The Brooklyn Nets are a professional basketball team in the NBA that was founded in 1967 as the New Jersey Americans. The team moved to Brooklyn in 2012 and changed its name to the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets have had a long and storied history, with many memorable moments. This article will take a look at some of the most interesting facts about the Brooklyn Nets!
Who are the Brooklyn Nets?
The Brooklyn Nets are an NBA professional basketball team based in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. The Nets participate in the National Basketball Association, commonly known as the NBA, and they’re a member of the league’s Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.
The team relocated to Barclays Center, where they play their home games. They’re one of two NBA teams located in New York City; the other is the New York Knicks.
Moreover, the Nets are among the most valuable basketball franchise in the world, worth an estimated USD3.2 billion!
Early Year of the Brooklyn Nets
The franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the NBA’s rival league, the American Basketball Association, also known as ABA. They played four seasons in New Jersey as the New Jersey Americans before relocating to Long Island in 1971 and changing their name to the New York Nets. During this time, the Nets won two ABA championships (in 1974 and 1976).
In 1976, the ABA merged with the NBA, and the Nets were absorbed into the NBA along with three other ABA teams, all of whom remain in operation in some form as of 2019.
The team then returned to New Jersey in 1977, playing as the New Jersey Nets from 1977 to 2012. During this time, they made two consecutive Finals appearances, led by point guard Jason Kidd in 2002 and 2003, but failed to win a championship.
After massive financial losses prompted a sale to Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, the team moved to Brooklyn in 2012 and changed its name to the Brooklyn Nets.
The Move to Brooklyn
In the summer of 2012, the Nets made a blockbuster trade that sent All-Star point guard Deron Williams to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for several players and draft picks. This move put the Nets in a position to make a run at an NBA title.
In their first NBA season in Brooklyn, the Nets did well and made the playoffs. Their first game was a victory over the Toronto Raptors.
In 2013-14, led by newly acquired All-Star forward Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, the Nets started the season poorly but went on to a better game, making it to the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
Learn About the Barclays Center
The Barclays Center is the home stadium of the Brooklyn Nets. It is located in Downtown Brooklyn and opened in 2012.
The arena has a capacity of over 17,000 people and is one of the most popular venues in New York City.
It’s also the home of the New York Islanders of the NHL. The Barclays Center hosts many other events, such as concerts and boxing matches.
If you’re ever in Brooklyn, be sure to check out the Barclays Center! You won’t be disappointed.
The Brooklyn Nets Post-2018
After missing the playoffs in 2015–16 and 2016–17, the Nets returned to the postseason in 2018-19 with a 42–40 record. They were once again eliminated in the first round, this time by the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Nets entered the new season with high hopes after signing All-Star guard Kyrie Irving and veteran forward Kevin Durant. However, injuries to Irving and other key players led to a disappointing finish.
Furthermore, the Nets acquired Steve Nash as their head coach for the 2020-21 season. With a star-studded lineup, the Nets are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs and win their first NBA championship!
Notable Players in Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have had many great players throughout their history. One of the most notable players is Jason Kidd.
Kidd played for the Nets from 2001 to 2008 and helped them to reach the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. He was a nine-time All-Star and is one of the greatest point guards of all time.
Another great player who played for the Nets is Brook Lopez. Lopez played for the Nets from 2008 to 2018 and is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. He was an All-Star in 2013 and helped the Nets to reach the playoffs several times.
These are just two of the several great players who have played for the Brooklyn Nets over the years.
Interestingly, the 2019 NBA season started to become more hopeful for the Nets after acquiring some of the biggest star players in the league, including Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
The 2019 NBA season was a disappointment for the Nets as they only won 19 games due to injuries to key players.
Despite this, the Nets hold the distinction of being the only team in NBA history to have made the playoffs in each of their first three seasons after relocating. This is an impressive feat that not many teams can say they have accomplished.
The Brooklyn Nets have a long and storied history full of great players, moments, and championships. They are a team with a bright future that fans can be excited about.
Final Thoughts
The Brooklyn Nets are a famous professional basketball team with a long and interesting history. From their humble beginnings as the New Jersey Americans to their time as the New York Nets to their current incarnation as the Brooklyn Nets, this team has always been competitive and entertaining. If you’re a fan of basketball or just a fan of interesting stories, then be sure to check out the Brooklyn Nets!
Learn more about Brooklyn’s interesting history. Visit Discovering the Old Stone House in Brooklyn – A 1699 Dutch Farmhouse with Historic Significance