Brooklyn Nets: The Nets’ All-Time Starting 5

Small Forward – Drazen Petrovic

One of the best shooters the NBA has ever seen, Drazen Petrovic is another guarantee to make this list. Nicknamed “The Mozart of Basketball,” Petrovic was one of the most pure players to ever play in the NBA.

Petrovic’s life was cut terribly short after a tragic car accident in Germany. The real kicker is Petrovic was actually supposed to be on a connection flight with his girlfriend. Such a tragic moment in not only Nets history but NBA history as well. A guy who was considered one of the best shooters of all time hadn’t even seemed to reach the prime of his career yet.

However, despite his short tenure with the Nets, he is still a legend no doubt. He also still is looked at by many as a top ten shooter of all time, despite a relatively short career in the NBA. Petrovic made the open threes, but also knocked down the tough contested looks, similarly to the way Steph Curry shoots the three ball today.

Many legends, including Reggie Miller, have called Petrovic the best shooter to ever play the game. Praise from legends who are among the greatest shooters of all time themselves is huge. With the emergence of Steph Curry today and how much he changed the game, it’s interesting to see how Petrovic’s stats would’ve stacked up had he played a full career.

Nevertheless, Petrovic was still a legend for sure. A Hall of Famer and a guy who is one of few guys with a jersey retired for the Nets franchise, Petrovic sure was special. Loved by Nets fans and Basketball purists alike, Petrovic is one of the most tragic stories in NBA History. The Nets have never had a shooter quite near the level of Petrovic and most likely never will due to just how highly regarded Petrovic is by not just fans, but legends as well.