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Brooklyn Nets: How Does Their Current Rebuild Compare to Those of the Past?

By Malcolm Ireland

Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks speaks to the media during a press conference before a game 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 speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 3, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 116-85. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 116-85. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

A Good Start to a Rebuild

The Nets have only had two winning seasons and three playoff appearances in the post-Jason Kidd era. For those who don’t know, next season would mark a decade since Kidd wore a Nets uniform. Why have the Nets been so unsuccessful since then? They simply did not trust the process.

In the summer of 2008, the Nets started their rebuild by drafting Brook Lopez. The following year, the Nets dropped the ball, selecting Terrence Williams 11th overall. In 2010, they made made a smart pick, taking Derrick Favors 3rd overall. At this point, the Nets had a solid three players in Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, and Derrick Favors. Had the team continued to lose, they could still fill out their roster knowing Lopez and Favors would further their development.

At the end of the 2011 season, the Nets made a blockbuster trade that sent Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, a 2011 first-round pick, and a 2013 first-round pick to Utah for Deron Williams. At the time, this seemed like a smart move. Williams was coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons with the Jazz. The Nets felt this move would give them the type of point guard they have been missing since Kidd. Williams had an outstanding season in New Jersey, averaging 21 points and 8.7 assists per game. He was even considered a top 10 player by ESPN rankings. Unfortunately, Williams had some injuries throughout the 2011-12 season that held him to only playing in 55 games.