the Brooklyn Nets. “As the nation’s leading orthopedic hospital, HSS is deeply rooted in the growth and development of New York City,” said Louis A. Shapiro, President and CEO of HSS. “We have grown with the Nets from East Rutherford, to Newark, and finally to Brooklyn. We are thrilled to be a part of this landmark project by putting our name to HSS Training Center, while continuing to provide Nets players with the best in musculoskeletal care.” The Nets are poised to make a run at the Eastern Conference championship in the upcoming season. After a first-round playoff exit two years ago, the Nets advanced to the second round before losing to the Miami Heat, which went on to win the Eastern Conference title. Now they have an elite training center and unmatched musculoskeletal care. The best of all things NBA resides in Brooklyn. “Our partnership with HSS is an ideal fit,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. “We bring together two recognized brands defined by performance, community commitment, and global reach. “HSS Training Center will be serving world-class athletes, while also making a difference in the borough as we utilize the facility to mentor and inspire young Brooklynites.”