Former NBA star and future Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett is slightly surprised that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant chose to play for the Brooklyn Nets over the New York Knicks.

Garnett told Stefan Bondy of theNew York Daily News that the two superstars would have revolutionized the basketball world if they could reestablish the Knicks as an NBA powerhouse:

“If they did the Nets, I thought they should have done the Knicks, if I’m being honest.” Garnett said. “I’m not a Knick fan by far. But if they come to the city and dominate, man. …The first superstar to hit New York and be vibing is going to be bigger than life. Remember I said that. Any piece of hope in this city is going to skyrocket. People are waiting.”

However, Garnett did not deny the notion — which has been propped up by Kevin Durant and others — that the Knicks are not regarded as a desirable destination. He told Bondy that he would not have joined New York without other players joining him:

“You got to come with pieces. I don’t think (the Knicks) put superstars around Melo,” Garnett said. “Obviously, they had to pocketbook to be able to bring players here. But for some reason, they haven’t put it together.”

Garnett attributes New York’s struggles to recruit as a cultural problem, more than anything.

Knicks management has repeatedly been criticized throughout the past few seasons for mismanagement, and fans still want owner James Dolan to sell the team.

One thing is for sure: the Knicks will not be winners this year. The Knicks fell to 4-17 on the season after a 44-point drubbing at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.