Brooklyn Nets: Top 5 Players From the 1980s

Nov 7, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New Jersey Nets former owner Lewis Katz is remembered by friends, family and NBA commissioner Adam Silver (fourth from right) between the first and second quarters of a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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5. Sam Bowie

While Sam Bowie is considered a borderline 80s player (he played on the Nets from 1989-93), he did enough for the team to crack the top five.

Bowie, who is famous for being the player drafted directly before Michael Jordan, finished with career numbers of 10.9 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 1.8 blocks per game. As a rookie on the Portland Trail Blazers, Bowie was given All-Rookie First Team honors.

On the Nets, however, Bowie played his best years. During his four seasons in New Jersey, he averaged 12.8 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game. These were his best numbers on the three teams he played for.

Specifically, his 1989-90 season with the Nets happened to be his best, as it was the only season in his 10-year career in which he averaged a double-double. In that same season, Bowie led the team in rebounds per game and blocks per game.

While the Nets did poorly that season, Bowie ultimately helped get the Nets back on track in the years to come. He was by no means the biggest name during the 80s, but he was influential enough to make this list.

Next: No. 4

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