Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: 7 Hall of Famers many people forget were Nets

By Phil Watson

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JUNE 13: Dikembe Mutombo #55 of the New Jersey Nets reacts during game five of the 2003 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on June 13, 2003 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Noren Trotman/NBAE via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JUNE 13: Dikembe Mutombo #55 of the New Jersey Nets reacts during game five of the 2003 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on June 13, 2003 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Noren Trotman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets
Mel Daniels of the Indiana Pacers (L) reaches in to knock the ball away from Rick Mount (11) of the Utah Stars in an ABA playoff game. Mount started his pro career with the Pacers. /

Mel Daniels (11 games, 1976)

Mel Daniels was one of the greatest players in ABA history, winning two MVP awards while leading the Indiana Pacers to three titles.

But plagued by a bad back, Daniels left the ABA after spending the 1974-75 season with the Memphis Sounds and played in Italy in 1975-76 before signing a deal with the New York Nets in October 1976.

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A shell of his former self at age 32, Daniels appeared in just 11 games, averaging 3.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 11.5 minutes per game and shooting 37.1 percent from the floor and 56.5 percent at the line.

He was waived by New York in December 1976.

Daniels was a first-round pick by the Cincinnati Royals from the University of New Mexico in 1967, but opted to sign with the Minnesota Muskies in the fledgling ABA.

After earning Rookie of the Year honors, Daniels was traded to the Pacers as the Muskies were leaving the Land of 10,000 Lakes for Miami.

He was the centerpiece, literally, in Indiana, leading the ABA in rebounding twice, earning six All-Star appearances and four All-NBA selections.

He was traded to Memphis in 1974 along with fellow Pacer stars Roger Brown and Freddie Lewis before heading to Italy.

The Detroit native returned to Indianapolis and worked in several capacities for the Pacers, including seven seasons as an assistant coach and a two-game stint as interim head coach in 1988.

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