NJ Nets info

Expectations continue to be high for New Jersey Nets ticket holders in 2005. This year’s team returns to Continental Airlines Arena with a healthier Jason Kidd, a reinvigorated Vince Carter, and a still improving Richard Jefferson. Head coach Lawrence Frank will seek to improve on last year’s campaign that saw the team rally late to capture the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, only to be swept by the Miami Heat in the first round. For this improvement to take place Carter must continue to play as if he has a heart, Nenad Krstic has to further develop as a legitimate as post presence and Kidd needs to stay healthy. If those three things take place, Continental Airlines Arena could be where ticket holders see the New Jersey Nets challenge the Miami Heat for supremacy in the East.

Less than five years ago, the Nets were unquestionably the class of the East. In 2002 they advanced to the NBA Finals only to be swept by the Los Angeles Lakers, and in 2003 the team lost the Championship series to the Spurs in six games. It the Nets had prevailed in either series it would have marked their first Championship since taking the ABA crown in 1976.

Nets ticket holders during the 70s were able to see the team play for the ABA championship three times in six years. Before winning the NBA Title in 1976, the Nets had also won it in 1974 and had lost in the finals to in 1972. The difference on those two championship teams was one man, Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Dr. J joined the team in 1973 and soon became both the star of the team and the face of the ABA, based largely on his spectacular play above the rim. After the 1976 season Erving signed with the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, but ticket holders of the era will forever remember the afro-wearing Dr. J, in the star spangled jersey of the Nets soaring through the lane for one incredible dunk after another.

The high-flying Carter has evoked images of Dr. J at his most jaw-dropping since he entered the NBA, but his desire has often been questioned. Nets fans hope that being on a legitimate playoff contender for perhaps the first time in his career will keep Carter motivated. The gritty examples provided by Jefferson and Kidd should help the cause as well. If a driven Carter and all of the other pieces fall into place in 2005, New Jersey Nets ticket holders could see their team recapture the form that put them in the NBA Finals just a few years ago.