Prior to the current start to the season, the Nets traded away a number of their star players and loaded up on lottery picks. They looked to the future, building a team built around young potential rather than established talent.
Along the way, they lost more than they gained. But they’re finally back in the playoffs and battling it out for a place in the playoffs – and still, it feels like they’re a ways away.
Are the Nets finally back? And if so, where did they start? Let’s take a look back at the rise and fall of the Brooklyn Nets and their basketball history.
Origins of the Brooklyn Nets Franchise
The Brooklyn Nets were established in 1967 as a charter NBA franchise in the ABA under New York Americans. The basketball team name changed to the New York Nets a year later and then again in 1976 to the New York Nets. After being sold in 1977, the franchise moved to New Jersey and became known as the New Jersey Nets.
It was renamed the Brooklyn Nets in 2012 when the team returned to its original home in Brooklyn, New York. The Brooklyn Nets are historically linked to great basketball figures such as Buck Williams, DrazenPetrovic, Kenny Anderson, and Jason Kidd. The franchise also boasts about its current roster, featuring Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant as team captains.
Notable Achievements of the Brooklyn Nets
Notable achievements of the Brooklyn Nets include winning two Eastern Conference Championships in 2002 and 2003, making two successive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, winning the ABA Championship in 1976, and winning four consecutive Division Championships in 2002-2003, 2004-2005, and 2006-2007.
Aside from these accolades, the Brooklyn Nets have also made the playoffs several times and have been the home to some of the NBA’s most iconic players, such as Jason Kidd and Vince Carter.
Famous Players from Brooklyn Nets History
The Nets have had many successful players in nearly five decades as a team. From Julius Erving to Jason Kidd, these players have significantly impacted the NBA. Some of the most iconic players are Barry Tompkins, Spencer Haywood, DrazenPetrovic, and Jason Kidd.
So, be sure to get to know more about the team members by getting Brooklyn Nets tickets online!
Impact of Brooklyn Nets on the NBA Landscape
The Brooklyn Nets have a long and storied history within the NBA landscape. Their legendary teams of the 1970s and 1980s captured several division titles and even reached the NBA Finals in 1984. Following a few down decades that resulted in failed relocation attempts, the Nets relocated to Brooklyn in 2012.
Since rebuilding their roster, they have become an annual contender in the Eastern Conference. They have made the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons and are led by superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving; they reached the 2020 NBA Finals in their first season playing in the rebuilt Barclays Center.
Learning The Basketball History
From New York Renaissance, the original African American professional team, to the Brooklyn Nets, the Nets were proud to bring basketball history to the borough.