As the saying goes, “close only counts in nuclear war and horseshoes.” Since the New Jersey Nets became members of the NBA in 1976, they have played in two NBA Finals series. While their first NBA title remains elusive, the Nets continue to play for
As the saying goes, “close only counts in nuclear war and horseshoes.” Since the New Jersey Nets became members of the NBA in 1976, they have played in two NBA Finals series. While their first NBA title remains elusive, the Nets continue to play for the coveted NBA Championship trophy.
Before they were the New Jersey Nets, they were the New Jersey Americans and New York Nets, which played in the ABA from 1967 to 1976. How did the Americans become the Nets? Someone had suggested to the team’s owner, Arthur Brown, that the name “Nets,” rhymed with two other New York teams: the “Jets” and the “Mets.” Brown seemed to like the idea, so it stuck.
After roughly a decade in the NBA, the Nets joined the NBA after the former basketball league had folded. While the Nets were suffering financial problems at this time, they made one of the biggest blunders in NBA history. They sent Julius Irving, AKA “Dr. J.,” to Philadelphia’s 76ers-for a mere $3 million! Needless to say, the Nets finished their premiere NBA season with a dreadful record of 22-60.
The Nets would achieve their most success in the NBA over two decades after joining the league. During the 2001-2002 season, Nets newcomer Jason Kidd helped to launch a new era for the Nets. The team finished the regular season with a solid 52-32 record. In the playoffs, the Nets outlasted the Indiana Pacers (3-2), demolished the Charlotte Hornets (4-1), and then completed a come-from-behind victory over the Boston Celtics (4-2). However, the Los Angeles Lakers overpowered the Nets in the NBA Finals (4-0).
Although some “wheeling and dealing” by the Nets did not produce positive results, they completed the 2002-2003 campaign with a commendable 49-33 record during the regular season. In the playoffs, the Nets edged the Milwaukee Bucks (4-3), pulverized the Boston Celtics (4-0), and then swept the Detroit Pistons (4-0). Although the Nets battled back twice in the NBA finals to tie their series versus the San Antonio Spurs, the high-powered Spurs won the war (4-2).
Throughout their history, the Nets have retired six players’ jersey numbers:
•Julius “Dr. J.” Erving – #32 (Forward) 1973-1976
Scored over 30,000 points as a pro.
•Wendell Ladner – #4 (Forward): 1973-1975
Famous for safeguarding Dr. J.
•Bill Melchionni – #25 (Guard) 1969-1975
Three All-Star games in the ABA
•Drazen Petrovic – #3 (Guard): 1990-1993
Named team MVP of the Nets
•Buck Williams – #52 (Forward) 1981-1989
1982 Rookie of the Year as Nets player
•John Williamson – #23 (Guard) 1973-1976,19 78-1980
Helped the Nets to win the 1974 ABA Championship, and the ABA named him to their 1974 All-Rookie Team.
The Nets have had success in two leagues, in two different states, and with two different team names. Though they have reached the NBA Finals twice, their next mission is to cut down the NBA nets, in victory. Use New Jersey Nets merchandise to cheer on the team to their first NBA Championship!