The franchise was established in 1967 as the New Jersey Americans before becoming the New York Nets in 1968 and eventually the Brooklyn Nets in 2012.1)
The Nets won two American Basketball Association (ABA) championships in 1974 and 1976 before joining the NBA.2)
Julius “Dr. J” Erving led the Nets to their ABA titles and remains one of the most iconic players in franchise history.3)
In the 1990s, the Nets considered rebranding as the “Swamp Dragons,” even securing a 26-1 vote in favor, with the lone dissenting vote coming from the Nets themselves.4)
The Nets relocated to Brooklyn in 2012, becoming the first major professional sports team in the borough since the Dodgers left in 1957.5)
The team's home, Barclays Center, opened in 2012 and is known for its unique architecture and intimate seating.6)
Upon moving to Brooklyn, the Nets adopted a black and white color scheme, symbolizing simplicity and elegance.7)
In 2012, the Nets introduced a superhero mascot named “BrooklyKnight,” who was retired after the 2013-2014 season.8)
The “Brooklyn Brigade” is a passionate group of fans known for their loud chants and unwavering support during home games.9)
The Nets have retired six jersey numbers, honoring players like Julius Erving (#32) and Dražen Petrović (#3).10)
The Nets made their first NBA Finals appearance in 2002, facing the Los Angeles Lakers.11)
They returned to the NBA Finals in 2003 but were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs.12)
Jason Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard, was instrumental in leading the Nets to their consecutive Finals appearances.13)
Vince Carter, known for his electrifying dunks, played for the Nets from 2004 to 2009, becoming one of the franchise's top scorers.14)
Brook Lopez is the Nets' all-time leading scorer, amassing 10,444 points during his tenure.15)
Kyrie Irving holds the franchise record for most points in a single game, scoring 60 points in 2022.16)
The Nets secured their first NBA playoff series win in 2002 against the Indiana Pacers.17)
Dražen Petrović, a Croatian shooting guard, is remembered for his exceptional shooting skills and was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame.18)
In 2019, the Nets signed superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, marking a significant shift in the team's trajectory.19)
The Nets' inaugural season in Brooklyn (2012-2013) saw them finish with a 49-33 record, earning a playoff berth.20)
The Nets maintain a crosstown rivalry with the New York Knicks, often referred to as the “Battle of the Boroughs.”21)
The Nets played their first regular-season game at Barclays Center on November 3, 2012, defeating the Toronto Raptors.22)
Coaches like Chuck Daly, who led the team from 1992 to 1994, have left a lasting impact on the franchise.23)
The Nets' first-ever draft pick was Mel Daniels in 1967, who later became an ABA MVP.24)
The team's longest winning streak is 15 games, achieved during the 2005-2006 season.25)
The Nets have participated in the NBA Global Games, playing in countries like China and the UK to promote basketball worldwide.26)
The Nets made their first NBA playoff appearance in 1982.27)
In 2021, the Nets acquired James Harden, forming a formidable trio with Durant and Irving.28)
Deron Williams set a franchise record by hitting 11 three-pointers in a game in 2013.29)
The Nets won their first division title in the NBA during the 2001-2002 season.30)
The Nets participated in the inaugural ABA game in 1967 against the Pittsburgh Pipers.31)
The Nets' highest-scoring game was a 161-157 victory over the Phoenix Suns in 2006.32)
The Nets have had the first overall pick in the NBA Draft twice, selecting Derrick Coleman in 1990 and Kenyon Martin in 2000.33)
Detlef Schrempf, who played for the Nets in the 1980s, went on to become one of the best sixth men in NBA history.34)
In 2013, the Nets acquired Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett from the Celtics in a blockbuster trade, which later proved costly in terms of draft picks.35)
The Nets staged their largest comeback in franchise history by overcoming a 28-point deficit to defeat the Sacramento Kings in 2019.36)
Jason Kidd holds the franchise record for most triple-doubles, an indicator of his all-around excellence.37)
Barclays Center was designed to have some of the best acoustics for concerts and events, making it a prime venue beyond basketball.38)
The Nets' superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden was expected to dominate the league but faced setbacks due to injuries and off-court issues.39)
Rap icon Jay-Z was a minority owner of the Nets and played a key role in branding and marketing the team’s move to Brooklyn.40)
The Nets have historically been one of the most international teams in the NBA, featuring players from over 20 different countries.41)
The Nets played their first-ever regular-season game in Paris in 2020, showcasing the NBA’s growing global reach.42)
The Nets once scored 91 points in a single half against the Golden State Warriors in 2021, marking one of the highest-scoring halves in NBA history.43)
The team’s official slogan, “We Go Hard,” reflects the Brooklyn mentality and has been embraced by fans.44)
In 2022, the Nets traded James Harden for Ben Simmons, hoping to rebuild their roster and improve their defensive strength.45)