The Nets were founded in 1967 and were known as the New Jersey Americans. The name New Jersey Americans only lasted for one season. a In 1968 it was changed to the New York Nets and in 1977 it was renamed to New Jersey Nets. The Nets have won two ABA titles but are still searching for their first NBA title. Some of the greatest players to carry their talents to the Nets are Vince Carter, Jason Kidd, Julius Erving, Rick Barry, Buck Williams and Derrick Coleman. The greatest New Jersey Nets of All-Time are Buck Williams, Jason Kidd and Julius Erving.
No. 3: Buck Williams (1981 - 1989)
Buck Williams leads the Nets in games, minutes, points, free throws made and attempted and rebounds. He is a three time NBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year in 1982, one time All-NBA and All-Defensive team selection. In the 635 games he played for New Jersey, he averaged 16.4 points per game and 11.9 rebounds per game.
No. 2: Jason Kidd (2001 - 2008)
Most of New Jersey's success in the NBA can be attributed to Jason Kidd, who led the Nets to the NBA Finals in 2002 and in 2003. They unfortunately lost on both occasions. He is the All-Time leader in three pointers made and attempted, assists and steals for the Nets. In his time in New Jersey Kidd was a five time NBA All-Star, six tune NBA All-Defensive team selection and three time All-NBA selection. Kidd not only was a great player himself, but he had that special ability to make everyone else around him better.
No. 1: Julius Erving (1973 - 1976)
Julius Erving was named to the ABA All-Star team in all three season he was with the Nets. He was a three time ABA MVP, two time ABA playoffs MVP, three time All-ABA selection and one time ABA All-Defensive team selection. Erving left his footprints on the game of the basketball and helped revolutionize the game. In his three seasons with the Nets, he carried the team to two ABA titles in 1974 and 1976. "Dr. J" as he is known had his greatest years of his career with the Nets. His leaping ability was incredible. In his 252 games with the Nets he averaged 28.2 points, 5.2 assists and 10.9 rebounds per game.
The New Jersey Nets have been seen as the 2nd best team in the city to the Knicks for a very long time. If the Nets could have carried over their ABA success into the NBA the story of the franchise would have been a different one. As it stands today the greatest player of All-Time for the Nets is the one who carried them to two ABA titles, Julius Erving.
