Rick Barry

Lore & Background

During the early 1970s, the New York Nets were navigating the competitive landscape of the American Basketball Association. Rick Barry arrived as a proven scorer from the NBA, seeking a new challenge and higher compensation. His presence elevated the team's profile immediately, drawing crowds to the Nassau Coliseum who came to witness his one-handed layups and controversial underhand free throws. The 1974 ABA Finals against the Indiana Pacers is etched in club memory. Barry's performance was instrumental in securing the title, marking a high point for the franchise before the eventual merger with the NBA. While Julius Erving earned the Finals MVP award that year, Barry's scoring prowess and leadership were vital to the championship run. His relationship with teammates like Dr. J defined an era of dynamic frontcourt play that fans still celebrate today. This period established the Nets as champions, not just participants.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with tension during the final minute of Game 5. Sweat dripped onto the hardwood as Barry dribbled near the top of the key. The crowd held its breath, knowing he had to sink the free throw to seal the victory. He bounced the ball twice, adopted his signature stance, and released the arc. Swish. The net snapped, echoing through the Nassau Coliseum like a declaration of dominance.

Reader's Guide

The ABA Era remains a cornerstone of the franchise's soul, even after the merger. Rick Barry represents this golden age when the New York Nets first tasted glory. His arrival in 1972 transformed a struggling team into title contenders almost overnight. This chapter defines the club's identity through resilience and star power against established NBA rivals. Barry brought scoring intensity that captivated fans at the Nassau Coliseum. The rivalry with the Indiana Pacers defined this period, culminating in back-to-back championships. While the ABA is often viewed as a footnote, for Nets historians, it is foundational. It proved the franchise could win before moving to Brooklyn or returning to New York permanently. Understanding Barry's tenure explains the team's enduring spirit of rebellion and excellence. His underhand free throws became iconic imagery synonymous with 1970s basketball culture. This era matters because it established a winning tradition that future generations, like the 2002-2003 squad, would strive to emulate. It connects the past directly to present pride.

Did You Know?

• Julius Erving was named ABA Finals MVP in 1974, while Rick Barry led the team to the title.
• He is famous for popularizing the underhand free throw technique.
• His contract negotiations with the Nets were groundbreaking at the time.
• He holds the distinction of leading both the NBA and ABA in scoring.

Franchise Origins and Venue Struggles

Established in 1967 as a founding member of the American Basketball Association, this franchise began under owner Arthur J. Brown with ambitions to play in Manhattan's 69th Regiment Armory. However, pressure from the established New York Knicks forced the venue to withdraw just months before opening day, leaving the team scrambling for a home. Unable to secure suitable locations within New York City due to bookings or owners fearing retaliation from the Knicks, the franchise settled on the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey. Although officially named the New York Americans, they played as the New Jersey Americans during this initial period. The instability continued into their second season when a last-minute move to the Long Island Arena resulted in a forfeit against the Kentucky Colonels due to dangerous court conditions, including missing floorboards and uneven baskets. Following these early logistical nightmares and a failed attempt to relocate to Newark, the team remained on Long Island for its second year, eventually rebranding as the New York Nets to align with other local sports teams like the Mets and Jets.

The Rick Barry Era and Early Finals

After finishing last in their first season under the Nets moniker with dismal attendance, owner Roy Boe sought a superstar to revitalize the franchise. While an attempt to sign UCLA's Lew Alcindor failed after he chose the Milwaukee Bucks, the team successfully acquired All-Star guard Levern Tart, which helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in 1969–70. The true turning point arrived in 1970 when the Nets traded their number one draft pick and cash to the Virginia Squires to secure Rick Barry. Barry's arrival transformed the team immediately; they secured another playoff berth before moving into the new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the 1971–72 season. Two years after his acquisition, Barry led the Nets to their first-ever ABA Finals appearance in 1972. Despite a strong effort, the franchise fell short against the Indiana Pacers, losing the series four games to two. Following this championship disappointment, Barry departed the team, sending the Nets into a rebuilding phase that saw them win only 30 games the following season.

Julius Erving and Championship Glory

The franchise found its ultimate identity in the mid-1970s after acquiring Julius Erving from the Virginia Squires during the 1973 off-season. Known affectionately as "Dr. J," Erving propelled the Nets to a franchise-record 55 victories, earning him the ABA's Most Valuable Player award and leading the team to their first championship by defeating the Utah Stars in the 1974 Finals. This success was not a fluke; the following season saw them set a new record with 58 wins, though they were eliminated early in the playoffs by the Spirits of St. Louis. The era was marked by tragedy on June 24, 1975, when forward Wendell Ladner died in an Eastern Air Lines crash near JFK Airport. Despite this loss, Erving led the team to another 55-win season and a second MVP award in 1976. In the final ABA championship series against the Denver Nuggets, the Nets orchestrated a massive fourth-quarter comeback from a 22-point deficit at Nassau Coliseum, clinching their second title in three years with decisive scoring from John Williamson.

Legacy of the ABA Years

The period between 1967 and 1976 defined the franchise's early identity through a rollercoaster of venue instability, roster turnover, and eventual championship dominance. Starting as the New Jersey Americans and evolving into the New York Nets, the team overcame significant obstacles, including hostile competition from the NBA and dangerous playing conditions that led to forfeits. The acquisition of stars like Rick Barry laid the groundwork for success, but it was Julius Erving who cemented their legacy with back-to-back championships in 1974 and 1976. These years established the team as a powerhouse capable of setting win records that still stand today. The tragic death of Wendell Ladner remains a somber footnote in this golden era, highlighting the human cost behind the statistics. Ultimately, these ABA years provided the foundation for the franchise's eventual entry into the NBA, carrying forward a history of resilience and high-flying basketball that would influence their future trajectory as they prepared to merge with the larger league.