A Detailed History of the New York Nets in the ABA (1967–1976)

The New York Nets were one of the most significant franchises in the history of the American Basketball Association (ABA), evolving from a modest beginning into a powerhouse led by a transcendent superstar. Their journey in the ABA encapsulates the rise of the league itself—bold, fast-paced, chaotic, and revolutionary.

Origins as the New Jersey Americans (1967–1968)

The franchise began in 1967 as the New Jersey Americans, one of the 11 original ABA teams. Owned by trucking executive Arthur Brown, the team played its home games at the Teaneck Armory in Teaneck, New Jersey. Coached by Max Zaslofsky, the Americans finished their inaugural season 36–42, good enough to tie for fourth place in the Eastern Division.

They were scheduled to play a one-game playoff for the final postseason berth against the Kentucky Colonels. However, due to a scheduling conflict at the Armory and inability to find an acceptable alternative venue, the game was forfeited to Kentucky, and the Americans were eliminated.

Becoming the New York Nets (1968–1972)

In 1968, the franchise moved to Long Island and was rebranded as the New York Nets (the name chosen to rhyme with the Mets and Jets). They initially played at the Commack Arena, a subpar facility with poor lighting, leaky roofs, and limited seating.

In the early years, the Nets were mostly a bottom-tier team, struggling to gain attention in a crowded New York sports market. Despite these challenges, they made the playoffs in 1969 and 1970, but were not considered a serious championship contender.

The Arrival of Dr. J: Julius Erving Changes Everything (1973)

Everything changed in 1973 when the Nets pulled off the greatest move in their history: acquiring Julius Erving.

Erving had played for the Virginia Squires, but due to financial problems, the Squires sold his contract to the Nets. In Erving’s first season (1973–74), he immediately became the face of the franchise and the ABA as a whole.

Erving, known for his high-flying dunks and smooth athleticism, electrified fans and helped legitimize the ABA’s up-tempo, flashy style. With Kevin Loughery as head coach and strong supporting players like Billy Paultz, John Williamson, and Larry Kenon, the Nets surged to the top of the league.

Remember The ABA: Julius “The Doctor” Erving (1972-74)

1974 ABA Championship Season

In the 1973–74 season, the Nets went 55–29 and made a dominant playoff run. They defeated the Virginia Squires and Kentucky Colonels en route to the ABA Finals against the Utah Stars.

Erving was magnificent throughout the series, averaging 28.7 points, and the Nets won the championship in five games. It was the franchise’s first ABA title and one of the crowning moments in the league’s history. Erving was named ABA Playoffs MVP.

The 1975 Season: A Step Back

The 1974–75 season saw the Nets fall back slightly. They still had Erving, but lost key contributor Larry Kenon to the Spurs and struggled with chemistry. The team finished 58–26 but was eliminated by the Spirits of St. Louis in a stunning semifinal upset.

That loss was emblematic of the unpredictability of the ABA—and a sign the league’s financial struggles were deepening.

1976: A Final Championship and the ABA’s Last Stand

The 1975–76 season would be the ABA’s last, and the Nets made it count. Julius Erving, now at the height of his powers, averaged over 29 points per game and won his third league MVP award.

The Nets finished with a 55–29 record and once again battled through the playoffs, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the semifinals and the Denver Nuggets in a six-game Finals series.

Erving was brilliant, averaging 37.7 points in the Finals, and once again took home Playoffs MVP honors. It was the second ABA title for the Nets—and the last ABA championship ever awarded.

1976 ABA Finals Game 6 Denver Nuggets at New York Nets Thursday May 13, 1976

Legacy and the ABA–NBA Merger

In June 1976, the ABA and NBA merged, with four teams admitted to the NBA: the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Indiana Pacers.

However, the Nets’ transition was rocky. They had to pay a $3.2 million fee to the NBA and another $4.8 million to the New York Knicks for “invading their territory.” To cover the costs, the Nets sold Julius Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers—a move that devastated the team and their fans.

Remember The ABA: Julius “The Doctor” Erving (New York Nets)

Impact and Historical Significance

Though their ABA years ended in frustration, the New York Nets left a lasting legacy:

• Julius Erving became one of the most iconic players in basketball history.

• The team helped popularize the ABA style—fast-paced, high-scoring, and above the rim.

• Their rivalry with the Kentucky Colonels and Denver Nuggets produced some of the ABA’s most memorable moments.

• Their 1976 title remains a symbol of the ABA’s final triumph.

Today, the franchise is known as the Brooklyn Nets, having moved from Long Island to New Jersey and eventually to Brooklyn. But their origins as the New York Nets of the ABA remain a crucial and colorful part of pro basketball history.

Julius Erving Game 1 1976 ABA Finals (45 Points and Game Winner)

Notable Players from the ABA Era

• Julius Erving – Hall of Fame forward, 3x ABA MVP, 2x champion with the Nets.

• Billy Paultz – All-Star center, strong interior presence.

• John Williamson – Explosive scorer, key playoff performer.

• Larry Kenon – Athletic forward, instrumental in the 1974 title.

• Brian Taylor – Skilled guard and ABA Rookie of the Year (1973).

Final ABA Record (1967–1976)

• Regular Season Record: 371–418

• Playoff Appearances: 6

• ABA Championships: 2 (1974, 1976)