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Brooklyn Nets: Five Biggest Decisions in Franchise History

By Malcolm Ireland

Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks (left) in a suite with team owner Mikhail Prokhorov during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks (left) in a suite with team owner Mikhail Prokhorov during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. The Rod Thorn Era

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Rod Thorn was hired by the Nets as team president in 2000. He was responsible for drafting Kenyon Martin, trading for Richard Jefferson and Jason Collins on draft night, and trading Stephon Marbury for Jason Kidd. Oh yeah, did I mention he drafted Brian Scalabrine? All jokes aside, Rod Thorn assembled one of the best teams in the NBA in the early 2000s. New Jersey made back-to-back NBA finals in 2002 and 2003. Although the team did not win their first NBA championship, it provided a level of excitement that would stick with the team for many seasons.

Thorn made the Nets relevant again after falling into mediocrity in the late 90s. He was able to take a losing franchise in a small market and make them competitive for almost a decade. The thrill of watching Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, Keith Van Horn, Richard Jefferson, Vince Carter, and many more would not be possible without Rod Thorn.

Next: No. 1: Trading Dr. J