Brooklyn Nets: The Nets’ All-Time Starting 5

Power Forward – Julius “Doctor J” Erving

Doctor J may have not been with the Nets during his NBA days, but he spent quite a few great years with the New York Nets in the ABA. In three years with the New York Nets, Erving led the Nets to two ABA championships. These are the only two championships won by the Nets in their franchise’s history.

Erving also put up phenomenal stats while with the team. He would be average 28.2 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 252 games with New York. One of the most transcendent players in ABA and NBA history, Erving was truly a pioneer.

Before arriving in New York, the Nets would only win 30 games the season prior. In his first year with the team, Erving nearly doubled the number, winning 55 games with the team. He would also give the franchise their first of two ABA championships that season.

Erving would go on to lead the team to yet another successful season. Winning 58 games but losing in the ABA Eastern Conference Semifinals. However, the following season, the team won 55 games and the championship once again.

Leading the league in scoring twice during his three years in New York, Erving showed why he was one of the best players in the ABA at the time. Erving also never missed one game in his three seasons with the team. The Doctor was the true definition of an ‘Iron Man.’

While he may have played Small Forward, after looking at what he accomplished with the team, you have to include him on this list. Leaving off him or Petrovic would be very hard to do. Both may have had short stints with the team, but both left their mark in the franchise’s history.

Erving may be remembered more as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, but his impact on the Nets is undenied. He brought the team their first taste of success, and for that he must be appload.