History of the New Jersey Americans

The New Jersey Americans were one of the original franchises of the American Basketball Association (ABA), playing only one season in 1967–68 before relocating to Long Island and becoming the New York Nets. Although their stay in New Jersey lasted just a single year, the Americans laid the foundation for a franchise that would later become the New Jersey Nets and ultimately today's Brooklyn Nets.

The team's brief existence was marked by financial challenges, an exciting style of play, and one of the most unusual incidents in professional basketball history.

Formation of the ABA

The American Basketball Association was founded in 1967 to compete directly with the National Basketball Association (NBA). The league sought to distinguish itself with an entertaining style of basketball, colorful red, white, and blue basketballs, the eventual adoption of the three-point shot, and aggressive competition for players.

Businessman Arthur J. Brown was awarded the New Jersey franchise and named the team the New Jersey Americans.

Unlike many professional teams, however, the Americans did not have a permanent home arena.

A Nomadic Home

Although representing the state of New Jersey, the Americans played home games at several locations.

Most home contests were held at the Teaneck Armory in Teaneck, New Jersey.

The arena was small and lacked many of the amenities expected of a professional basketball team. On occasion, the Americans also played games at nearby facilities throughout northern New Jersey as scheduling conflicts arose.

The unstable arena situation would ultimately contribute to the franchise's departure.

The Inaugural Season

Despite limited financial resources, the Americans fielded a competitive team during the ABA's inaugural 1967–68 season.

Head coach Max Zaslofsky, a former NBA All-Star, assembled a roster featuring experienced veterans and promising young talent.

The team finished with a 36–42 record, placing fourth in the Eastern Division.

Although their record was modest, it was good enough to qualify for the ABA playoffs.

Star Players

Levern Tart

One of the ABA's most explosive scorers, Levern Tart averaged more than 20 points per game and quickly became one of the league's brightest young stars.

Walt Simon

Forward Walt Simon provided consistent scoring and rebounding while earning recognition as one of the league's better frontcourt players.

Bill Melchionni

Guard Bill Melchionni served as the team's floor leader.

Melchionni would later become one of the ABA's greatest guards during the New York Nets era, helping lead the franchise to multiple championships.

Tony Jackson

A gifted scorer whose professional career had previously been interrupted by legal troubles, Tony Jackson enjoyed a successful comeback with the Americans.

The Playoff Forfeit

The defining moment in franchise history occurred at the end of the regular season.

The Americans finished tied with the Kentucky Colonels for the final playoff position, requiring a one-game playoff to determine which team would advance.

The game was originally scheduled for the Teaneck Armory.

Unfortunately, the arena had already been booked for a circus.

League officials quickly moved the game to Commack Arena on Long Island.

When both teams arrived, they discovered the playing surface was in terrible condition.

The basketball floor was uneven, portions of the court had loose boards, and the arena was considered unsafe for professional play.

The Colonels refused to take the floor.

ABA Commissioner George Mikan ruled that the Americans had failed to provide an acceptable playing facility.

The game was declared a forfeit, giving Kentucky the playoff victory without a ball ever being tipped.

It remains one of the most unusual playoff outcomes in professional basketball history.

Relocation to Long Island

Following the season, owner Arthur J. Brown concluded that the franchise required a larger market and a permanent arena.

The team relocated to Commack, Long Island, for the 1968–69 season.

The club was renamed the New York Nets, a name chosen to rhyme with New York's baseball and football teams—the Mets and Jets.

The move proved successful.

Within a few seasons, the franchise became one of the ABA's premier organizations.

Success as the Nets

After relocating, the franchise acquired future Hall of Famer Julius Erving in 1973.

Led by Erving, Bill Melchionni, Brian Taylor, and others, the Nets captured ABA championships in:

• 1974
• 1976

When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, the Nets became one of four surviving ABA franchises.

Return to New Jersey

Ironically, the franchise returned to New Jersey in 1977, becoming the New Jersey Nets.

The team later played at:

• Rutgers Athletic Center
• Brendan Byrne Arena
• Continental Airlines Arena
• Prudential Center

In 2012, the franchise relocated to Brooklyn, becoming the Brooklyn Nets.

Legacy

Although the New Jersey Americans existed for only one season, they represent the beginning of one of professional basketball's most enduring franchises.

Their lone year featured competitive basketball, future ABA stars, and one of the strangest playoff rulings in basketball history.

The Americans also served as the foundation for the New York Nets, New Jersey Nets, and eventually the Brooklyn Nets, making them an important chapter in both ABA and NBA history.

New Jersey Americans Timeline

Notable Players

• Levern Tart
• Walt Simon
• Bill Melchionni
• Tony Jackson
• Bob Verga
• Jim Caldwell
• Larry Brown

Notable Coach

• Max Zaslofsky

Historical Significance

The New Jersey Americans may have existed for only one season, but they occupy a unique place in basketball history. As one of the ABA's founding franchises, they helped launch a league that transformed professional basketball through innovations such as the three-point shot, an up-tempo style of play, and aggressive competition for talent.

Their infamous 1968 playoff forfeit remains one of the most unusual episodes in professional sports, while their relocation to Long Island marked the beginning of a franchise that would later win two ABA championships, join the NBA, return to New Jersey, and eventually become the Brooklyn Nets. Despite their brief existence, the Americans played a foundational role in the history of one of today's NBA franchises.