Brooklyn Nets: Top 5 Players Of The 2000s

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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1) Jason Kidd

Dec 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd watches from the sidelines against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd watches from the sidelines against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Jason Kidd is a first ballot Hall-of-Famer.  I have been on record saying that while Tim Duncan had the better overall career, Kidd should have won the MVP in the 2001-02 season.  After winning 26 games in 2000-01, the Nets made a move to acquire Jason Kidd.  The acquisition of Kidd alone led the Nets from a 26-win team, to a 52-win team.  While Duncan’s stats were stellar, averaging 25.5 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, Kidd filled up the stat sheet in a way only Jason Kidd could, averaging 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game.

Furthermore, upon his arrival to the Nets, Kidd added a trustworthy three-point shot, landing him fifth on the list for most three-pointers made in NBA history.  It is hard to argue against Duncan’s production and success. However, the turnaround the Nets had on the shoulders of Jason Kidd was historic. What was most impressive was that the Nets were able to follow a 26-win season with back-to-back finals runs.  Unfortunately, Kidd ran into three Hall-of-Fame players and two dynasties.  If not for Duncan, Shaq, and Kobe, Brooklyn could have two championship banners in the rafters.  While Kidd had some great years with Dallas and Phoenix, when Kidd is inducted into the Hall of Fame, the image people will see is Kidd in a Nets jersey.