The Top 10 Brooklyn Nets of All-Time

By Edcel Panganiban August 12, 2024 10:20

Photo by AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

The Brooklyn Nets, initially set up as the New Jersey Americans in 1967, brag an extensive rundown of players who came into their own with stellar exhibitions that left enduring impressions on the establishment. The Nets have come a long way since being an ABA team before the merger, eventually sending them to their current state in the NBA. With that comes quite a few stars putting on this uniform. In this list, we look at the ten best players to have played for the Brooklyn Nets and detail their stats and how they helped shape or statistically lead in some fringes of franchise history.

1. Julius Erving (Dr. J)

Position: Small Forward
Years Played: 1973-1976

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 28.2
Rebounds per Game: 10.7
Assists per Game: 5.0
Championships: 2 Division Titles None Playoffs Appearances
Awards: 2× ABA MVP, 2× ABA Scoring Champion

Impact and Legacy

Julius Erving is considered one of the best players in basketball history and was almost a champion with Philadelphia. His high-flying, acrobatic dunks revolutionized the sport and captivated audiences. His acquisition inspired the Nets to two ABA titles, justifying his inclusion on this greatest of all-time list.

2. Jason Kidd

Position: Point Guard
Years Played: 2001-2008

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 14.7
Rebounds per Game: 6.3
Assists per Game: 9.1
Championships: 2 ABA Championships (2002, 2003)
NBA All-Star (1977, 1982—1990) 5× NBA First Team
Awards: 10x mise à jour jusquau Allstar Game1

Impact and Legacy

During his time with the Nets, Jason Kidd turned them into a powerhouse every year. He had a high level of passing skill and vision on the field, making him one of the best NBA point guards in history. Kidd took the Nets to consecutive NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 before falling short of winning a title. His durability and leadership, both on the court and off it, endeared him to Nets fans, while his defensive ability solidified him within the franchise lore.

3. Kevin Durant

Position: Small Forward
Years Played: 2019-Present

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 29.0
Rebounds per Game: 7.1
Assists per Game: 5.8
Accolades: 2× NBA Champion, 2× Finals MVP,4-Time Scoring Title

Impact and Legacy

When Kevin Durant decided to go from the Golden State Warriors and join the Brooklyn Nets, it signaled a huge moment in franchise history. Even as Durant has injuries, he remains one of the best scorers and all-around players in basketball. He is and has always been near the top of the league in scoring average, a scorer able to deliver 20-plus points on any given night by sheer volume or efficiency.

4. Buck Williams

Position: Power Forward
Years Played: 1981-1989

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 16.4
Rebounds per Game: 11.9
Accolades: NBA All-Star (x2 1988 & 1990), NBA Rookie of the Year (1983)

Impact and Legacy

Buck was the cornerstone of the Nets teams throughout his nine seasons with New Jersey, including trips to the playoffs. During this time, he provided rebounding and defensive support off the bench. Williams ranks among the team's all-time leaders in games played, rebounds, and other statistics. Due to his work ethic and dedication, he became a fan favorite and an influential leader in the locker room. Williams provided a solid foundation for the success that would come in the Nets' future.

5. Brook Lopez

Position: Center
Years Played: 2008-2017

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 18.6
Rebounds per Game: 7.1
Blocks per Game: 1.7
Awards: 1× NBA All-Star

Impact and Legacy

He is the team's all-time leading scorer and only second player to have played more than 20,000 minutes wearing a Nets jersey. He adjusted his game through the years as he went from being a back-to-the-basket stalwart to an offensively skilled stretch post capable of draining 3s. His legacy is associated with his scoring records, which changed the center position in the NBA.

6. Vince Carter

Height: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Years Played: 1999-2004

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 23.6
Rebounds per Game: 5.5
Assists per Game: 4.5
Achievements: 1× NBA All-Star, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year

Impact and Legacy

Vince Carter brought the thrills and excitement to New Jersey. Anointed with the superhuman gift of being able to jump over most buildings, Carter was instrumental as he helped lead New Jersey to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance during 2002. He could score in bunches and did it with flair, becoming an overnight darling of the fans. His tenure with the Nets might have been shorter, but his imprint on the franchise and league is unmistakable.

7. Kyrie Irving

Position: Point Guard
Years Played: 2019-Present

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 27.0
Rebounds per Game: 5.3
Assists per Game: 6.0
Accolades: NBA Champion and 6×NBA All-star

Impact and Legacy

With Kyrie Irving in a Nets jersey and not the chaos of Boston, Brooklyn has lived up to its big billing on the court. Irving is known for his ball-handling wizardry and scoring prowess, a significant part of Brooklyn's offensive game plan. That, along with his partnership alongside Kevin Durant, has produced one of the league's most versatile duos.

8. Derrick Coleman

Position: Power Forward
Years Played: 1990-1995

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 19.0
Rebounds per Game: 10.3
Prizes: 1 x NBA Rookie of the Year

Impact and Legacy

Derrick Coleman was a beast in the early 90s as an elite scorer and rebounder. This flexibility enabled him to work inside and dominate as a matchup nightmare on the edge. During his time with the Nets, Coleman was key in guiding the team to postseasons. He not only scored but also made important contributions on defense.

9. Kerry Kittles

Position: Shooting Guard
Years Played: 1996-2005

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 14.9
Rebounds per Game: 4.5
Assists per Game: 3.0

Impact and Legacy

Kerry Kittles was a cornerstone for the early 2000s New Jersey Nets. He was an extra scorer and a very good defender. Kittles was a key player in the Nets' back-to-back NBA Finals trips, scoring and defending at high levels.

10. Richard Jefferson

Position: Small Forward
Years Played: 2001-2008

Statistics And Highlights

Points per Game: 16.4
Rebounds per Game: 4.4
Assists per Game: 3.2

Impact and Legacy

Richard Jefferson was a key player for the Nets in their early 200s heyday and made his name as an athletic scorer. He helped them reach the 2002 and 2003 NBA Finals. The ability for Jefferson to play at multiple spots on the floor made him a valuable asset at both ends of the court. He had an enormous multiplier at a crucial juncture in franchise history and was very good defensively.

The Brooklyn Nets are a rich organization that has hosted some amazing players and been the face of legends. These plays have all defined legacies with the Nets, whether it has been the acrobatics of Julius Erving, leadership from Jason Kidd, or scoring exploits from Kevin Durant. Each of these player has brought unique contributions to the franchise that have enshrined them as legends in their ways. The impact of these players on the Nets will always be ingrained in basketball history as epitomizing human sacrifice for the sake of the greater good.

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