- Jason Kidd finished second in MVP voting during the 2001-2002 season.
- Julius Erving earned three ABA MVP Awards as a Net.
- Kyrie Irving has the only 60-point game in franchise history.
Jason Kidd helped transform the then-New Jersey Nets, now Brooklyn Nets, from a laughingstock into a perennial contender during the 2000s. This transformation also helped them become a top team in NBA betting lines.
Vince Carter and Julius Erving spoiled fans with their amazing dunks. Which other superstars have found success in Nets’ history?
Best Brooklyn Nets Players of All Time
| Rank | Player | Position | Nets Years |
| 1 | Jason Kidd | Point Guard | 2001-2008 |
| 2 | Julius Erving | Small Forward | 1973-1976 |
| 3 | Vince Carter | Shooting Guard/Small Forward | 2004-2009 |
| 4 | Kevin Durant | Power Forward/Small Forward | 2019-2023 |
| 5 | Buck Williams | Power Forward | 1981-1989 |
| 6 | Kyrie Irving | Point Guard/Shooting Guard | 2019-2023 |
| 7 | Brook Lopez | Center | 2008-2017 |
1. Jason Kidd
Renowned for his playmaking and defensive skills, Jason Kidd is widely regarded as one of the best point guards of all time, as he helped lead the Nets to back-to-back Finals appearances in his first two seasons there.
Jason Kidd led the Nets to a Game 2 win over the Spurs and finished with 30 PTS!#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/988qHk7Jx2
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) June 4, 2023
Kidd’s ability to read defences and identify angles on the fly made for some of the most beautiful assists you’ve ever seen.
J-Kidd finished second in MVP voting in the 2001-2002 season and was named to five All-NBA and six All-Defensive Teams while in New Jersey.
Kidd has the most assists and steals, second-most 3-pointers, fifth-most points, and sixth-most rebounds in franchise history. He also has 107 triple-doubles to his name, and the second-most assists and steals in NBA history.
2. Julius Erving
Known for flying through the air and throwing down powerful one-handed dunks, Julius Erving led the then-New York Nets to two ABA championships.
“Dr. J” averaged 28.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in his three seasons as a Net, helping him earn ABA MVP honours in each of those seasons.
3. Vince Carter
With his ability to twist and turn in the air and posterize opponents, Vince Carter quickly established himself as a fan favourite in New Jersey.
In case you didn't know how ridiculous Vince Carter's highlights were with the New Jersey Nets (and he dunked on Zo 3 times)! pic.twitter.com/jdsIOOvSGr
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 21, 2020
Beyond his otherworldly dunks and layups, “Vinsanity” carried the Nets in crunchtime during several heated battles, delivering many game-winning shots.
Following his acquisition in December, VC averaged over 27 points per game, helping propel the Nets, who were as many as 12 games under .500, to the playoffs as the eighth seed with a 42-40 record during the 2004-2005 season, earning him some MVP votes.
Carter has the third-most points, fourth-most 3-pointers, and seventh-most assists in franchise history.
4. Kevin Durant
No matter how tightly he was guarded, or where he was shooting from, Kevin Durant would still find a way to get a shot off with success.
Possessing elite driving and ballhandling skills for his size, KD was also adept at cutting off the ball or being a catch-and-shoot specialist.
⭐️ 13x #NBAAllStar ⭐️
Eastern Conference starter Kevin Durant’s best plays from the season so far! pic.twitter.com/JH1C8vXcDI
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) January 27, 2023
Durant made the Nets a perennial contender and always found his name near the top of the MVP conversation, but injuries and other unfortunate circumstances prevented him from winning a championship or MVP Award in Brooklyn.
5. Buck Williams
Buck Williams helped get the Nets to the playoffs during his first five seasons with the team, going as far as the second round in 1984.
The one-time All-NBA and four-time All-Defensive Team member has the most rebounds, second-most points, third-most blocks, and sixth-most steals in franchise history.
6. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving often uses his superb ballhandling skills to create shots from anywhere on the court or attack the rim to produce some of the most acrobatic layups you’ll ever see.
4 YEARS AGO TODAY
Kyrie Irving dropped 50 in his Nets debut 🔥50 PTS (17/33 FG)
8 REB, 7 AST, 7 3PT
0 Turnovers pic.twitter.com/N2OuQUa4Aq— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 23, 2023
“Uncle Drew” earned All-NBA Third Team honors during the 2020-21 season, and also has the only 60-point game in franchise history.
7. Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez started off his career as an unstoppable scorer inside the post, possessing a hard-to-guard hook and midrange shot, but he eventually extended his range to 3-point land.
Lopez has the most points, blocks, and third-most rebounds in franchise history.