History of the New York Nets

The New York Nets were one of the most successful and influential franchises in the history of the American Basketball Association (ABA). Playing from 1968 to 1977, the Nets won two ABA championships, featured one of the greatest players in basketball history in Julius "Dr. J" Erving, and helped popularize the exciting, high-flying style of basketball that made the ABA famous.

Although the team eventually moved back across the Hudson River to become the New Jersey Nets in 1977, the New York era remains the franchise's golden age and the most successful period in its history.

Origins

The franchise traces its roots to the New Jersey Americans, one of the original ABA teams that began play during the league's inaugural 1967–68 season.

Following an unstable first season that ended with a bizarre playoff forfeit because of an unsuitable playing court, owner Arthur J. Brown relocated the team to Long Island.

For the 1968–69 season, the franchise was renamed the New York Nets.

The name "Nets" was intentionally chosen to rhyme with New York's other professional teams—the Mets and Jets.

Initially, the team played home games at the Long Island Arena in Commack before later moving to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.

Early Years

The Nets struggled during their first several seasons in New York.

Despite possessing talented players such as:

• Bill Melchionni
• Levern Tart
• Bob Verga
• Walt Simon

The club found it difficult to compete consistently with powerhouse ABA franchises like the Indiana Pacers, Kentucky Colonels, and Utah Stars.

Nevertheless, the organization gradually built one of the league's strongest foundations.

The Arrival of Julius Erving

The turning point came before the 1973–74 season.

The Nets signed Julius "Dr. J" Erving, who had already established himself as one of professional basketball's brightest young stars with the Virginia Squires.

Known simply as "Dr. J," Erving revolutionized basketball with his graceful athleticism, soaring dunks, and spectacular above-the-rim style.

His arrival immediately transformed the Nets into championship contenders.

The 1974 ABA Championship

Led by Erving, point guard Bill Melchionni, guard Brian Taylor, and center Billy Paultz, the Nets finished with the league's best record.

In the playoffs, New York defeated:

• Virginia Squires
• Kentucky Colonels
• Utah Stars

to capture the 1974 ABA Championship.

Erving was named league MVP and Finals MVP after dominating throughout the postseason.

The championship established the Nets as one of the ABA's premier franchises.

Dr. J Becomes Basketball's Biggest Star

Throughout the mid-1970s, Julius Erving became the face of the ABA.

His combination of spectacular dunks, finger rolls, shot-blocking ability, and effortless athleticism attracted fans nationwide.

Erving won:

• Three ABA Most Valuable Player Awards
• Two ABA championships
• Multiple scoring titles

He became the league's biggest attraction and one of basketball's greatest ambassadors.

Many of the moves that are common in today's NBA were first popularized by Erving during his years with the Nets.

The 1976 Championship

The Nets enjoyed another remarkable season in 1975–76, finishing atop the ABA standings.

The roster featured:

• Julius Erving
• Brian Taylor
• John Williamson
• Billy Paultz
• Larry Kenon

The Nets defeated the Denver Nuggets in the ABA Finals to win their second championship in three years.

Erving again earned Finals MVP honors.

The title proved to be the final championship in ABA history.

The ABA-NBA Merger

Following the 1975–76 season, the ABA and NBA completed their long-awaited merger.

Only four ABA franchises survived:

• New York Nets
• Indiana Pacers
• Denver Nuggets
• San Antonio Spurs

Although the Nets successfully joined the NBA, the transition proved financially difficult.

The franchise paid a substantial expansion fee to enter the NBA.

Even more damaging, the New York Knicks demanded additional compensation for sharing the New York market.

The Loss of Julius Erving

Unable to meet its financial obligations, the Nets were forced to sell Julius Erving's contract to the Philadelphia 76ers before the 1976–77 season.

The departure of Dr. J marked the end of the franchise's championship era.

Although the Nets remained competitive, they were no longer title contenders.

Move Back to New Jersey

Financial difficulties continued throughout the franchise's lone NBA season in New York.

Following the 1976–77 season, owner Roy Boe moved the team across the Hudson River, where it became the New Jersey Nets.

The relocation ended the New York chapter of franchise history after only nine seasons.

Legacy

Although the New York Nets existed for less than a decade, they became one of the ABA's greatest dynasties.

Their accomplishments include:

• Two ABA Championships
• Three ABA MVP Awards by Julius Erving
• Multiple Finals appearances
• Helping popularize above-the-rim basketball
• Playing a major role in the ABA-NBA merger

The franchise eventually evolved into today's Brooklyn Nets, bringing the organization full circle by returning to New York in 2012.

New York Nets Timeline

Hall of Fame Players

• Julius Erving
• Bill Melchionni
• Billy Paultz
• Larry Kenon

Notable Players

• Brian Taylor
• John Williamson
• Levern Tart
• Bob Verga
• Walt Simon

Notable Coaches

• Lou Carnesecca
• Kevin Loughery

Historical Significance

The New York Nets represent the peak of the ABA's creativity, excitement, and innovation. Led by Julius Erving, they became one of professional basketball's most entertaining teams, captivating fans with an athletic style that helped reshape the sport.

Their two ABA championships, combined with Erving's legendary performances, cemented the Nets as one of the greatest franchises in ABA history. Although financial pressures forced the team to move to New Jersey and part with its biggest star, the success of the New York Nets laid the foundation for today's Brooklyn Nets and left a lasting impact on professional basketball.