David Stern believes the New York Knicks are "loaded" and he is also hoping they form a budding rivalry with the Brooklyn Nets.

"They are loaded, and that's why the Nets decided to load up," said Stern.

"I would say that they're loaded still, but Amar'e Stoudemire being out six to eight weeks is a real potential game-changer, and they may be loaded in different ways," Stern said. "They have a replacement for Jeremy. ... I think the pundits that know more than I do were picking them preseason to do pretty well in that conference."

With the Nets moving to Brooklyn, the rivalry with the Knicks figures to intensify.

"I think the competition level is going to be wonderful for fans," Stern said. "I think it's great and it's going to propel the league to better situations."