Jason Kidd Rookie of the Year

Lore & Background

The franchise began in the ABA, winning championships in 1974 and 1976 behind Julius Erving. After the ABA–NBA merger, financial pressures forced the team to trade Erving. The Nets moved to New Jersey in 1977 and later to Brooklyn in 2012.

In Their Own Story

The arena in East Rutherford hummed with anticipation as the young rookie dribbled up the court, the red and white jersey tight on his frame. The crowd watched, skeptical of a college standout from California who had never played in the pros before. Kidd drove past a veteran defender, spinning effortlessly to hit a layup while drawing a foul. In that moment, amidst the squeak of sneakers on hardwood and the roar of the crowd, it became clear: the Nets had found their new heartbeat.

Reader's Guide

The team is a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the NBA. They were an original ABA member and joined the NBA in 1976 as part of the merger.

Did You Know?

• The team was originally named the New York Americans but played as the New Jersey Americans in their first season.
• The name 'Nets' was chosen because it rhymes with the New York Mets and New York Jets, and relates to basketball.
• The Nets won the last ABA championship in 1976, led by Julius Erving.