Brian Taylor: The Underrated Star of the ABA’s Golden Era

While many basketball fans associate the early glory years of the New York Nets with Julius Erving, those who followed the ABA closely know that the team’s success was also driven by a dynamic, intelligent, and explosive guard named Brian Taylor. A two-way force and a pioneer of the modern backcourt, Taylor’s impact on the game stretched far beyond the box score, embodying the soul of the ABA and bridging its legacy into the NBA.

Brian Taylor: The ABA’s Underrated Do-It-All Guard

🏀 Early Life and College Stardom

Born on June 9, 1951, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Brian Taylor developed into a top high school prospect at Perth Amboy High School. But it was at Princeton University where he became a star. Taylor played for the Tigers from 1970 to 1972, standing out as one of the most explosive guards in Ivy League history.

• As a sophomore, Taylor averaged 23.5 points per game, dazzling crowds with his quickness, vertical leap, and high basketball IQ.

• His performances earned him Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors, and he was selected for the 1971 Pan-American Games, where he won a gold medal with Team USA.

• Despite the Ivy League’s reputation for cerebral, disciplined basketball, Taylor brought flash and firepower to Princeton, hinting at his future success as a professional.

🕶 Choosing the ABA Over the NBA

In 1972, Taylor was selected in the 2nd round (23rd overall) by the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA Draft. However, the draw of the American Basketball Association’s up-tempo, creative style led him to join the New York Nets, a decision that would define the best years of his basketball life.

The ABA, known for its red-white-and-blue ball and high-scoring games, was the perfect environment for Taylor’s skill set. He became the Nets’ starting point guard as a rookie and immediately made his presence felt.

🌟 ABA Stardom with the New York Nets (1972–1976)

Taylor played four seasons with the New York Nets and quickly emerged as one of the top guards in the league.

🏆 Rookie of the Year (1972–73)

• Averaged 15.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in his rookie season.

• Named ABA Rookie of the Year, beating out a strong class of first-year players.

• His backcourt pairing with John Roche and later Larry Kenon formed a solid foundation around Julius Erving.

Remember The ABA: Brian Taylor

🏀 Integral Role in Nets’ Titles

Taylor’s combination of quick hands, strong perimeter defense, and ability to push the tempo made him a perfect fit alongside Erving.

• 1974 ABA Championship: Played a major role in the Nets’ run to the title. While Erving was the superstar, Taylor’s playmaking and defense were vital in victories over teams like Kentucky and Utah.

• 1976 ABA Championship: Taylor helped guide the team to its second ABA crown in what would be the league’s final season. His steady hand at point guard allowed Erving to operate freely, while his perimeter shooting added crucial spacing.

🎖 Honors in the ABA

• 2× ABA All-Star (1975, 1976)

• All-ABA Second Team (1975)

• ABA All-Defensive First Team (1975, 1976)

• Averaged 14.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.2 steals in his ABA career

• Known as one of the best on-ball defenders in the league

• Finished his ABA career with 1,238 assists and 441 steals

🔁 The NBA Transition and Continued Success

When the ABA-NBA merger occurred in 1976, Taylor was traded to the Kansas City Kings in a cost-saving move by the cash-strapped Nets. He proved he could succeed in the more structured NBA as well.

Kansas City Kings (1976–77)

• Had his best statistical NBA season, averaging 17.0 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game

• Became a reliable scorer and continued to show elite defensive instincts

Denver Nuggets & San Diego Clippers (1977–1982)

• Taylor played two seasons with the Denver Nuggets, followed by three years with the San Diego Clippers.

• In the 1979–80 season, the first year the NBA adopted the three-point line, Taylor led the league with 90 made three-pointers—a testament to his perimeter shooting long before it became fashionable.

• Unfortunately, injuries, including a serious Achilles tendon tear, cut his career short. He retired in 1982.

📊 Career Summary

LeagueYearsGamesPPGAPGSPG3P%ABA1972–7630914.44.72.2N/ANBA1976–8229211.03.31.733.9%Combined—60113.14.12.0—

• Career Total Points: 7,868

• Steals: 1,158

• Assists: 2,480

Taylor was one of the first truly effective 3-and-D guards, capable of locking up opposing ball-handlers and drilling long-range shots.

🏀 Legacy and Impact

While Brian Taylor may not be as widely recognized as his more famous teammates like Dr. J, those who followed the ABA know he was the heartbeat of the Nets’ backcourt. He brought:

• Elite perimeter defense

• Game-breaking speed in transition

• Early mastery of the three-point shot

• Leadership in championship settings

In many ways, Taylor was ahead of his time. Today, players like Jrue Holiday or Derrick White embody the same kind of value—a guard who doesn’t dominate headlines but controls the game on both ends of the floor.

🎓 Life After Basketball

After retiring from basketball, Taylor stayed involved in education and youth development. He worked in school administration and became an advocate for educational reform.

• Served as Executive Director of Teleos Preparatory Academy, a charter school in Phoenix.

• Also mentored his son, Bryce Taylor, who starred at the University of Oregon and enjoyed a successful career overseas.

💬 Final Word

Brian Taylor’s basketball story is one of brilliance, balance, and underrated greatness. A two-time champion, defensive wizard, and scoring threat, Taylor was a key figure during one of the most exciting eras in basketball history. While the ABA’s flash and flair is often remembered for its stars, Brian Taylor was one of its foundational players, blending style with substance and leaving behind a legacy worthy of far more recognition than it has received.