Top 20 Brooklyn Net Players of All Time (2025)
- 14 hours ago
- 8 min read
Here are my picks for the top 20 Brooklyn Nets players of all time. The franchise started in the 1967-68 season as the New Jersey Americans but changed their name and location a season later to the New York Nets. Originally, the Nets were part of the ABA, but when the league merged with the NBA in 1976, the Nets became an NBA team. They stayed in New York for one season before moving to New Jersey for the 1977-78 season. The team then moved again before the 2012-13 season, becoming the Brooklyn Nets, where they have been ever since. In their 58 seasons, the Nets have made the playoffs 31 times and won 2 ABA championships.
20. Otis Birdsong
Seasons: 7
Stats: 15.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.6 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA All-Star
Playoff Games: 16
Birdsong was a smooth and efficient scorer for the Nets, known for his mid-range game, quick first step, and veteran leadership. While he wasn't the best player on the team he was still valuable in the team’s early 1980s playoff runs and brought stability to the backcourt.
19. Larry Kenon
Seasons: 2
Stats: 17.3 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.4 APG
Accolades: ABA All-Rookie Team, 2x ABA All-Star, 1x ABA Champion
Playoff Games: 19
Kenon was an athletic and explosive forward for the Nets, known for his high-flying dunks, rebounding, and scoring versatility. During his ABA years with the team, he was a key contributor alongside Julius Erving and helped the Nets win the 1974 ABA Championship. If he had stayed with the team loger who knowes what kind of success the Nets would've continued to have.
18. Michael Ray Richardson
Seasons: 4
Stats: 16.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 6.8 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA STL Champ, 1x NBA All-Star
Playoff Games: 16
Richardson was a dynamic and skilled guard for the Nets, known for his defensive tenacity, playmaking, and ability to score in bunches. He helped lead New Jersey to a memorable playoff run in 1984 and brought excitement to the franchise with his all-around game. Despite his talent, his career was cut short due to off-court issues that would lead to him being banned from the NBA.
17. Stephon Marbury
Seasons: 3
Stats: 23.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 8.1 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 0
Marbury was a talented and explosive point guard for the Nets, known for his quickness, scoring ability, and flashy playmaking. He put up strong individual numbers during his time in New Jersey and brought excitement to the offense. However, the team struggled to win consistently during his tenure, and he was eventually traded as the franchise looked to rebuild.
16. Deron Williams
Seasons: 5
Stats: 16.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 7.5 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA All-Star
Playoff Games: 25
Williams was a skilled and crafty point guard for the Nets, known for his scoring, court vision, and ability to control the pace of the game. He was a central figure during the team's transition from New Jersey to Brooklyn and helped lead them to multiple playoff appearances. However, injuries and inconsistency ultimately prevented him from fully living up to expectations during his time with the franchise.
15. Kenyon Martin
Seasons: 4
Stats: 15.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.4 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 1x NBA All-Star
Playoff Games: 51
Martin was a tough, athletic, and defensive-minded forward for the Nets, known for his powerful dunks, shot-blocking, and intensity on both ends of the floor. He played a crucial role in helping lead New Jersey to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. While not a dominant scorer, his physical presence and energy were vital to the team's early 2000s success.
14. Dražen Petrović
Seasons: 3
Stats: 19.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.9 APG
Accolades: 1x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 9
Petrović was an elite shooter and fearless competitor for the Nets, known for his scoring efficiency, intensity, and ability to take over games. He quickly became the heart of the team in the early 1990s and was one of the best international players in the NBA at the time. Tragically, his promising career was cut short by a fatal car accident in 1993, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
13. Rick Barry
Seasons: 2
Stats: 30.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.5 APG
Accolades: 2x ABA All-Star, 2x All-ABA
Playoff Games: 24
Barry was a prolific scorer and confident offensive force during his brief time with the Nets, and was known for his high basketball IQ. He brought veteran leadership and star power to the team during the ABA era, averaging strong numbers and helping raise the Nets’ profile. Though his stint was short, his impact was felt both on the court and in setting a standard for professionalism.
12. Kyrie Irving
Seasons: 4
Stats: 27.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.8 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 13
Irving was an electrifying and highly skilled point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, known for his elite scoring, dazzling ball-handling, and clutch shot-making. Despite his individual brilliance, Irving's tenure in Brooklyn was marked by challenges. Injuries, including a shoulder issue, and off-court controversies, disrupted team cohesion and limited the Nets' success. The much-anticipated "Big Three" era with Kevin Durant and James Harden resulted in only one playoff series win, as injuries and limited time on the court together hindered their potential.
11. Brian Taylor
Seasons: 4
Stats: 14.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.7 APG
Accolades: ABA All-Rookie Team, ABA Rookie of the Year, 1x ABA STL Leader, 2x ABA All-Star, 1x All-ABA, 2x ABA All-Defensive Team, 2x ABA Champion
Playoff Games: 37
Taylor was a dynamic and tenacious guard for the New York Nets during their ABA era, known for his defensive prowess, quick hands, and efficient scoring. Taylor's ability to generate steals, push the tempo, and knock down shots made him a crucial part of the Nets' backcourt alongside stars like Julius Erving. Though his time with the Nets was relatively brief, Taylor's impact was significant, and he remains one of the standout guards in the franchise's ABA history.
10. Bill Melchionni
Seasons: 7
Stats: 12.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 6.1 APG
Accolades: 3x ABA AST Champ, 3x ABA All-Star, 1x All-ABA, 2x ABA Champion
Playoff Games: 45
Melchionni was a reliable and skilled guard for the Nets during the ABA years, known for his strong leadership and steady playmaking. He played a key role in helping the Nets win two ABA championships, making a lasting impact on the franchise’s early success. In recognition of his impact, the Nets retired his jersey number 25, honoring him as the first player in franchise history to receive such an accolade.
9. Billy Paultz
Seasons: 5
Stats: 15.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.0 APG
Accolades: 3x ABA All-Star, 1x ABA Champion
Playoff Games: 49
Billy Paultz, affectionately known as “The Whopper,” was a steady and reliable center for the New Jersey Nets during their ABA years. Standing 6'11", Paultz brought a combination of toughness, rebounding, and scoring to the team. He played a pivotal role in the Nets' 1974 ABA Championship run, contributing significantly to their success.
8. Richard Jefferson
Seasons: 7
Stats: 17.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.0 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team
Playoff Games: 78
Jefferson was a dynamic and versatile forward for the New Jersey Nets, known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. He played a pivotal role in the Nets' back-to-back Eastern Conference Championship appearances, contributing significantly to the team's success during that era. However, despite his individual contributions, the team fell short in the NBA Finals both years, unable to secure a championship. Jefferson's tenure with the Nets was marked by his consistent performance and leadership on the court.
7. Brook Lopez
Seasons: 9
Stats: 18.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.5 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 1x NBA All-Star
Playoff Games: 13
Lopez was a consistent and skilled center for the New Jersey and Brooklyn Nets, known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and shot-blocking. He played a pivotal role in the team's offense, becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 10,444 points. Lopez's tenure with the Nets was marked by his durability and steady performance, making him a cornerstone of the franchise during his time there. However, despite his individual success, the Nets struggled to achieve significant team success during Lopez's time, with the team often falling short in the playoffs.
6. Derrick Coleman
Seasons: 5
Stats: 19.9 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.1 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, NBA Rookie of the Year, 1x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 13
Coleman was a highly talented and physically imposing forward for the New Jersey Nets, known for his scoring, rebounding, and versatility. Despite his individual success, Coleman's tenure with the Nets was marred by inconsistency and off-court issues. His potential was often questioned due to perceived lack of effort and discipline, leading to frustrations among fans and management. The team's inability to advance past the first round of the playoffs during his time further highlighted the gap between Coleman's talent and the team's success.
5. Kevin Durant
Seasons: 3
Stats: 29.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.8 APG
Accolades: 3x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA
Playoff Games: 16
Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the team. During his time with the Nets, Durant played a pivotal role in the team's offense, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. He contributed significantly to the team's success, including their playoff appearances in the early 2020s. However, despite his individual achievements, the team faced challenges in achieving their ultimate goal of an NBA championship during his tenure.
4. Vince Carter
Seasons: 5
Stats: 23.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.7 APG
Accolades: 3x NBA All-Star
Playoff Games: 27
Carter was a dynamic and electrifying presence for the New Jersey Nets, known for his scoring prowess, athleticism, and leadership on the court. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the franchise, leading them to multiple playoff appearances. Carter's tenure with the Nets was marked by his consistent performance and ability to deliver in clutch moments, solidifying his status as one of the franchise's all-time greats. Despite his individual success, the team faced challenges in achieving ultimate success during his tenure, with the Nets falling short of an NBA championship. Nevertheless, Carter's contributions to the franchise were significant, and his legacy remains a cherished part of the team's history.
3. Buck Williams
Seasons: 8
Stats: 16.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.5 APG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, NBA Rookie of the Year, 3x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 1x NBA All-Defensive Team
Playoff Games: 21
Williams was a cornerstone for the New Jersey Nets during the 1980s, known for his relentless rebounding, toughness, and leadership. While he was a reliable performer and team leader, the Nets struggled to make deep playoff runs during his tenure. His time with the team ended when he was traded in 1989, closing a significant chapter for the franchise.
2. Jason Kidd
Seasons: 7
Stats: 14.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 9.1 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA AST Champ, 5x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA, 6x NBA All-Defensive Team
Playoff Games: 78
Kidd immediately elevated the team's performance, leading them to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances. His exceptional playmaking, defensive prowess, and leadership on the court were instrumental in the Nets' success during this period. However, despite Kidd's individual brilliance, the Nets fell short in the NBA Finals both years, unable to secure a championship. Kidd's impact extended beyond the regular season, as he played a crucial role in the team's playoff runs, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
1. Julius Erving
Seasons: 3
Stats: 28.2 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 5.3 APG
Accolades: 2x ABA Scoring Leader, 3x ABA All-Star, 1x ABA All-Defensive Team, 3x All-ABA, 3x ABA MVP, 2x ABA Champion, 2x ABA Playoff MVP
Playoff Games: 32
Julius Erving played for the Nets early in his career and was a dominant force in the ABA, helping to establish the team's identity with his electrifying style and scoring ability. He was the franchise’s first true superstar, leading the Nets to two ABA championships before the ABA-NBA merger. Although his time with the Nets ended when he moved to the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, his impact on the Nets franchise remains foundational, as he set a high standard of excellence and excitement for the team’s future.
NBA COVERAGE:
Visit page: Here
COPYRIGHT/DISCLAIMER:
REPORT ERRORS or ADD INFORMATION:
Comments