2003 Atlantic Division Title
From the ABA to Brooklyn: A franchise shaped by moves and milestones.
The Brooklyn Nets, a professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, were founded in 1967 and initially played in Teaneck, New Jersey, as the New Jersey Americans, followed by a period spent in Long Island as the New York Nets and later returning to play as the New Jersey Nets. They are a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as an original member of the American Basketball Association (ABA). In 2012, the team moved to Brooklyn and were renamed the Brooklyn Nets.
Lore & Background
The franchise was established in 1967 as a founding member of the ABA. The team was named the New York Americans, but due to venue issues, it played as the New Jersey Americans. After a playoff forfeit, the team moved to Long Island and changed its name to the New York Nets. The Nets won ABA championships in 1974 and 1976. After the ABA–NBA merger, the team was forced to pay fees to the Knicks and traded Julius Erving. The team moved to New Jersey before the 1977–78 season and was renamed the New Jersey Nets.
Reader's Guide
Therefore, no entry for that season can be written based solely on the source.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Nets' was chosen because it rhymes with the New York Mets and New York Jets.
- The team was forced to trade Julius Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers due to financial pressures from joining the NBA.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in Brooklyn Nets
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced