Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets is an American professional basketball team in the NBA. The team was founded in 1967 under the American Basketball Association (ABA), where they won two championships — 1974 and 1976. The team was called the New Jersey Nets from 1977 - 2012.

The group’s move from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012 marked an important chapter in its legacy. That move to the iconic Barclays Center led to the rebranding as the Brooklyn Nets, combining the rich basketball heritage of New Jersey with the dynamic spirit of Brooklyn.

Today, the Brooklyn Nets stand as a testament not only to enduring athletic ability and talent but also as a symbol of the consistent quality of basketball and the deep-rooted ties between the communities they represent.

Brooklyn Nets Famous Players

Julius Erving (Dr. J)

Often called "Dr. J," Julius Erving's skills on the court made him one of the game's most popular figures. During his ABA days with the Nets, Erving led the team to two championships and wowed fans with his aerobatics and clutch plays. His style of play laid the foundation for future basketball stars, and in 2021, Erving was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, honoring him as the league’s greatest player.

Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd's tenure with the Nets marked one of the franchise's most successful eras. An exceptional point guard, Kidd's vision and basketball IQ were unparalleled. Under his leadership in the early 2000s, the Nets reached back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. His legacy with the team is not only defined by his on-court achievements but also by the culture of tenacity and teamwork he instilled.

Drazen Petrovic

Drazen Petrovic was drafted by the Nets in 1991. This was the time when the Nets struggled to reach the playoffs. However, after Petrovic joined the Nets, he along with Derrick Coleman led the team to the 1992 playoffs. His sharp shooting and passion for the game were loved by the fans. He was on a path to becoming one of the game's greatest players before his untimely death in 1993.

Vince Carter

Carter played only four seasons with the franchise, but all of them were memorable for both. He joined the Nets with Jason Kidd as the team’s leading player. The duo led the team to the 2005 playoffs but lost to eventual champions the Miami Heat. The same season, Carter set the record for most free throws in a quarter. In 2007, Vince Carter was named NBA All-Star for the eighth time.

Buck Williams

Arguably one of the greatest power forwards in Nets history, the Buck Williams name is synonymous with consistency and resilience. Drafted by the Nets in 1981, Williams quickly established himself as a dominant force in the ring. He is still the franchise’s all-time leader in rebounds and minutes played.

Brooklyn Nets History

The Brooklyn Nets were founded in 1967 as a team in the American Basketball Association. The team was first named the New Jersey Americans, and then the New York Nets.

It was part of the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. The merger moved the team to New Jersey, where it was renamed to New Jersey Nets.

In the early 2000s, Jason Kidd helped the Nets become a force in the NBA, reaching the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. In 2012, the franchise moved to Brooklyn, and the name was changed to Brooklyn Nets.

Brooklyn Nets Team Roster

Head Coach

In 2022, the Brooklyn Nets appointed Jacque Vaughn as their new head coach. Before becoming a head coach, Vaughn was the assistant coach of the team since 2016.

Vaughn is no stranger to the nuances of the NBA, having played 776 regular season games across five different teams during his 12-year career. However, it’s his coaching journey that speaks volumes about his preparedness for this role. After serving as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, he was signed by the Orlando Magic in 2012.

When former coach Kenny Atkinson departed, Vaughn seized the opportunity as interim coach during a crucial period—the COVID-19 pandemic's onset. Displaying remarkable resilience and tactical acumen, he led the Nets to a 7-3 record during the season restart in the bubble, even guiding the team to the first round of the playoffs.

With Vaughn's balanced approach and seasoned perspective, the Brooklyn Nets aim to turn the page on a tumultuous chapter and focus on building a championship-contending team. The question now is not about Vaughn's capability, but how quickly can he knit together a side that has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to realize its full potential.

Owner

Joseph Tsai, a Taiwanese-Canadian magnate and co-founder of the technological powerhouse Alibaba Group, became the Brooklyn Nets' proprietor in 2019 after a massive $2.35 billion acquisition. More than just an astute businessman, Tsai is a fervent sports enthusiast with a clear vision for the Nets. Since taking the reins, his unwavering commitment to fostering a top-tier franchise is evident. By heavily investing in the team's resources and infrastructure, Tsai has not only transformed the Nets into an NBA sensation but also endeavored to resonate with the loyal fans and the vibrant Brooklyn community.

Net Worth

When the team was on its top in 2017, Joe Tsai acquired the Brooklyn Nets for $2.3 billion. However, in the next few years, the value of the team dropped by $1 billion.

2023 was a turning point for the franchise after Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving left the team. This caused a ripple effect on the valuation of the team. Yet, the team somehow managed to sustain its value at $3.86 billion as of August 2023.

While the departure of key players is undeniably a blow to the team's brand, the Nets' robust valuation underscores the franchise's underlying strength and potential for future growth.

NBA Championships

Though the Brooklyn Nets have clinched two ABA championships in the 1970s, the elusive NBA championship title has remained just out of their grasp since joining the NBA in 1976. Their journey in the league has been marked by tantalizingly close calls. The early 2000s saw them reach the pinnacle of the NBA Finals twice, in 2002 and 2003, only to be thwarted by the formidable Los Angeles Lakers on both occasions. Furthermore, their attempts in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2014 and 2021 were met with heartbreaks against the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks respectively.

However, with a roster brimming with talent and promise, the Nets are continuously touted as top NBA contenders. As the team and their ardent supporters look forward, there's a palpable sense of optimism that the much-desired NBA championship might soon find its way to Brooklyn.