As the saying goes, “close only counts on 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 the New York Nets, who played in the ABA from 1967 to 1976. How did the Americans become the Nets? Someone had suggested to team 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 he stayed.
After about a decade in the NBA, the Nets joined the NBA after the old basketball league withdrew. While the Nets were in financial trouble right now, they made one of the biggest mistakes in NBA history. They sent Julius Irving, aka “Dr. J.”, to the Philadelphia 76ers, for just $ 3 million! Needless to say, the Nets finished their first NBA season with a terrible 22-60 record.
The Nets would achieve their greatest success in the NBA for two decades after joining the league. During the 2001-2002 season, Nets newcomer Jason Kidd helped usher in a new era for the Nets. The team finished the regular season with a solid 52-32 record. In the playoffs, the Nets outscored the Indiana Pacers (3-2), dropped the Charlotte Hornets (4-1) and then completed a comeback victory over the Boston Celtics (4-2). However, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Nets in the NBA Finals (4-0).
Although some “trades and trades” by the Nets did not produce positive results, they completed the 2002-2003 season with a commendable 49-33 record during the regular season. In the playoffs, the Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks (4-3), pulverized the Boston Celtics (4-0) and then swept the Detroit Pistons (4-0). Although the Nets fought twice in the NBA Finals to tie their series against the San Antonio Spurs, the mighty Spurs won the war (4-2).
Throughout their history, the Nets have retired the numbers of six players:
or Julius “Dr. J.” Erving – # 32 (Forward) 1973-1976
He obtained more than 30,000 points as a professional.
o Wendell Ladner – # 4 (Forward): 1973-1975
Famous for protecting Dr. J.
o Bill Melchionni – # 25 (Guard) 1969-1975
Three All-Star games in the ABA
o Drazen Petrovic – # 3 (Guard): 1990-1993
Named Nets Team MVP
o Buck Williams – # 52 (Forward) 1981-1989
1982 Rookie of the Year as Nets Player
o John Williamson – # 23 (Guard) 1973-1976,19 78-1980
He helped the Nets win the 1974 ABA Championship, and the ABA named him to their 1974 All-Rookie Team.
The Nets have been successful in two leagues, in two different states, and under two different team names. Although they have reached the NBA Finals twice, their next mission is to cut through the NBA’s nets, in victory. Use New Jersey Nets merchandise to cheer on the team for its first NBA championship!
