History of the New Jersey Nets

The New Jersey Nets represented the Garden State in the NBA for 35 seasons, from 1977 to 2012. During that time, the franchise evolved from a struggling team into an Eastern Conference powerhouse, reaching back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. The Nets featured Hall of Fame players such as Julius Erving, Jason Kidd, Dražen Petrović, Bernard King, Dikembe Mutombo, and Vince Carter, while establishing a loyal fan base throughout New Jersey.

Although the franchise relocated to Brooklyn in 2012, the New Jersey era remains one of the most memorable chapters in the organization's history.

From New York to New Jersey

The franchise traces its origins to the New Jersey Americans, an original ABA team founded in 1967.

After one season, the club moved to Long Island and became the New York Nets, winning two ABA championships behind Julius Erving in 1974 and 1976.

Following the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, the Nets joined the NBA.

Financial difficulties—including the high cost of entering the NBA and compensation payments to the New York Knicks—forced owner Roy Boe to sell Julius Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers.

One year later, following the 1976–77 season, the franchise relocated across the Hudson River and became the New Jersey Nets.

Early Years in New Jersey

The Nets began play in New Jersey during the 1977–78 season at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway.

Without Julius Erving, the team struggled to remain competitive.

Attendance was inconsistent, and the Nets spent much of the late 1970s rebuilding.

In 1981, the franchise moved into the Brendan Byrne Arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, providing the organization with a modern NBA home.

The Buck Williams Era

The Nets found a franchise cornerstone when they selected Buck Williams with the third overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft.

Williams immediately became one of the NBA's premier rebounders and interior defenders.

He won the 1982 NBA Rookie of the Year Award and helped return the Nets to playoff contention.

Other notable players during the 1980s included:

• Micheal Ray Richardson
• Otis Birdsong
• Albert King
• Mike Gminski
• Darryl Dawkins

The Nets reached the playoffs several times during the decade but were unable to advance deep into the postseason.

Dražen Petrović and a New Identity

The franchise took a major step forward after acquiring Croatian superstar Dražen Petrović from the Portland Trail Blazers in 1991.

Petrović quickly developed into one of the NBA's elite shooting guards.

Alongside Derrick Coleman, Kenny Anderson, and Sam Bowie, the Nets appeared poised to become one of the Eastern Conference's top teams.

Tragically, Petrović was killed in an automobile accident in Germany during the summer of 1993 at just 28 years old.

His death devastated the organization and basketball fans around the world.

Petrović was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Rebuilding During the 1990s

Following Petrović's death, the Nets endured several inconsistent seasons.

Bright spots included:

• Derrick Coleman winning the 1991 NBA Rookie of the Year Award
• Kenny Anderson developing into an All-Star point guard
• Jayson Williams becoming one of the league's top rebounders
• Kerry Kittles emerging as a dependable scorer

Despite talented rosters, postseason success remained elusive.

Jason Kidd Changes the Franchise

The defining moment in modern Nets history came in 2001.

The franchise acquired Jason Kidd from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Stephon Marbury.

The trade transformed the organization almost overnight.

Kidd's elite passing, rebounding, leadership, and defense elevated every player around him.

Head coach Byron Scott built a fast-paced team centered on Kidd's transition offense.

Consecutive NBA Finals

The Nets became one of the NBA's biggest surprises during the 2001–02 season.

Led by:

• Jason Kidd
• Kenyon Martin
• Richard Jefferson
• Kerry Kittles
• Keith Van Horn
• Todd MacCulloch

New Jersey finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference.

The Nets defeated the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, and Boston Celtics to reach their first NBA Finals.

Although they were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers, reaching the Finals represented the greatest season in franchise history.

Back to the NBA Finals

The Nets returned to the NBA Finals in 2003.

They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons before losing to the San Antonio Spurs in six games.

Jason Kidd finished second in MVP voting while cementing his reputation as one of the NBA's greatest point guards.

The Vince Carter Era

In 2004, the Nets acquired Vince Carter from the Toronto Raptors.

Together with Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson, Carter helped form one of the NBA's most exciting trios.

Carter enjoyed a career renaissance in New Jersey and became one of the league's elite scorers.

Although the Nets remained regular playoff participants, they never returned to the NBA Finals.

New Ownership

In 2010, Russian businessman Mikhail Prokhorov purchased majority ownership of the franchise.

He announced plans to relocate the team to Brooklyn once construction of the Barclays Center was completed.

Final Seasons in New Jersey

The Nets spent their final two seasons at the Prudential Center in Newark while awaiting the completion of Barclays Center.

Young center Brook Lopez emerged as one of the franchise's top scorers.

The roster also featured Deron Williams, Devin Harris, and Kris Humphries.

Following the 2011–12 season, the franchise officially relocated to Brooklyn, ending 35 years of NBA basketball in New Jersey.

Home Arenas

New Jersey Nets Timeline

Hall of Fame Players

• Jason Kidd
• Julius Erving (ABA franchise legend)
• Dražen Petrović
• Vince Carter
• Dikembe Mutombo
• Bernard King

Franchise Greats

• Buck Williams
• Derrick Coleman
• Richard Jefferson
• Kerry Kittles
• Kenyon Martin
• Brook Lopez
• Jason Kidd
• Vince Carter
• Dražen Petrović
• Jayson Williams

Notable Coaches

• Larry Brown
• Chuck Daly
• Byron Scott
• Lawrence Frank
• John Calipari

Legacy

The New Jersey Nets transformed from a struggling franchise into one of the NBA's premier Eastern Conference teams during the early 2000s. The arrival of Jason Kidd ushered in the most successful era in franchise history, producing consecutive NBA Finals appearances and restoring the organization's national prominence.

The franchise also left a lasting legacy through players such as Buck Williams, Dražen Petrović, Derrick Coleman, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, and Brook Lopez, while serving as the bridge between the championship-winning New York Nets and today's Brooklyn Nets.

For 35 seasons, the New Jersey Nets brought NBA basketball to the Garden State and created countless memorable moments, making them one of the defining franchises in New Jersey sports history.