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Brooklyn Nets: Top 5 Players Of The 2000s

By Darnell Gilet

Mar 20, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd greets his former player Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) before their NBA basketball game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd greets his former player Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) before their NBA basketball game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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4) Richard Jefferson

Oct 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Richard Jefferson was an unexpected contributor in the Nets’ reign as Eastern Conference Champions.  Through the first four years in the NBA, Jefferson improved steadily, increasing his average from 9.4 points per game as a rookie in 2001, to 22.2 points per game in 2004.  Jefferson was the quintessential small forward.  His ability to play both in the half-court as a playmaker, facilitator, or off the ball, coupled with his efficiency running in the open court, drew comparisons to Scottie Pippen.

In his best year, similar to Pippen, Jefferson filled up the stat boxes averaging 22.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, one steal, and four assists per game.  Through his peak years (2003-2008) with the Nets, Jefferson averaged 19.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.  Most importantly though, Jefferson not only contributed to the Nets as a member of their championship-run teams, but Jefferson became a borderline All-Star for the club.

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