Brooklyn Nets · Franchise era 2 of 7
Finding footing in New Jersey: the Brooklyn Nets story
Franchise era
1976–77—1992–93
Finding footing in New Jersey
Brooklyn Nets
The story in one sentence
The NBA transition was costly, but Williams's consistency and the Petrović–Coleman teams eventually restored promise.
01
From merger costs to a gifted young core
02
Buck Williams, Dražen Petrović and Derrick Coleman gave the era its recognizable core.
03
Its ending created the conditions for talent and turbulence.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1976–77
What came before
Erving made the New York Nets the ABA's signature attraction and led championships in 1974 and 1976.
1984
Eastern Conference First Round: New Jersey Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers
1984
Eastern Conference Semifinals: New Jersey Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks
1993
Eastern Conference First Round: New Jersey Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers
After 1992–93
What came next
Injuries, tragedy and constant turnover kept New Jersey from converting individual talent into sustained success.
The core