New Jersey Nets Photos

 

The New Jersey Nets franchise was first established in 1967 as part of the American Basket Association with trucking magnate Arthur Brown as the owner. The team was known as the New York Americans. The rivalry with the New York Knicks send the team scrambling for a venue and settled on the Armory in Teaneck, New Jersey and changed the squad name to New Jersey Americans. In the second year, the team opted to stay in Long Island where it changed its name to New York Nets. Then before the 1977-1978 season, the franchise was move back to New Jersey renaming the team New Jersey Nets.

 

Benoit Benjamin entered the NBA in 1985 and played 15 seasons for nine NBA teams. He came to New Jersey Nets by way of a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers and played with the Nets from 1993 to 1995. A 7’0” center, he holds an NBA career of .541 field goal percentage, 4,604 defensive rebounds, 1,581 blocks and an 11.4 points averaged and 2.0 blocks per game. The 6’9”, 235 pound forward Brian Scalabrine was selected by the New Jersey Nets in the second round of the 2001 NBA draft. On August 2, 2005, he signed a five-year contract with the Boston Celtics worth 15 million dollars. He is now on his last year before becoming a free agent.

 

A twin brother of fellow basketball player Robin Lopez, Brook Lopez was pick 10th overall by the Nets in the 2008 NBA draft. His twin brother was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns. In his rookie season, Brook Lopez compiled an average of 13.0, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He is ranked 4th in the NBA in total blocks shot with 154. He came third in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting and was selected to the All-Rookie first team. After showing impressive performance, he is now the starting center of the Nets. So far, his career highs are 37 points, 20 rebounds and 5 blocks.