Nets vs Orlando Magic
From the New Jersey Americans to the Brooklyn Nets: a history of resilience and reinvention.
The Brooklyn Nets are a professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. They 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 NBA, as well as an original member of the ABA. In 2012, the team moved to Brooklyn and were renamed the Brooklyn Nets.
Quick Facts
- Primary era
- 1990s to present
- Most notable meeting
- 2004 Eastern Conference First Round
- Key nets figures
- ['Jason Kidd', 'Kenyon Martin', 'Vince Carter']
- Key magic figures
- ["Shaquille O'Neal", 'Penny Hardaway', 'Dwight Howard']
- Rivalry status
- Historic but sporadic
Lore & Background
The franchise was established in 1967 as a founding member of the ABA, with trucking magnate Arthur J. Brown as the owner. The team was named the New York Americans, but due to venue issues, it played as the New Jersey Americans. After a playoff forfeit and a failed move to Newark, the team moved to Long Island and changed its name to the New York Nets. The Nets won two ABA championships, in 1974 and 1976, led by Julius Erving. After the ABA–NBA merger, the team was forced to pay an invasion fee to the Knicks and traded Erving to the 76ers. Poor attendance led to a move back to New Jersey before the 1977–78 season.
Reader's Guide
The Nets are a professional basketball team in the NBA's Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. They have a history of relocation and name changes, starting as the New Jersey Americans, then the New York Nets, then the New Jersey Nets, and finally the Brooklyn Nets. Key historical figures include owner Arthur J. Brown, owner Roy Boe, and star players Julius Erving and Rick Barry.
Did You Know?
- 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, with Julius Erving leading a 22-point fourth-quarter comeback.
- In February 1977, the Nets became the first NBA team to field an all-left-handed starting lineup.
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