Hoops Habit
Fansided

Every NBA Team’s Signature Season

By Duncan Smith

Feb 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with forward Draymond Green (23) after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with forward Draymond Green (23) after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brooklyn Nets, 2001-02
Record: 52-30
Lost in NBA Finals

Before they were the Brooklyn Nets, there existed the New Jersey Nets. The Nets were a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference in the early-to-middle 2000s, and the best of these teams was the 2001-02 squad. Those Nets were a testament to the greatness of Jason Kidd, who averaged 9.9 assists that season.

Kidd’s ability to elevate his teammates was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that season. Nobody on the Nets’ roster averaged more than the 14.9 points per game of Kenyon Martin, although everybody who averaged 20 minutes or more averaged at least nine points per game.

The Nets battled their way through the Eastern Conference playoffs, needing a decisive fifth game to get by the Indiana Pacers in the first round, beating the Charlotte Hornets 4-1 in the conference semifinals and defeating the Boston Celtics in six games.

They had the misfortune of running into an all-time great team in the Los Angeles Lakers who made short work of the Nets in a quick sweep.

Kidd was named to the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive First Team, and Richard Jefferson was named to the All-Rookie Second Team.

Next: Atlanta Hawks