As the saying goes, “close only counts in nuclear war and horseshoes.” Since the New Jersey Nets became a member 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 there was the New Jersey Nets, there 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 folded. While the Nets were struggling financially at the time, 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 go on to achieve their greatest NBA success 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), demolished the Charlotte Hornets (4-1) and then completed a comeback victory over the Boston Celtics (4-2). However, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Nets in the NBA Finals (4-0).
Although some “games and deals” 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 beat the Milwaukee Bucks (4-3), pulverized the Boston Celtics (4-0) and then swept the Detroit Pistons (4-0). Although the Nets battled 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 jersey numbers of six players:
or Julio “Dr. J.” Erving – #32 (Ahead) 1973-1976
He scored over 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 (front) 1981-1989
1982 Rookie of the Year as a player for the Nets
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 made it to the NBA Finals twice, their next mission is to cut through the NBA nets, in victory. Wear New Jersey Nets merchandise to cheer on the team for their first NBA championship!
