Throughout its storied history, the Brooklyn Nets franchise has been home to numerous basketball luminaries who have dazzled fans across New York, New Jersey, and Brooklyn. These players have not only captivated the tristate area’s sports enthusiasts with their remarkable skill and athleticism but have also played pivotal roles in securing two ABA titles for the team. While the quest for an elusive NBA championship continues, the legacy of these athletes still needs to be improved.
In this section, we pay tribute to the five greatest Nets players of all time, acknowledging their significant contributions and unforgettable performances that have left an indelible mark on the franchise’s history.
Jason Kidd
Few players in the annals of basketball have transformed a team as dramatically as Jason Kidd did when he arrived at the New Jersey Nets. Acquired in a blockbuster trade in 2001, Kidd immediately catapulted the franchise from a struggling team to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003.
While facing off against the era-defining Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, the Nets, under Kidd’s leadership, showcased a level of competitiveness and team spirit that had been previously unseen. His tenure with the Nets was marked by extraordinary achievements: five All-Star selections, three All-NBA team nods, and six All-Defensive team honors underscore his impact on both ends of the court. Kidd’s statistical contributions were equally impressive, averaging 14.6 points, 9.1 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, cementing him not only as the team’s leader but also as one of the premier point guards in the league.
His near-MVP season in 2001-02, finishing second only to Tim Duncan highlighted his vital role in the team’s success. Though Kidd never secured an NBA championship with the Nets, his unmatched records for assists, steals, triple-doubles, and overall value to the team firmly establish his legacy as the greatest player to don the Nets jersey.
Julius Erving
No conversation is complete without Julius “Dr. J” Erving when discussing the pantheon of Brooklyn Nets’ legends. Despite only gracing the hardwood for the New York Nets in the ABA for three brief seasons before the NBA merger, his impact was monumental.
Erving led the team to two ABA championships, showcasing an unrivaled combination of scoring prowess, agility, and aerial acrobatics that forever altered the landscape of professional basketball. Dr. J dominated the league with his astonishing scoring averages of 27.4 points in the 1973-74 season and 29.3 points in the 1975-76 season, capturing two ABA scoring titles. Throughout his tenure with the Nets, Erving averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 5.2 assists, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.
More than just a player, he was a revolutionary force, embodying the future of basketball with his athletic, above-the-rim play style. Although his time with the Nets was brief, Julius Erving’s legacy as a pioneer and one of the game’s greatest players endured, making him an indelible part of the franchise’s storied history.
Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez’s tenure with the Nets, spanning nine seasons across New Jersey and Brooklyn, stands as a monument to adaptation and excellence in the rapidly evolving NBA landscape.
Lopez, the longest-serving player to grace this list, witnessed firsthand the league’s transition from a preference for dominant big men to an era where the game is influenced heavily by stretch forwards and centers. Remarkably, he began to redefine his game towards the end of his time with Brooklyn, demonstrating an incredible capacity for growth and reinvention. Initially celebrated as one of the premier two-way centers in the league, Lopez showcased a commendable average of 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game during his time with the Nets.
His significant contributions are in the Nets’ annals, leading the franchise in field goals, blocks, field goal attempts, and offensive win shares. Standing at 7 feet, Lopez not only reigns as the Nets’ all-time leading scorer with 10,444 points but also underscored his adaptability by expanding his range to the three-point line.
In his final season with Brooklyn, he transitioned from attempting 14 three-pointers in the preceding season to launching an astonishing 346, paving the way for a career extension beyond his tenure with the Nets.
Buck Williams
In the annals of Nets history, the era of Buck Williams stands out as one rich in achievements and exemplifying the spirit of perseverance and excellence. Drafted third overall in 1981, Williams immediately made his presence felt on the court, driving the New Jersey Nets to five consecutive playoff appearances during his eight seasons with the team.
With career averages of 16.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game with the Nets, Williams was not just a powerful force under the basket; he was the backbone of a team striving for greatness in an increasingly competitive league. His impressive collection of franchise records speaks volumes about his contribution and dominance.
Williams remains the uncontested leader in several crucial statistical categories, including games, minutes played, made free throws, offensive, defensive, free throw attempts, and total rebounds, as well as defensive win shares and overall win shares. Narrowly trailing by just four points as the Nets’ all-time leading scorer, Williams’ remarkable consistency and durability cement his legacy as the fourth-best player in Brooklyn Nets history.
Derrick Coleman
Rounding out the top five in the pantheon of Nets legends is Derrick Coleman, the powerhouse forward whose entry into the NBA was met with sky-high expectations. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets, Coleman quickly made a name for himself, clinching the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season.
Throughout five seasons with the Nets, his performance on the court was nothing short of remarkable, as evidenced by his average of 19.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Coleman’s tenure with the Nets was highlighted by significant achievements, including making the All-Star Game in 1994 and being named to two All-NBA teams in 1993 and 1994.
Despite facing challenges, including the tragic death of teammate Drazen Petrovic and his contentious attitude, Coleman’s sheer talent and on-court prowess were undeniable. His ability to dominate the game, both offensively and defensively, secures his place as one of the greatest players in Brooklyn Nets’ history.
Final Thoughts
The Brooklyn Nets, with their storied history and list of legendary players, continue to be a beacon of excellence in professional basketball. Each player, with their unique talents and achievements, has elevated the franchise, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and the fabric of the sport.
As we move forward, the Brooklyn Nets’ legacy continues to be shaped by new players, and the Nets betting odds remain strong as the team strives for greatness.