The New Jersey Nets don’t exactly have an illustrious history.
They were Julius Erving’s team during their ABA glory days on Long Island, winning two titles. They also made the NBA Finals in 2001-02 and 2002-03, losing both times. But New Jersey has never been past the second round otherwise and for a long time played in a bland suburban arena before indifferent crowds.
Maybe that all changes with the move to a new Brooklyn arena next season. But for now, chances to honor the club’s legacy are few and far between. That makes Anthony Morrow’s decision entering this weekend’s All-Star Game more special.
He will wear the No. 3 jersey of former Nets sharpshooter Drazen Petrovic, who died at 28 in a car crash in 1993 in Germany. New Jersey retired his No. 3, and it hangs in the rafters at Prudential Center. Morrow is the first Nets player to appear in the 3-point contest since Petrovic in 1992. He ranks second in NBA history in 3-point shooting at 44.2 percent. Petrovic, in four NBA seasons, was fifth (43.7 percent).
– Brian McNally
