City Slicker: ‘DLo’ Explores NYC

D’Angelo Russell has been out and about in New York City since his June trade to Brooklyn. After spending a couple weeks back in Los Angeles in July, Russell has spent most of his summer working out ... and familiarizing himself with the New York scene.

As Sean Marks said back in June, DLoading was so excited about joining his new team that he was ready to jump on the first plane out of L.A.

“When we did the trade, he said, ‘Look, I want to catch a red eye there.’ Marks said, recounting his conversation with Russell. Marks told him to wait a couple of days.

But since then, ‘DLo’ has been all over New York, starting with the Big3 debut at Barclays three days after the trade became official. There was that dramatic game-winner at Dyckman where he was swarmed by New Yorkers. And he’s been at MSG for the WNBA’s Liberty, and most recently, the cathedral of sports, Yankee Stadium for NYCFC’s match against New England.

Russell’s transparency on social media has been exciting for Nets fans, as he regularly publicizes where he’s at, and where he’s been.

This past Sunday at Yankee Stadium, Russell posted a series of Instagram Stories, documenting his ‘crazy’ night in the Bronx. After NYCFC’s first goal, DLo excitedly sent out a video where he could be heard belting, “GOOOOAAALLL.”

Dloading on Instagram

DLoading on Instagram

He was obviously having fun ... a lot of it.

DLo then documented the raucous environment at Yankee Stadium following NYCFC’s stoppage time, game-winning goal in the 94th minute, where an animated Russell exclaimed on Instagram, “This is crazy.”

DLoading Instagram

NYCFC even tweeted out a video promoting Russell’s attendance at the match.

All of this adds to the belief that DLo is genuinely happy to be in Brooklyn, which is refreshing and quite the opposite of the last ‘franchise guard’ Nets fans had to endure. (See Williams, Deron)

At the pace he’s been keeping, don’t be surprised to see D’Angelo Russell in Las Vegas this weekend for the Mayweather-McGregor bout, or even possibly buddying up with Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. at MetLife Stadium prior to the ‘Snoopy Bowl’ between Big Blue and Gang Green. They’ve met before.

Russell has legitimate star power, and like Beckham Jr., is interested in putting himself out there, expand his brand. He wants the spotlight, and has the look and the swagger necessary for a potential NBA —and New York— megastar. Now all he has to do is produce!

For the first time in what seems like forever, the Nets have a young, marketable piece in touch with millennials. Just take a look at NBA 2K18’s newest trailer...

Russell was featured alongside NBA stars LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, John Wall, and Jimmy Butler. It would seem they’re banking on his star power, too.

Who isn’t?

How big can Russell’s star grow? He certainly has all the intangibles and celebrity to be the next NY sports icon, but ultimately it will come down to how he develops on the court. Stay tuned.