Brooklyn Nets Best Players of All Time

The Brooklyn Nets have been a staple of the New York City basketball scene since their establishment in 1967. Although they’ve had many changes throughout their history, including relocating to Brooklyn in 2012 and joining the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an expansion team, the team has remained dedicated to providing quality entertainment for fans both home and away. With exciting players like Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie leading them on court, there is no shortage of action when it comes to watching these powerhouse athletes compete at Barclays Center. Whether you’re looking for some classic rivalry with the Knicks or just want to experience one of America’s most iconic sports franchises up close and personal, there are plenty of reasons why attending a game featuring this dynamic squad should be your next priority.

1. Kevin Durant

Power forward

Career

• High school: , National Christian Academy, (Fort Washington, Maryland), Oak Hill Academy, (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia), Montrose Christian School, (Rockville, Maryland)
• College: Texas (2006–2007)
• NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 2007–present
• 2007–2016: Seattle SuperSonics /, Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2016–2019: Golden State Warriors
• 2019–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2× NBA champion (2017, 2018), 2× NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018), NBA Most Valuable Player (2014), 12× NBA All-Star (2010–2019, 2021, 2022), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019), 6× All-NBA First Team (2010–2014, 2018), 4× All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2008), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008), 4× NBA scoring champion (2010–2012, 2014), 50–40–90 club (2013), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Consensus national college player of the year (2007), Consensus first-team All-American (2007), Big 12 Player of the Year (2007), No. 35 retired by Texas Longhorns, FIBA World Championship MVP (2010), 3× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2010, 2016, 2021), McDonald's All-American Game MVP (2006), First-team Parade All-American (2006), Second-team Parade All-American (2005)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympics, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, World Championship/World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympics
• : 2012 London: Team
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• World Championship/World Cup
• : 2010 Turkey: Team

Kevin Durant is a six-time NBA All-Star and two-time scoring champion. He has led the Golden State Warriors to four championships since joining in 2016 and was named MVP of the 2017 Finals.

In 2018, he became only the third player ever to score 50 points or more in three different Finals games (2017, 2018, 2019). In October 2019, Kevin Durant announced his decision to leave the Golden State Warriors after just one season and join the Brooklyn Nets as their newest star player.

A two-time NBA champion and MVP, Durant is one of the most decorated players in league history. After leading Oklahoma City to their first ever title in 2012, he led the Thunder to another championship in 2017. 

Durant has also won a host of other accolades during his time with the Sonics (2006–2007), Thunder (2012) and Warriors (2016). His incredible scoring ability has seen him score over 30 points on numerous occasions throughout his career - making him an absolute nightmare for defenders. 

He remains one of basketball's biggest stars, with lucrative sponsorship deals ensuring that he will continue to be successful for many years to come.

2. Kyrie Irving

Point guard

Career

• High school: , Montclair Kimberley Academy, (Montclair, New Jersey), St. Patrick, (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
• College: Duke (2010–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2017–2019: Boston Celtics
• 2019–present: Brooklyn Nets
• NBA champion (2016), 7× NBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2014), All-NBA Second Team (2019), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2021), 50–40–90 club (2021), NBA Rookie of the Year (2012), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2013), USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2014), FIBA World Cup MVP (2014), McDonald's All-American (2010), First-team Parade All-American (2010)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympics, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2010 San Antonio: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympics
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2010 San Antonio: Team

Kyrie Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia on March 23, 1992. After playing college basketball at Duke, he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 and went on to win an NBA title with them in 2016.

In 2018, Irving joined the Boston Celtics and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. He is married to Ayesha Curry and has two children: daughter Kiari Lee (born October 12, 2017), and son Tristan Kyrie (born February 8, 2020).

Kyrie Irving is known for his strong shooting ability from long range as well as his Passing & Ball Handling skills off the dribble which have made him one of the most feared players in today's NBA game Kyrie Irving was selected 1st overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie has played for four other teams since then, most notably with the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics where he won an NBA championship in 2016. 

Kyrie is a two-time All-Star and MVP award winner, and also earned Second Team All-NBA honors twice during his time with Cleveland as well as being named to the 50/40/90 club (2021).

Kyrie led Boston to playoffs this season before being traded to Brooklyn Nets earlier this month.

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, boston celtics

3. Julius Erving

Career

• High school: Roosevelt (Roosevelt, New York)
• College: UMass (1969–1971)
• NBA draft 1972 / Round: 1 / Pick
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1971–1987
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 32, 6
• 1971–1973: Virginia Squires
• 1973–1976: New York Nets
• 1976–1987: Philadelphia 76ers
• NBA champion (1983), 2× ABA champion (1974, 1976), 2× ABA Playoffs MVP (1974, 1976), NBA Most Valuable Player (1981), 3× ABA Most Valuable Player (1974–1976), 11× NBA All-Star (1977–1987), 5× ABA All-Star (1972–1976), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1977, 1983), 5× All-NBA First Team (1978, 1980–1983), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1977, 1984), 4× All-ABA First Team (1973–1976), All-ABA Second Team (1972), ABA All-Defensive First Team (1976), ABA All-Rookie First Team (1972), 3× ABA scoring champion (1973, 1974, 1976), ABA Slam Dunk champion (1976), J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1983), No. 32 retired by Brooklyn Nets, No. 6 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, ABA All-Time Team, NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), Third-team All-American – NABC, UPI (1971), No. 32 retired by UMass Minutemen
• Points: 30,026 (24.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 10,525 (8.5 rpg)
• Assists: 5,176 (4.2 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Julius Erving was a dominant player in the NBA for many years and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He was born in Roosevelt, New York, in 1950 and played high school basketball there before going on to play college ball at UMass.

After being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972, Erving spent most of his career with them before moving on to the Philadelphia 76ers later on. Julius Erving is currently retired from playing professional basketball but still holds an important place in NBA history as one of its legends.

Julius Erving is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was a three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star, as well as an all-NBA First Team selection five times. 

Erving's accomplishments don't end there – he also won two ABA championships and was named the league's Most Valuable Player twice.

After retiring from basketball, Julius became a successful businessman and philanthropist, helping to create programs that benefit underprivileged youth across America.

Also Played For: big 3, small forward

4. Buck Williams

Power forward

Career

• High school: Rocky Mount, (Rocky Mount, North Carolina)
• College: Maryland (1978–1981)
• NBA draft 1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 1981–1998
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 52
• 1981–1989: New Jersey Nets
• 1989–1996: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1996–1998: New York Knicks
• 3× NBA All-Star (1982, 1983, 1986), All-NBA Second Team (1983), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1990, 1991), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1988, 1992), NBA Rookie of the Year (1982), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1982), No. 52 retired by Brooklyn Nets, 2× Second-team All-ACC (1980, 1981), ACC Rookie of the Year (1979)
• Points: 16,784 (12.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 13,017 (10.0 rpg)
• Assists: 1,646 (1.3 apg)

Buck Williams was drafted 3rd overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 1981 NBA draft. He played for the Nets from 1981 to 1998, and averaged 18.4 points per game over his career.

Williams achieved some of his best success with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won two consecutive MVPs (1989 and 1990). After retiring from playing basketball, Buck started a broadcasting career with Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) in 1999.

In 2006, he received an honorary degree from Maryland University as part of their class of distinguished alumni; this was one year after receiving an award from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business for his business achievements outside of basketball Buck Williams was an All-Star and 2x Defensive First Team selection with the Portland Trail Blazers.

He then played for the Knicks and was a key player on their run to the NBA Finals in 1998. After his playing career, Williams served as a broadcaster for both TNT and ESPN until his retirement in 2015.

Also Played For: university of maryland

5. Vince Carter

Career

• High school: Mainland (Daytona Beach, Florida)
• College: North Carolina (1995–1998)
• NBA draft 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1998–2020
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 15, 25
• 1998–2004: Toronto Raptors
• 2004–2009: New Jersey Nets
• 2009–2010: Orlando Magic
• 2010–2011: Phoenix Suns
• 2011–2014: Dallas Mavericks
• 2014–2017: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2017–2018: Sacramento Kings
• 2018–2020: Atlanta Hawks
• 8× NBA All-Star (2000–2007), All-NBA Second Team (2001), All-NBA Third Team (2000), NBA Rookie of the Year (1999), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2000), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2020), NBA Teammate of the Year (2016), Consensus second-team All-American (1998), First-team All-ACC (1998), Third-team All-ACC (1997), No. 15 honored by North Carolina Tar Heels, First-team Parade All-American (1995), McDonald's All-American (1995), Florida Mr. Basketball (1995)
• Points: 25,728 (16.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 6,606 (4.3 rpg)
• Assists: 4,714 (3.1 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2000 Sydney: Team Competition, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2003 San Juan: Team Competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2000 Sydney: Team Competition
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2003 San Juan: Team Competition

Vince Carter was born on January 26, 1977, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Vince Carter played college basketball for North Carolina and then entered the NBA as a fifth-round pick by the Golden State Warriors in 1998.

In his nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors (1998–2004) and New Jersey Nets (2004–2009), Vince Carter averaged 21.5 points per game and made three All-Star appearances. After he left the Nets, Vince Carter joined the Dallas Mavericks where he won an NBA title in 2011 before retiring at the end of that season.

Since his retirement from playing professional basketball, Vince has worked as a commentator for ESPN's coverage of various sports events including Wimbledon tennis matches and soccer games featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among others.

Additionally, he is also involved with several businesses ventures such as owning a restaurant in Las Vegas called "Carter's Smokehouse".

Also Played For: dallas mavericks, unc basketball

6. Brook Lopez

Center

Career

• High school: San Joaquin Memorial, (Fresno, California)
• College: Stanford (2006–2008)
• NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 2008–present
• 2008–2017: New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets
• 2017–2018: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2018–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), NBA All-Star (2013), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2008), First-team All-Pac-10 (2008), Third-team Parade All-American (2006), McDonald's All-American (2006)

Lopez was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2008 and has been with them ever since. Lopez is a versatile center who can score inside or outside, averaging over 20 points per game for his career.

Lopez has won three championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and is an all-star player every season he plays. With age coming on strong for many NBA players, Lopez remains one of the best centers in the league, if not THE best.

Lopez was a three-time All-Pac-10 selection and first-team Parade All-American. Lopez had an impressive rookie campaign with the Nets, averaging 14.8 points and 7 rebounds per game before being traded to the Lakers in 2017. 

Lopez has continued his strong play with Los Angeles, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds per game this season on 49% shooting from the field – both career highs.

With another title likely coming his way in 2021, Lopez is one of the most decorated players in NBA history bar none.

Also Played For: center basketball, 2009–10 nba season

7. James Harden

Shooting guard

Career

• 2009–2012: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2012–2021: Houston Rockets
• 2021–2022: Brooklyn Nets
• 2022–present: Philadelphia 76ers

James Harden is a 3-time NBA All Star and was the 2017–2018 MVP. He has led the Houston Rockets to 2 consecutive championships, and he is looking for his third title in 2020.

Harden played college basketball at Arizona State before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009. In 2012, he signed with the Houston Rockets and led them to their first championship that same year.

As of 2019, James Harden averages 27 points per game which makes him one of the most lethal scorers in all of basketball James Harden is a two-time NBA scoring champion and six-time All-NBA selection. 

He led the Houston Rockets to their first championship in 2017 and was named MVP of the title game.

In 2018, he helped lead the Brooklyn Nets to their first-ever playoff appearance. James Harden's skills have earned him numerous awards, including Most Valuable Player and Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Also Played For: fantasy basketball, nba 75th anniversary team

8. Nic Claxton

Power forward

Career

• High school: Legacy Charter School, (Greenville, South Carolina)
• College: Georgia (2017–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 2 / Pick: 31st overall
• Selected by the Brooklyn Nets
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2019–2020: →Long Island Nets
• Second-team All-SEC – Coaches (2019)

Nic Claxton was born on April 17, 1999 in Greenville, South Carolina. Nic played high school basketball for Legacy Charter School before being drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Nic is a center and stands at 6'11" tall and weighs 215 pounds (98 kilograms). Nic has represented both America and U.S Virgin Islander internationally with the junior national teams. 

Nic's career to date includes playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League, Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League Barueri Esporte Clube of Brazil's Série B1 playoffs. 

PGE Skra Bełchatów of Poland’s Liga Okręgowa 1 playoff series as well as appearing in 21 games for Dutch side Oostende during their 2018-19 season where he averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from 3-point range en route to winning Belgian Cup MVP honors.

Also Played For: georgia bulldogs men's basketball

9. Richard Jefferson

Small forward

Career

• High school: Moon Valley, (Phoenix, Arizona)
• College: Arizona (1998–2001)
• NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 2001–2018
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 24, 44, 22
• 2001–2008: New Jersey Nets
• 2008–2009: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2009–2012: San Antonio Spurs
• 2012–2013: Golden State Warriors
• 2013–2014: Utah Jazz
• 2014–2015: Dallas Mavericks
• 2015–2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2017–2018: Denver Nuggets
• NBA champion (2016), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2002), McDonald's All-American (1998), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1998)
• Points: 14,904 (12.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,720 (4.0 rpg)
• Assists: 2,412 (2.0 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2004 Athens: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2003 San Juan:
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2004 Athens: Team
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2003 San Juan:

Jefferson was drafted 13th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2001. Jefferson played with the New Jersey Nets from 2001 to 2008, averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds per game over his career.

Jefferson then signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009, where he would remain until 2018. In 2017, Jefferson averaged 18 points and 7 rebounds per game for Cleveland during their run to the NBA Finals.

Jefferson is a two-time All Star (2010, 2016) and won an Olympic Gold Medal as part of Team USA in 2012 Jefferson was drafted in the first round of the 1998 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Jefferson played for six different teams during his professional career, averaging 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game throughout it all.

In 2016, Jefferson led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first championship in franchise history after defeating the Golden State Warriors in seven games; he averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds throughout that postseason run. 

Outside of basketball, Jefferson is a successful businessman; he is currently an executive vice president at Beats By Dre and has been since 2014.

Also Played For: arizona wildcats men's basketball, 2003–04 nba season

10. Joe Harris

Small forward

Career

• High school: Chelan (Chelan, Washington)
• College: Virginia (2010–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 33rd overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2016: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2015: →Canton Charge
• 2016–present: Brooklyn Nets
• NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2019), First-team All-ACC (2013), Second-team All-ACC – Coaches (2014), Third-team All-ACC – Media (2014), ACC tournament MVP (2014), Washington Mr. Basketball (2010), Gatorade Washington Player of the Year (2010)

Joe Harris was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA draft. He played for the Cavs until 2018, when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. In 2019, Joe Harris led the Nets in scoring and made an All-Star team nomination.

Joe Harris was an All-ACC second-team selection in both 2013 and 2014. Joe Harris won the NBA Three-Point Contest in 2019, becoming the first player from Brooklyn to win a title. Joe Harris is averaging 12 points per game this season while shooting 43 percent from three point range.

Joe Harris played his college ball at Washington where he became Mr Basketball of 2010 before being drafted by Cleveland in 2014.

Also Played For: virginia cavaliers men's basketball, university of virginia basketball

11. Derrick Coleman

Power forward

Career

• 1990–1995: New Jersey Nets
• 1995–1998: Philadelphia 76ers
• 1999–2001: Charlotte Hornets
• 2001–2004: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2004–2005: Detroit Pistons

Derrick Coleman was a power forward and center for the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets during his playing career.

He was drafted first overall in the 1990 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. Coleman appeared in over 1000 games during his 14-year NBA career averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Derrick Coleman retired from professional basketball after the 2005 season at age 37 due to knee injuries sustained while playing with the Rockets that year. Derrick Coleman was a dominant player in the 1990s, winning multiple awards and accolades.

He was an All-American at Syracuse and one of the best forwards of his era. Derrick Coleman played for five different teams over his career and is now retired from basketball.

Also Played For: syracuse orange men's basketball, michigan high school basketball

12. Dražen Petrović

Shooting guard

Career

• NBA draft 1986 / Round: 3 / Pick: 60th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 1979–1993
• Number: 4, 9, 10, 5, 44, 3
• 1979–1983: Šibenka
• 1984–1988: Cibona
• 1988–1989: Real Madrid
• 1989–1991: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1991–1993: New Jersey Nets
• All-NBA Third Team (1993), 2× EuroLeague champion (1985, 1986), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1985), FIBA European Selection (1987), 4× Euroscar (1986, 1989, 1992, 1993), 2× Mr. Europa Award (1986, 1993), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1987, 1989), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup Finals Top Scorer (1987, 1989), FIBA Korać Cup Finals Top Scorer (1988), Spanish League Top Scorer (1989), Spanish Cup winner (1989), Spanish Cup Final Top Scorer (1989), Yugoslav League champion (1985), 3× Yugoslav Cup winner (1985, 1986, 1988), FIBA World Championship MVP (1986), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1989), Best Athlete of Yugoslavia (1985), Yugoslav Sportsman of the Year (1985), Croatian Sportsman of the Year (1985, 1986), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Olympic Order (1993), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), No. 3 retired by Brooklyn Nets, No. 10 retired by Cibona
• Points: 4,461 (15.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 669 (2.3 rpg)
• Assists: 701 (2.4 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Olympic Games, : 1984 Los Angeles: Team, : 1988 Seoul: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1986 Spain: , : 1990 Argentina: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1987 Greece: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , Universiade, : 1983 Edmonton: , : 1987 Zagreb: , European U18 Championship, : 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18, Representing  Croatia, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Olympic Games
• 1984 Los Angeles: Team
• 1988 Seoul: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• 1986 Spain:
• 1990 Argentina:
• FIBA EuroBasket
• 1987 Greece:
• 1989 Yugoslavia:
• Universiade
• 1983 Edmonton:
• 1987 Zagreb:
• European U18 Championship
• 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18
• Representing  Croatia
• Olympic Games
• 1992 Barcelona: Team

Petrović was a Croatian shooting guard who played in the NBA for ten seasons. He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with 60th overall pick in 1986 and spent three seasons there before moving to the New Jersey Nets.

Petrović is best known for his time at Cibona where he won two Yugoslav Championships and one EuroLeague Championship, as well as being named MVP of both tournaments in 1988.

 Petrović died from cancer at age 28 in 1993, just months after helping Croatia win their first-ever Olympic gold medal basketball game against Yugoslavia.

Dražen Petrović was a prolific scorer in the European leagues, winning multiple awards. He also excelled at EuroBasket competition, where he won two consecutive MVPs and three championships with Yugoslavia. 

After playing for several teams in Europe, Petrović eventually joined Real Madrid and helped lead them to back-to-back NBA titles in 1988–1989.

Also Played For: real madrid baloncesto, eurobasket

13. Kenny Anderson

Career

• 1991–1996: New Jersey Nets
• 1996: Charlotte Hornets
• 1996–1998: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1998–2002: Boston Celtics
• 2002–2003: Seattle SuperSonics
• 2003: New Orleans Hornets
• 2003–2004: Indiana Pacers
• 2004–2005: Atlanta Hawks
• 2005: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2005–2006: Žalgiris Kaunas

Kenny Anderson played for the New Jersey Nets from 1991 to 2006. Anderson was a two-time All-Star and led the Nets to their first playoff berth in franchise history in 1996.

In 2001, he became just the fifth player in NBA history to record at least 20,000 assists and 5,000 rebounds during his career. After retiring as a player, Anderson served as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2013 to 2014 before joining the Atlanta Hawks' coaching staff in 2015.

He was named interim head coach of the Utah Jazz on February 3, 2019 following Quin Snyder's firing but was replaced six days later with Dave Joerger As a player, Kenny Anderson was both talented and tenacious. 

He played for several teams over the course of his career, including the Nets, Hornets, Blazers, Celtics, Pacers and Hawks.

Anderson won an NBA All-Star Game selection in 1994 and was also a consensus first-team All-American in 1991. After playing briefly in Lithuania with Žalgiris Kaunas after leaving the NBA, Anderson became a coach in 2018.

14. Kenyon Martin

Power forward

Career

• High school: Bryan Adams (Dallas, Texas)
• College: Cincinnati (1996–2000)
• NBA draft 2000 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 2000–2015
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 6, 4, 2, 3
• 2000–2004: New Jersey Nets
• 2004–2011: Denver Nuggets
• 2011: Xinjiang Flying Tigers
• 2012: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2013–2014: New York Knicks
• 2015: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA All-Star (2004), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2001), National college player of the year (2000), Consensus first-team All-American (2000), NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2000), Conference USA Player of the Year (2000), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (1999, 2000), No. 4 retired by Cincinnati Bearcats
• Points: 9,325 (12.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,159 (6.8 rpg)
• Assists: 1,439 (1.9 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2003 San Juan: National team, Goodwill Games, : 2001 Brisbane: National team, Summer Universiade, : 1999 Palma: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2003 San Juan: National team
• Goodwill Games
• : 2001 Brisbane: National team
• Summer Universiade
• : 1999 Palma: National team

Kenyon Martin was one of the most sought-after high school basketball players in America. He attended Cincinnati and then went on to be drafted first overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2000 NBA draft.

Martin enjoyed a successful career with the Nuggets, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game over his 14-year playing career. In April 2015, he announced that he would be retiring at the end of that season due to numerous injuries sustained during play.

Martin is now widely considered one of the greatest power forwards ever to play in the NBA and has been awarded several accolades including six All-Star appearances and three MVP awards Kenyon Martin is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire career with the Toronto Raptors.

He was drafted by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 1999 NBA draft, and he went on to play for five other teams before joining Toronto in 2006. 

In 9 seasons with Toronto, Martin averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while winning two All-Star games and an Olympic gold medal as part of Team USA's 2004 squad.

After retiring from playing professionally in 2013, Martin has worked as a commentator for several NBA games broadcasts, most notably TNT's coverage of the 2017–18 season opener between the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks which featured his son Jaren scoring 16 points off the bench.

Also Played For: cincinnati bearcats men's basketball, big3

15. Rick Barry

Career

• High school: Roselle Park, (Roselle Park, New Jersey)
• College: Miami (Florida) (1962–1965)
• NBA draft 1965 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the San Francisco Warriors
• Playing career: 1965–1980
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 24, 2, 4
• 1965–1967: San Francisco Warriors
• 1968–1970: Oakland Oaks / Washington Caps
• 1970–1972: New York Nets
• 1972–1978: Golden State Warriors
• 1978–1980: Houston Rockets
• NBA champion (1975), NBA Finals MVP (1975), ABA champion (1969), 8× NBA All-Star (1966, 1967, 1973–1978), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1967), 5x All-NBA First Team (1966, 1967, 1974–1976), All-NBA Second Team (1973), 4× ABA All-Star (1969–1972), 4× All-ABA First Team (1969–1972), NBA Rookie of the Year (1966), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1966), NBA scoring champion (1967), NBA steals leader (1975), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 24 retired by Golden State Warriors, Consensus first-team All-American (1965), NCAA season scoring leader (1965), No. 24 retired by Miami Hurricanes
• Points: 25,279 (24.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 6,863 (6.7 rpg)
• Assists: 4,952 (4.9 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Barry was one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, averaging over 20 points per game throughout his career. Barry played for six different teams during his 14-year professional basketball career, including San Francisco and Oakland Oaks/Washington Caps.

Barry is best known for leading the Golden State Warriors to their first championship in 1975 and being named MVP of that year's playoffs. In 1980, he retired from playing professionally due to a knee injury sustained earlier in the season. 

After retiring from playing basketball, Barry worked as a color commentator on various broadcasts across networks throughout America before becoming a television analyst in 1999 and then working as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat beginning in 2006 until his retirement in 2016.

Also Played For: miami hurricanes basketball, nba playoffs best player

16. Deron Williams

Point guard

Career

• High school: The Colony (The Colony, Texas)
• College: Illinois (2002–2005)
• NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Utah Jazz
• Playing career: 2005–2017
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 8, 31
• 2005–2011: Utah Jazz
• 2011–2015: New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets
• 2011: Beşiktaş
• 2015–2017: Dallas Mavericks
• 2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 3× NBA All-Star (2010–2012), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2008, 2010), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2006), No. 8 retired by Beşiktaş, No. 5 jersey honored by Illinois, Consensus second-team All-American (2005), 2× First-team All-Big Ten – Media (2004, 2005), 2× First-team All-Big Ten – Coaches (2004, 2005)
• Points: 13,804 (16.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,619 (3.1 rpg)
• Assists: 6,819 (8.1 apg)
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2007 Las Vegas: , FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2002 Isla Margarita: Team
• Men's Basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2008 Beijing: Team
• : 2012 London: Team
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2007 Las Vegas:
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2002 Isla Margarita: Team

Deron Williams is a retired point guard who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. He was drafted third overall by the Utah Jazz in 2005 and spent five seasons with them before joining the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets franchise in 2011.

Deron won an NBA championship with the Brooklyn Nets in 2017, his last season playing professionally. Deron Williams is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Second Team selection. In 2005, he was the consensus second-team All-American.

He played for the Dallas Mavericks from 2007 to 2015 before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

17. Bernard King

Small forward

Career

• 4× NBA All-Star (1982, 1984, 1985, 1991)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (1984, 1985)
• All-NBA Second Team (1982)
• All-NBA Third Team (1991)
• NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1981)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1978)
• NBA scoring champion (1985)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1977)
• Consensus second-team All-American (1976)
• Third-team All-American – NABC (1975)
• 3× SEC Player of the Year (1975–1977)
• No. 53 retired by Tennessee Volunteers

Bernard King was a versatile player who excelled at both scoring and defense. He spent most of his career with the Golden State Warriors, where he won two NBA championships.

King played college basketball for Tennessee, where he led the team to the NCAA Championship in 1977. After being drafted by the New York Nets in 1977, he went on to play for the Nets, Utah Jazz, and then Golden State Warriors before retiring in 1993.

King is one of only five players ever to win an MVP award (1978), a championship (1979 with Utah Jazz), and a Finals MVP Award (1981 with Golden State Warriors). 

In 1999, Bernard was posthumously awarded an honorary degree from his alma mater Tennessee University.

King was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to fitness; as a result of these habits, he remained injury free throughout his playing career. 

In 2007, Bernard received The Presidential Medal Of Freedom from U Bernard King was an all-star player in the NBA for many years, and he is particularly remembered for his clutch play.

He played college basketball at Tennessee, where he won three conference titles and was named a third-team All-American. After several successful seasons with the New York Knicks, King was traded to Washington in 1987. 

He continued to be a valuable player on both teams until retiring in 1991 after playing with the Nets for two more seasons. 

Bernard King has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

18. Stephon Marbury

Point guard

Career

• 2× NBA All-Star (2001, 2003)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2000, 2003)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)
• Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (1996)
• First-team All-ACC (1996)
• ACC Rookie of the Year (1996)
• 2× First-team Parade All-American (1994, 1995)
• McDonald's All-American (1995)
• Mr. New York Basketball (1995)
• 3× CBA champion (2012, 2014, 2015)
• CBA Finals MVP (2015)
• CBA International MVP (2017)
• 3× CBA All Star

Stephon Marbury is a former NBA player who was most notably with the Milwaukee Bucks. He had a successful playing career, averaging 23.1 points and 5.7 assists per game in his 14-year career.

After leaving the NBA, he has been coaching in China where he has led the Beijing Royal Fighters to two CBA championships (2013, 2017).

Stephon Marbury was born on February 20th, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York and attended Abraham Lincoln High School before going onto play college basketball at Georgia Tech University where he won three NCAA Championships (1996–1998).

In 1996, the then- Milwaukee Bucks drafted him 4th overall and he went on to have a hugely successful professional playing career with them from 1996 until 2018.

When they traded him to Boston Celtics for Kyrie Irving Stephon Marbury is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time Third Team All-NBA player. He played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, and the Knicks before coaching in China with Beijing Royal Fighters from 2019 to present.

Stephon Marbury’s career was highly decorated as he won 2x NBA All Star Game MVP Awards, as well as being an AP third team all american and a NJNets second team all american selection during his playing days in America.

19. Keith Van Horn

Power forward

Career

• High school: Diamond Bar, (Diamond Bar, California)
• College: Utah (1993–1997)
• NBA draft 1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 1997–2006
• Position: Power forward / Small forward
• Number: 44, 4, 2
• 1997–2002: New Jersey Nets
• 2002–2003: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2003–2004: New York Knicks
• 2004–2005: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2005–2006: Dallas Mavericks
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998), Consensus first-team All-American (1997), Consensus second-team All-American (1996), 3× WAC Player of the Year (1995–1997), 4× First-team All-WAC (1994–1997), No. 44 retired by Utah Utes
• Points: 9,206 (16.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,909 (6.8 rpg)
• Assists: 900 (1.6 apg)

Van Horn was a power forward and small forward who played for the Nets, 76ers, Mavericks and Lakers from 1997 to 2006. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1997 and spent seven seasons with them before joining the Mavericks in 2005.

Van Horn is best known for his time with the Mavs where he won two championship titles in 2007 and 2010 as well as being named an All-Star twice during that period. In 2011, he signed with the Lakers but after just one season left LA to join Turkish club Fenerbahçe İstanbul BB on a three-year deal.

Keith Vanhorn retired from professional basketball following the 2016–17 season having played in 721 games over 12 years – averaging 18 points, six rebounds and two assists per game across all competitions.[2] Keith Van Horn played professional basketball for 14 seasons, most notably with the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.

Keith Van Horn was a three-time WAC Player of the Year and four-time First Team All-WAC selection. Keith Vanhorn retired after playing for Utah in the 2006 season.

20. Spencer Dinwiddie

Point guard

Career

• High school: William Howard Taft, (Woodland Hills, California)
• College: Colorado (2011–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2016: Detroit Pistons
• 2014–2016: →Grand Rapids Drive
• 2016: Windy City Bulls
• 2016–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–2022: Washington Wizards
• 2022–present: Dallas Mavericks
• First-team All-Pac-12 (2013)

Dinwiddie was drafted by the Mavericks in 2014. He played college basketball at Colorado and has been a starter for their team since he entered the league.

Dinwiddie is known for his shooting ability, which has led him to average around 16 points per game over his career so far. He joined the Washington Wizards as an unrestricted free agent in 2019 and helped them reach the playoffs that year.

As of 2021, Spencer Dinwiddie is still playing with the Washington Wizards and is considered one of their key players on both offense and defense Spencer Dinwiddie was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2014 NBA Draft. 

Spencer has played for both the Detroit Pistons and Grand Rapids Drive during his career so far.

He is a versatile player who can play either shooting guard or small forward positions. In 2016, he signed with the Windy City Bulls before moving to Brooklyn Nets in 2017 and Washington Wizards in 2018. He joined Dallas Mavericks for the 2019-20 season as a free agent.

Also Played For: colorado buffaloes men's basketball, western conference

21. Ben Simmons

Point guard

Career

• 2016–2022: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets

Ben Simmons was born on July 20th, 1996 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 

He attended high school at Box Hill Senior Secondary College in Melbourne and then played college basketball for LSU before being drafted 1st overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA draft.

Ben Simmons is a point guard and power forward who has averaged 22 points per game over his career so far with the Sixers. He is also known for his explosive dunks and outstanding court vision. 

Ben Simmons is currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA where he has made significant contributions both on and off the court thus far. 

Ben Simmons was selected with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Ben Simmons has had a successful career.

In both the NBA and internationally, winning multiple awards including 3 All-Star games and 2 Defensive First Team honors. 

Ben Simmons is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets, where he continues to be one of their most valuable players on both sides of the ball.

Also Played For: point guard, nba defensive

22. Jarrett Allen

Center

Career

• High school: , Round Rock (Round Rock, Texas), St. Stephen's Episcopal School, (Austin, Texas)
• College: Texas (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22nd overall
• Selected by the Brooklyn Nets
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• NBA All-Star (2022), Third-team All-Big 12 (2017), McDonald's All-American (2016)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2016 Chile: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2016 Chile: National team

Jarrett Allen is a 24-year-old center from San Diego, California. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2017 and has since played for them, Toronto Raptors and now Cleveland Cavaliers.

JarrettAllen is known for his high energy play on the court and strong defense. In 2018–19 he averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block per game while playing 39 minutes per contest. Allen will be participating in this year's NBA All Star Game in Cleveland as part of the Eastern Conference team.

Jarrett Allen is a two-time McDonald’s All American and was a third team selection to the 2017 NBA All Star game. Jarrett started his collegiate career at Texas before transferring to Iowa State for his sophomore season where he averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds and 1 block per game. 

He was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets with the 7th overall pick in the 2017 draft and has since played for Cleveland Cavaliers.

Allen is known for his athleticism, strength, rebounding skills and shotblocking ability on both sides of the ball which will be important as he progresses in his young career.

Also Played For: bleacher report nba, texas longhorns men's basketball

23. Bill Melchionni

Career

• High school: Bishop Eustace Prep, (Pennsauken Township, New Jersey)
• College: Villanova (1963–1966)
• NBA draft 1966 / Round: 2 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 1966–1976
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 28, 3, 25
• 1966–1968: Philadelphia 76ers
• 1968–1970: Trenton Colonials
• 1969–1976: New York Nets
• NBA champion (1967), 2× ABA champion (1974, 1976), 3× ABA All-Star (1971–1973), 3× ABA assists leader (1971–1973), All-ABA First Team (1972), No. 25 retired by Brooklyn Nets, Robert V. Geasey Trophy winner (1966), NIT MVP (1966)
• Points: 6,870 (10.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,284 (2.0 rpg)
• Assists: 3,247 (5.0 apg)

Melchionni was a point guard who played in the NBA for over 20 years. He attended Bishop Eustace Prep and then went on to play college ball at Villanova.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1966, and spent his entire career with them. Melchionni is one of only two players (the other being Gail Goodrich) to win an MVP award, three All-Star Games, and four scoring titles in their career.

He retired from playing in 1976 after winning his fourth scoring title, which made him the all-time leading scorer in Sixers history at that time. Bill Melchionni is currently 78 years old and lives near Philadelphia with his wife Kathy and son Johnathan Jr.

Melchionni attended Seton Hall University and played for the school's basketball team. He was drafted by the New York Nets in the second round of the 1969 NBA draft, and he would go on to play six seasons. 

With them before joining the Boston Celtics in 1974. Melchionni won two championships with the Nets (1967, 1976) and also appeared in three All-Star games during his tenure there.

After leaving New York, Melchionni joined Boston and was part of their championship teams in 1978 and 1980. He retired from playing after that season but remained involved with coaching until 2003 when he passed away at age 73 due to a heart attack.

24. Cam Thomas

Guard

Career

• High school: , Oscar F. Smith, (Chesapeake, Virginia), Oak Hill Academy, (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia)
• College: LSU (2020–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27th overall
• Selected by the Brooklyn Nets
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021: →Long Island Nets
• First-team All-SEC (2021), SEC All-Freshman Team (2021)

Cam Thomas was born in Yokosuka, Japan on October 13th, 2001. He attended Oscar F. Smith High School and played for the Chesapeake Cavaliers basketball team.

Cam is a shooting guard with NBA aspirations and signed his first professional contract with the Brooklyn Nets in February of 2022. At 21 years old, Cam has a lot of potentials to develop into one of the best shooting guards in the league over time.

In 2020-21 season, he averaged 10 points per game while playing for Brooklyn junior varsity squad before joining their main roster later that year as an undrafted free agent.

He went on to make his debut against the Philadelphia 76ers in November of 2021 and subsequently became a regular starter for them until being traded to Atlanta Hawks at the end of 2019-20 season.

Where he spent the majority of 2020-21 campaign before being waived by them towards beginning od 2023-24 season due to injury problems (he eventually recovered from these injuries).

Also Played For: nba summer league

25. Blake Griffin

Power forward

Career

• High school: Oklahoma Christian, (Edmond, Oklahoma)
• College: Oklahoma (2007–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–2018: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2018–2021: Detroit Pistons
• 2021–2022: Brooklyn Nets
• 2022–present: Boston Celtics
• 6× NBA All-Star (2011–2015, 2019), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2012–2014), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2019), NBA Rookie of the Year (2011), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2011), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2011), National college player of the year (2009), Consensus first-team All-American (2009), NCAA rebounding leader (2009), Big 12 Player of the Year (2009), No. 23 honored by Oklahoma Sooners, Third-team Parade All-American (2007), McDonald's All-American (2007)

Blake Griffin is a professional basketball player who has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Clippers. Griffin was drafted first overall in the 2009 NBA draft and has since become one of the most dominant players in the league.

He led the Clippers to their first ever championship in 2017, and he is widely considered to be one of the best players in history. 

Blake Griffin also has a number of other honours including three MVP Awards, two Finals MVP Awards, four All-Star Game appearances, and two Olympic gold medals (2012 Beijing Olympics and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics).

In 2019, it was announced that Blake had signed a five year contract extension with the Clippers worth over $200 million dollars – making him arguably still at his peak as a player. Blake Griffin is an All-Star and 3-time All-NBA player with the Detroit Pistons. 

He was drafted 1st overall by the LA Clippers in 2009, and has been a key part of their success ever since.

Blake Griffin led the NBA in rebounding for two consecutive seasons (2010–2011), and also won a Dunk Contest title in 2011. In 2015, he joined forces with Kyrie Irving to lead Boston to its first championship in 54 years. 

Blake Griffin finished his rookie season as NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 22 points per game and 10 rebounds per contest - making him one of only four players to average 20+ PPG/10+ RPG as a rookie (Karl Malone, Michael Jordan & Kevin Durant).

26. Patty Mills

Guard

Career

• High school: , Marist College, (Canberra), Lake Ginninderra, (Canberra)
• College: Saint Mary's (2007–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 2 / Pick: 55th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–2011: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2009–2010: →Idaho Stampede
• 2011: Melbourne Tigers
• 2011–2012: Xinjiang Flying Tigers
• 2012–2021: San Antonio Spurs
• 2021–present: Brooklyn Nets
• NBA champion (2014), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2022), The Don Award Winner (2021), 2× Gaze Medalist (2008, 2010), 2× First-team All-WCC (2008, 2009), WCC Newcomer of the Year (2008), WCC All-Freshman Team (2008), No. 13 retired by Saint Mary's Gaels
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Australia, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, FIBA Oceania Championship, : 2007 Australia: , : 2011 Australia: , : 2013 Australia: , : 2015 Australia:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Australia
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA Oceania Championship
• : 2007 Australia:
• : 2011 Australia:
• : 2013 Australia:
• : 2015 Australia:

Patty Mills was born in 1988, and played high school basketball for Marist College in Canberra, Australia. After graduating from high school, Patty Mills attended Saint Mary's College in California for two years before transferring to Lake Ginninderra High School in Canberra to play college ball.

In 2007, Patty Mills helped lead Saint Mary's to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship game where they lost to Gonzaga 55–54 on a last-second shot by Adam Morrison. 

After his impressive freshman season at Saint Mary's (2007–2008), Patric Young declared for the 2008 NBA draft but Mills decided instead to return for his sophomore year (2008–2009).

During his sophomore season with Saint Mary's, Mills averaged 14 points per game and led them all the way back to the NCAA Tournament where they narrowly lost 60 – 59 against Texas A&M after leading by as many as 18 points early in the second half of their semifinal matchup. 

On 11 August 2009, he signed with Spanish team Real Madrid of Liga ACB; however due to injury problems that plagued him during his time overseas he only played 6 games over 2 seasons before returning home and joining Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel on 1 July 2011.

He then transferred again on 28 January 2014 this time signing with Golden State Warriors. On 10 February 2017 , Patty Mills signed a three-year contract extension with Golden State worth $21 million dollars through 2020-2021. 

 Patty has had trouble staying healthy throughout much of his professional career which has limited him both offensively and defensively at different times but when he is able or available there is no one more dangerous than Millsy off the dribble.

Also Played For: fiba basketball world cup, san antonio spurs

27. Seth Curry

Guard

Career

• High school: Charlotte Christian, (Charlotte, North Carolina)
• College: , Liberty (2008–2009), Duke (2010–2013)
• NBA draft: 2013 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2013–present
• 2013–2014: Santa Cruz Warriors
• 2013–2014: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2014: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2014–2015: Erie BayHawks
• 2015: Phoenix Suns
• 2015–2016: Sacramento Kings
• 2016–2018: Dallas Mavericks
• 2018–2019: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2019–2020: Dallas Mavericks
• 2020–2022: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2× NBA D-League All-Star (2014, 2015), All-NBA D-League First Team (2015), All-NBA D-League Third Team (2014), NBA D-League All-Rookie First Team (2014), Second-team All-American – SN (2013), First-team All-ACC (2013), Third-team All-ACC (2012)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, U-19 World Championship, : 2009 New Zealand: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• U-19 World Championship
• : 2009 New Zealand: Team

Seth Curry was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 23, 1990. He attended high school at Charlotte Christian and played for the team from 2008-2009 before going to Duke University for two years.

After graduating from Duke with a degree in business administration in 2013, Seth entered the NBA draft but went undrafted and decided to play overseas instead. During his time playing overseas, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks where he currently plays shooting guard/small forward.

Seth's first season with the Mavericks was impressive averaging 18 points per game on 45% shooting along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists while also providing leadership on and off court as captain of their D-League affiliate.

The Texas Legends; helping them make it all the way to the Finals where they lost against The Golden State Warriors 99-92 after leading 2 games to 1 (including a 101-95 victory at home).

In 2018–19 he averaged 22 points per game on 50% shooting along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists while becoming an All Star for Dallas alongside teammates Dirk Nowitzki (forward) & Harrison Barnes (power forward); finishing third overall in voting behind Kyrie Irving & Anthony Davis respectively. 

On July 6th 2019, it was announced that Curry had signed a three year contract extension worth $101 million ($40 million each year) with Dallas which will keep him there until 2021 barring any unforeseen circumstances or injuries; making him one of only 8 players ever to sign an extended deal worth over $100 million (>=$201k annually).

Also Played For: duke university, shooting guard

28. Kessler Edwards

Small forward

Career

• High school: Etiwanda, (Rancho Cucamonga, California)
• College: Pepperdine (2018–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 2 / Pick: 44th overall
• Selected by the Brooklyn Nets
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–2022: →Long Island Nets
• CBI champion (2021), First-team All-WCC (2021), Second-team All-WCC (2020), WCC All-Freshman Team (2019)

Kessler Edwards is a 21-year-old small forward who was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020 NBA Draft. He played collegiately at Pepperdine where he averaged 12 points, three rebounds, and one assists per game during his two seasons there.

Edwards is considered a versatile player with good shooting skills and ball handling abilities. He will likely be used as a starter for the Milwaukee Bucks this upcoming season after being traded to them from the Brooklyn Nets earlier this year.

Kessler Edwards was drafted 44th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021 NBA Draft. Kessler Edwards played his entire career with the Brooklyn Nets, where he has won two CBI championships and been a part of first-team All-WCC teams twice. 

In 2019, Kessler Edwards was named to the Second Team WCC All-Freshman squad after averaging 12 points per game over 33 games played for Long Island Nets during that season.

29. Day'Ron Sharpe

Forward

Career

• High school: , South Central, (Winterville, North Carolina), Montverde Academy, (Montverde, Florida)
• College: North Carolina (2020–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 1 / Pick: 29th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–2022: →Long Island Nets
• ACC All-Freshman Team (2021), McDonald's All-American (2020)

Day'Ron Sharpe is a 21-year-old power forward/center for the Brooklyn Nets. Day'Ron was born in Greenville, North Carolina on November 6th, 2001. He attended high school at South Central before attending Montverde Academy where he starred as a freshman and sophomore before signing with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022.

Day'Ron has developed into one of the most promising young players in the NBA and is expected to be a cornerstone of the Brooklyn Nets for years to come Day'Ron Sharpe is a 2021 NBA Draft prospect who played college basketball at North Carolina. 

He was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2021 draft and has since played for Brooklyn Nets and Long Island Nets in his career to date.

Day'Ron Sharpe has had success both as a rookie player, averaging 14 points per game over 82 games, and more recently as an established veteran, posting averages of 16 points and six rebounds per game this season for the Brooklyn Nets. 

Day'Ron Sharpe is known for his athleticism and explosiveness on court which have seen him be compared favourably to players such as James Harden and Kyrie Irving, making him one of the most promising prospects in upcoming years of professional basketball.

30. Royce O'Neale

Small forward

Career

• High school: Harker Heights, (Harker Heights, Texas)
• College: , Denver (2011–2013), Baylor (2013–2015)
• NBA draft: 2015 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2016: Riesen Ludwigsburg
• 2016–2017: Gran Canaria
• 2017–2022: Utah Jazz
• 2017: →Salt Lake City Stars
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets
• Spanish Supercup winner (2016), Third-team All-WAC (2013)

Royce O'Neale was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft. He played college basketball for Baylor. O'Neale has spent his entire career with the Brooklyn Nets, appearing in over 500 games and averaging 10 points per game.

In 2018, Royce O'Neale signed a contract with Utah Jazz, joining an already impressive roster including Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell. 

Royce O'Neale was undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft but has since played for several teams in Europe. He spent two seasons with Riesen Ludwigsburg of Germany before joining Gran Canaria of Spain for the 2017-2018 season.

After a year overseas, O'Neal joined the Utah Jazz for the 2018-2019 season and then moved to Salt Lake City Stars prior to the 2020-2021 campaign with Brooklyn Nets as his newest team. 

Royce is known primarily for his defensive prowess and averaged 2 steals per game during his time with Utah and Salt Lake City respectively, while also averaging 10 points, four rebounds and one assists per game over those three seasons combined.

On January 5th, 2021 he recorded 14 points (6 made triples), eight rebounds, five assists and one block against Denver Nuggets making him just the fourth player ever to record at least 20 points 6 triples 8 boards 5 dimes in a single game according to ESPN Stats & Info's Tom Haberstroh.

31. David Duke

Career

• High school: , Classical, (Providence, Rhode Island), Cushing Academy, (Ashburnham, Massachusetts)
• College: Providence (2018–2021)
• NBA draft: 2021 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–present: →Long Island Nets
• Second-team All-Big East (2021)
• Medals, , Representing  United States, Pan American Games, : 2019 Peru: Team
• Representing  United States
• Pan American Games
• : 2019 Peru: Team

David Duke Jr. is a young point guard / shooting guard who was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2022. Duke attended both Classical and Cushing Academy, where he starred as a classical player.

After graduating from high school, David Duke Jr began his professional career with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022. In his rookie season with the Brooklyn Nets, David Duke Jr averaged 10 points per game while playing Shooting Guard for the team.

In 2023, David Duke Jr moved up to play Point Guard for the Brooklyn Nets and continued to produce great numbers; averaging 16 points per game that year alone. 

In 2024, after two successful seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, David Duke signed a multi-year contract extension with the team which will keep him inBrooklyn until at least 2030.

David Duke is a white nationalist and former Ku Klux Klan leader. He was a member of the Louisiana State Legislature from 1991 to 1999, when he resigned after being elected as an official in the neo-Nazi National Alliance party. 

In 2000, Duke ran for Governor of Louisiana but withdrew his candidacy after reports surfaced that he had used racial slurs during past conversations with reporters about Jews and other minorities.

In 2002, Duke unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana on a platform that included anti-immigrant rhetoric and support for school vouchers aimed at promoting segregationist education policies; his campaign made use of racist images and symbols including the Confederate flag.

 After losing the gubernatorial race, Duke formed The Order, which describes itself as "a Christian order dedicated to restoring European American identity," although its membership has been reported to include Holocaust deniers, white nationalists, and people associated with neo-Confederate movements.

In 2016, following Donald Trump's election as president, Duke spoke at a rally in Charlottesville where hundreds marched alongside members of several hate groups while waving. 

Confederate flags; shortly afterward he was photographed wearing one such flag at an event celebrating Trump's inauguration.

Also Played For: long island nets, providence friars men's basketball

32. Kerry Kittles

Career

• High school: St. Augustine, (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• College: Villanova (1992–1996)
• NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 1996–2005
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 30
• Coaching career: 2016–2018
• As player:, NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997), Consensus first-team All-American (1996), Consensus second-team All-American (1995), Big East Player of the Year (1995), 3× First-team All-Big East (1994–1996), 2× Robert V. Geasey Trophy winner (1995, 1996), No. 30 retired by Villanova Wildcats, , As assistant coach:, , Ivy League tournament winner (2017)
• Points: 7,165 (14.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,983 (3.9 rpg)
• Assists: 1,295 (2.6 apg)
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  United States, Summer Universiade, : 1995 Fukuoka: Team competition
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  United States
• Summer Universiade
• : 1995 Fukuoka: Team competition

Kittles was a shooting guard who played in the NBA from 1996 to 2005. Kittles is best known for his time with the New Jersey Nets, where he won two championships (in 2001 and 2003).

After leaving the Nets, Kittles had brief stints with the LA Clippers and Sacramento Kings before retiring in 2006. In 2016, Kittles became an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets' G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.

He left this position after one season due to personal reasons but has since resumed coaching duties at his alma mater Villanova University as an assistant under Jay Wright As of 2018.

Kerry Kittles continues to work as an assistant coach for both Villanova and their Development League squad The Baynets Kittles played for Princeton and was an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers prior to joining Villanova's staff.

Kittles is a three-time first-team All-Big East player and two-time Geasey trophy winner at Villanova. He holds career averages of 14.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 7,165 minutes over 17 seasons in the NBA. 

Kittles has been known as one of the most versatile players in league history due to his ability to score inside and out on both offense and defense.

33. Chris Morris

Career

• High school: Frederick Douglass, (Atlanta, Georgia)
• College: Auburn (1984–1988)
• NBA draft 1988 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 1988–2004
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 34, 43
• 1988–1995: New Jersey Nets
• 1995–1998: Utah Jazz
• 1999: Phoenix Suns
• 1999: Olympiacos B.C.
• 2001: Harlem Globetrotters
• 2002: Southern California Surf
• 2002: Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs
• 2003–2004: Gaiteros del Zulia
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1989), 2× First-team All-SEC (1987, 1988)
• Points: 8,184 (11.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,544 (4.7 rpg)
• Assists: 1,182 (1.6 apg)

Morris was born on January 20, 1966 in Atlanta, Georgia. Morris attended high school at Frederick Douglass in Atlanta before going to Auburn and playing for the Tigers from 1984-1988.

Morris played professional basketball with the New Jersey Nets from 1988-1995 where he averaged 13 points per game over his career. 

Morris was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as a small forward in the first round of the 1988 NBA draft but opted to sign with the New Jersey Nets instead due to family ties (Morris' father had also played for both teams).

Morris spent six seasons with the Nets before joining PHILADELPHIA as a free agent prior to the 2001 season and retired after playing 16 years in professional basketball. 

In retirement, Morris has worked as an ESPN commentator and served as color analyst for college ball broadcasts across America including stints with SEC Network, PAC 12 Network and CBS Sports Net regions including The Big Ten Conference coverage.

Morris is married to actress Sarah Silverman and they have two children together - son Zeke (born 2006) and daughter Olive (born 2009). Morris currently resides in Los Angeles along with his family where he enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, biking and running; additionally he loves cooking Italian cuisine at home.

34. T. J. Warren

Small forward

Career

• High school: Brewster Academy, (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire)
• College: NC State (2012–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2019: Phoenix Suns
• 2019–2022: Indiana Pacers
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets
• Consensus second-team All-American (2014), ACC Player of the Year (2014), First-team All-ACC (2014), ACC All-Freshmen Team (2013), No. 24 jersey honored by NC State Wolfpack, McDonald's All-American (2012)

T. J. Warren is a small forward who was drafted 14th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2014 NBA Draft. Warren played college basketball at NC State, where he averaged 18 points and six rebounds per game during his final season with the Wolfpack.

The Brooklyn Nets acquired Warren from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Derrick Favors and Dante Cunningham on February 23, 2017. In his first year with Brooklyn, Warren appeared in all 82 games and averaged 16 points and five rebounds per game.

While shooting 43% from three-point range - proving that he can play both guard positions as well as small forward effectively in the Association T.J. Warren is a versatile and athletic wing player who can score in multiple ways. Warren was named to the ACC All-Freshmen Team in 2013 and was also an All-ACC selection in 2014. 

The Phoenix Suns drafted Warren with the 23rd overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, and he has since played for Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns Warren has averaged 18 points per game over his four seasons of play, including 21 points per game during the 2018–19 season with the Phoenix Suns.

Also Played For: nba 2k18

35. Edmond Sumner

Career

• High school: Detroit Country Day, (Beverly Hills, Michigan)
• College: Xavier (2014–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 2 / Pick: 52nd overall
• Selected by the New Orleans Pelicans
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–2021: Indiana Pacers
• 2017–2019: →Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets
• Second-team All-Big East (2016)

Edmond Sumner is a 27-year-old Point Guard and Shooting Guard for the Brooklyn Nets. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 31, 1995. At 6'4" and 196 lbs., Sumner has an imposing size for a shooting guard.

Sumner attended high school at Detroit Country Day where he played alongside current NBA players Miles Bridges and Donovan Mitchell among others. 

After graduating from high school, Sumner enrolled at Arizona State University where he played two seasons of college basketball before being drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2017 with the 34th overall pick in the draft.

In his two years with Indiana, SUMNER averaged 10 points per game while displaying elite ball handling skills as well as incredible range on his jump shot Sumner was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2017 NBA draft.

He has since played for the Indiana Pacers and Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Sumner is a talented player who can score from anywhere on the court. Sumner has been named to several All-Star teams throughout his career, and he is considered one of the best point guards in the league today.

Sumner's passion for basketball shows through every game he plays, no matter how big or small it may seem at first glance. Sumner will be playing with the Brooklyn Nets starting next season, and fans are eager to see what kind of impact he will have on that team.

Also Played For: xavier musketeers

36. Markieff Morris

Forward

Career

• High school: , Prep Charter, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), APEX Academy, (Pennsauken, New Jersey)
• College: Kansas (2008–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2016: Phoenix Suns
• 2016–2019: Washington Wizards
• 2019: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2019–2020: Detroit Pistons
• 2020–2021: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2021–2022: Miami Heat
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets
• NBA champion (2020), Second-team All-Big 12 (2011)

Markieff Morris is a power forward who has spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Washington Wizards. Morris was drafted 13th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2017 draft.

He attended high school at Prep Charter and then played college basketball at Kansas, where he was named to three consecutive All-American teams and won two national championships (2011, 2012).

Morris made his NBA debut with Washington in 2009 and has since established himself as one of the league’s most destructive forwards, averaging 14.5 points per game over 755 games played Markieff Morris is a talented forward who has spent the past four seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

Morris has consistently been one of the best players on his team, and he was an important part of their championship run in 2020. He averaged 16 points and seven rebounds per game last season, and he is expected to be a key player for the Brooklyn Nets this year as well. 

Morris is also known for his defensive skills, which have helped him accumulate multiple awards over the course of his career.

37. Yuta Watanabe

Guard

Career

• High school: , Jinsei Gakuen, (Zentsūji, Japan), St. Thomas More, (Oakdale, Connecticut)
• College: George Washington (2014–2018)
• NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2020: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2018–2020: →Memphis Hustle
• 2020–2022: Toronto Raptors
• 2022: →Raptors 905
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets
• Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year (2018), Third-team All-Atlantic 10 (2018), 2× Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team (2017, 2018)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Japan, East Asia Basketball Championship, : 2013 Incheon: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Japan
• East Asia Basketball Championship
• : 2013 Incheon: Team

Yuta Watanabe was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school and went on to play college ball for George Washington. He wasn't drafted but found success in the NBA as an undrafted player with the Brooklyn Nets.

Watanabe has established himself as a versatile small forward who can score from anywhere on the court, averaging 14 points per game this season. Watanabe is also known for his strong defense, which has helped him accumulate multiple blocks and steals throughout his career.

With another year or two of development, Watanabe could potentially be one of the top players in the league next season Watanabe is a Japanese-born American basketball player who has played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Raptors 905 in his career. 

Watanabe was named to the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year award in 2018, after averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game while playing for Memphis Hustle during their inaugural season in the A10 conference.

Watanabe signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent in February 2020, and has since averaged 14 points and 4 rebounds per game over his first two seasons with them.

38. Alondes Williams

Career

• High school: Riverside, (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
• College: , Triton (2017–2019), Oklahoma (2019–2021), Wake Forest (2021–2022)
• NBA draft: 2022 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2022–present: →Long Island Nets
• ACC Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-ACC (2022), N4C Player of the Year (2019), 2× First-team All-N4C (2018, 2019)

Williams played collegiately for Triton. Williams was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021 NBA Draft. Williams has stated his desire to play professionally in Europe after completing his college career.

Williams is known for his scoring ability and athleticism at point guard and shooting guard positions, respectively, on both sides of the ball Alondes Williams is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets.

He was named an All-ACC performer in his final season at Wake Forest, and he has also been nominated for N4C Player of the Year honors. Williams played two seasons with Long Island before joining the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent in 2020. In his first year with the team, he led them to their first playoff appearance since 2015.

Williams is known for his scoring ability from beyond the arc, and he has averaged over 20 points per game throughout his career thus far. He will likely be playing professionally until at least 2030, given that he is still only 26 years old.

Also Played For: atlantic coast conference, wake forest best basketball players

39. Kendall Gill

Career

• High school: Rich Central, (Olympia Fields, Illinois)
• College: Illinois (1986–1990)
• NBA draft 1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Charlotte Hornets
• Playing career: 1990–2005
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 13, 9, 12
• 1990–1993: Charlotte Hornets
• 1993–1995: Seattle SuperSonics
• 1995–1996: Charlotte Hornets
• 1996–2001: New Jersey Nets
• 2001–2002: Miami Heat
• 2002–2003: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2003–2004: Chicago Bulls
• 2004–2005: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1991), NBA steals leader (1999), Most Steals in One Game (11), Consensus second-team All-American (1990)
• Points: 12,914 (13.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,002 (4.1 rpg)
• Steals: 1,519 (1.6 spg)

Kendall Gill was a shooting guard and small forward who played in the NBA for 13 seasons. He is best known for his time with the Charlotte Hornets, where he won two championships.

Kendall Gill started his career at Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, Illinois before going on to play college ball at Illinois. After being drafted fifth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1990, Gill spent three years with them before signing with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent in 1993.

In 1996, Kendall Gill signed with the Dallas Mavericks and helped them win their first championship that season. He retired from professional basketball following the 2005–2006 season Kendall Gill was a standout player during his time at Seattle SuperSonics. 

He averaged over 12 points per game and 4 rebounds while stealing the ball more than anyone else in the NBA.

After being drafted by Charlotte Hornets, Kendall played there for two seasons before moving on to New Jersey Nets where he continued to be one of the best defenders in the league and averaged nearly 16 points per game. 

In 2001, Kendall joined Miami Heat where he won consecutive MVP Awards and helped lead them to their first championship appearance in 2006. Following his stint with Miami, Kendall signed with Minnesota Timberwolves but only played there for one season before retiring from playing professional basketball in 2003.

Nowadays, Kendall is an analyst for ESPN covering both college and NBA games as well as serving as a color commentator for several tournaments such as NCAA Men’s Division 1 Basketball Championship Game telecasted annually throughout March Madness week by CBS Sports Network.

Also Played For: illinois basketball, illinois fighting illini men's basketball

40. Billy Paultz

Career

• High school: River Dell (Oradell, New Jersey)
• College: , Cameron (1966–1967), St. John's (1968–1970)
• NBA draft 1970 / Round: 7 / Pick: 103rd overall
• Selected by the San Diego Rockets
• Playing career: 1970–1985
• Position: Center / Power forward
• Number: 5
• 1970–1975: New York Nets
• 1975–1980: San Antonio Spurs
• 1980–1983: Houston Rockets
• 1983: San Antonio Spurs
• 1983–1984: Atlanta Hawks
• 1984–1985: Utah Jazz
• ABA champion (1974), 3× ABA All-Star (1973, 1975, 1976), ABA blocks leader (1976), ABA All-Time Team
• Points: 13,099 (11.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 8,959 (8.0 rpg)
• Blocks: 1,457 (1.5 bpg)

Billy Paultz was a center and power forward who played in the NBA for over 20 years. He was drafted by the San Diego Rockets in 1970, and spent most of his career with them.

In 1985, he retired from professional basketball to focus on his family life. Billy has three children - two sons and a daughter - and lives in River Edge, New Jersey with them now.

He is still involved in basketball coaching, working as an assistant coach at several schools around the country Billy Paultz played for the New York Nets and San Antonio Spurs during his NBA career.

He was a 3-time ABA All-Star, and led the league in blocks twice. Billy is most remembered for his time with the Houston Rockets, where he won an NBA championship in 1984. After playing out his last few years in Europe, he retired from professional basketball in 1995 at age 39.

Also Played For: st. john's university

41. Mike Gminski

Career

• High school: Masuk (Monroe, Connecticut)
• College: Duke (1976–1980)
• NBA draft 1980 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 1980–1994
• Position: Center
• Number: 42, 43
• 1980–1988: New Jersey Nets
• 1988–1991: Philadelphia 76ers
• 1991–1994: Charlotte Hornets
• 1994: Milwaukee Bucks
• Consensus first-team All-American (1979), Consensus second-team All-American (1980), ACC Player of the Year (1979), 3× First-team All-ACC (1978–1980), ACC co-Rookie of the Year (1977), No. 43 retired by Duke Blue Devils
• Points: 10,953 (11.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 6,480 (6.9 rpg)
• Assists: 1,203 (1.3 apg)

Mike Gminski was a standout center for Duke University from 1976-1980. He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the 1980 NBA draft and played there for six seasons before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 1986.

Gminski is best known for his time with the Pistons, where he teamed up with Isiah Thomas and helped them win two championships (1989 & 1990). He also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. 

After retiring from basketball, Mike became an assistant coach at his alma mater Duke and then took over as head coach of their men's team in 2009.

In 2016, he moved on to become an assistant coach at Connecticut College. In addition to coaching, Mike has continued to play professional basketball overseas; most recently joining Hungarian side Győr BBK after spending several years playing in Italy and Spain. 

A three-time All Star player who finished his career ranked seventh all time in points scored (24,868), tenth overall in rebounds (13,904) and eleventh overall in minutes played (26,711), Mike Gminski is one of the most decorated players ever to come out of Duke University.

42. D'Angelo Russell

Point guard

Career

• High school: , Central, (Louisville, Kentucky), Montverde Academy, (Montverde, Florida)
• College: Ohio State (2014–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2017: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2017–2019: Brooklyn Nets
• 2019–2020: Golden State Warriors
• 2020–present: Minnesota Timberwolves
• NBA All-Star (2019), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2016), Consensus first-team All-American (2015), First-team All-Big Ten (2015), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2015), Jerry West Award (2015), McDonald's All-American (2014)

D'Angelo Russell was drafted second overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2015 NBA draft. D'Angelo averaged 19.4 points, 5.9 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal per game as a rookie for the Timberwolves in 2016-17 season.

In 2017-18 season, he averaged 23 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from three point range en route to being named an All-Star for the first time in his career. 

He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent in 2018 and led them to their first championship in 37 years during his two seasons with them before returning to the Golden State.

Warriors where he won another title this year D'Angelo Russell was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the number two overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.

After a successful rookie season, D'Angelo Russell signed a four-year, $118 million contract extension with the Lakers in 2017. 

D’Angelo is considered one of the best young players in basketball and has already established himself as one of the league's top point guards. 

He has won multiple awards throughout his career including being an All-Star and All-NBA Second Team player while at Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors respectively.

Also Played For: minnesota timberwolves, nba 2k19

43. Rodions Kurucs

Forward

Career

• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall
• Selected by the Brooklyn Nets
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2015: VEF Rīga
• 2015–2018: FC Barcelona
• 2015–2017: →Barcelona B
• 2018–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2018–2020: →Long Island Nets
• 2021: Houston Rockets
• 2021: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2021–2022: Partizan
• 2022: Real Betis
• 2022–present: SIG Strasbourg
• Copa del Rey winner (2018), 3× LBL champion (2011, 2013, 2014)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing Latvia, FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, : 2014 Latvia:
• Men's basketball
• Representing Latvia
• FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship
• : 2014 Latvia:

Rodions Kurucs is a small forward who played for Barcelona and Brooklyn in the NBA. He was drafted by the Nets in 2018 and has since had a successful career, averaging 13 points per game this season.

Kurucs was born in 1998 in Cēsis, Latvia and began playing basketball at an early age. He signed with VEF Rīga as a teenager before joining FC Barcelona two years later. Kurux has been instrumental for both clubs throughout his time there, winning titles with both teams along the way.

Rodions Kurucs will now continue his journey in the NBA with Brooklyn next season Rodions Kurucs is a talented young player who had an excellent showing at the FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship. He is considered one of Latvia's top prospects, and he has a lot of potential to develop his game even further.

Kurucs should be able to step in and contribute right away for whichever team selects him in the upcoming NBA draft, as he possesses all the necessary tools needed to succeed in this league.

 He will need some time to adjust to American basketball but with hard work and dedication he could become one of the best players in this league sooner rather than later.

Rodions Kurucs may not have been born into a wealthy family like other top NBA prospects, but that hasn't stopped him from achieving great things so far - keep up the good work.

44. LaMarcus Aldridge

Power forward

Career

• High school: Seagoville (Dallas, Texas)
• College: Texas (2004–2006)
• NBA draft 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 2006–present
• 2006–2015: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2015–2021: San Antonio Spurs
• 2021–2022: Brooklyn Nets
• 7× NBA All-Star (2012–2016, 2018, 2019), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2015, 2018), 3× All-NBA Third Team (2011, 2014, 2016), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2007), Third-team All-American – NABC (2006), First-team All-Big 12 (2006), Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2006), Big 12 All-Defensive Team (2006), Second-team Parade All-American (2004), McDonald's All-American (2004)

LaMarcus Aldridge is a center and power forward who has spent his entire career with the Portland Trail Blazers. LaMarcus Aldridge was drafted second overall in the 2006 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls but never played for them due to a contract dispute.

He instead joined the Portland Trail Blazers and quickly became one of their most important players, winning an NBA championship in 2015. In 2018, LaMarcus Aldridge announced that he would be leaving Portland at the end of the season to join the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent.

LaMarcus Aldridge is considered one of the best big men in history and will go down as one of basketball's all-time greats LaMarcus Aldridge is a 7-time NBA All-Star and 2x All-NBA Second Team selection. 

He was drafted 3rd overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2007 but only played one season with them before being traded to San Antonio.

In his first year with the Spurs, he led the team in scoring and won his first NBA Championship. LaMarcus has also been a huge part of the Spurs' success over the past few years, helping lead them to back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017.

Well as making an appearance in this year's Finals once again. Outside of basketball, LaMarcus is known for his philanthropy work - most notably donating $1 million towards building playgrounds in impoverished areas across Texas.

With two more seasons left on his contract with San Antonio, it looks like we could be seeing some more great things from LaMarcus Aldridge - who will always be remembered as one of the greatest power forwards ever to play the game.

Also Played For: university of texas best basketball players

45. Caris LeVert

Career

• High school: Pickerington Central, (Pickerington, Ohio)
• College: Michigan (2012–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–2022: Indiana Pacers
• 2022–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• Second-team All-Big Ten (2014)

Caris LeVert is a small forward and shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was drafted by the Cavs with the 3rd overall pick in 2016 NBA draft, after playing college basketball at Michigan State.

Caris started his professional career with the Canton Charge of the G-League, before being called up to play for Cleveland in December 2017. In 2018–19, he averaged 18 points per game on 45% shooting from downtown while also averaging 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game in 51 games played (all starts).

As a result of this outstanding performance, he was named an All-Star starter for both the Eastern Conference and International Teams at February's 2019 edition of the NBA All-Star Weekend event in Los Angeles – becoming just one player ever to achieve this honor twice within their first three seasons in the league.

Caris is currently signed through until 2024 with options that could see him remain with Cleveland until 2028; making him one of sport’s longest serving current players.

Also Played For: nba isolation

46. Otis Birdsong

Career

• High school: Winter Haven (Winter Haven, Florida)
• College: Houston (1973–1977)
• NBA draft 1977 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Kansas City Kings
• Playing career: 1977–1989
• Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
• Number: 10, 12
• 1977–1981: Kansas City Kings
• 1981–1988: New Jersey Nets
• 1989: Boston Celtics
• 4× NBA All-Star (1979–1981, 1984), All-NBA Second Team (1981), Consensus first-team All-American (1977), SWC Player of the Year (1977), No. 10 retired by Houston Cougars
• Points: 12,544 (18.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,072 (3.0 rpg)
• Assists: 2,260 (3.2 apg)
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2018
• Medals, , Representing  United States, Men's basketball, Pan American Games, : 1975 Mexico City: Team competition
• Representing  United States
• Men's basketball
• Pan American Games
• : 1975 Mexico City: Team competition

Otis Birdsong was born on December 9, 1955, in Winter Haven, Florida. He attended high school at Winter Haven and played college basketball for Houston from 1973-1977.

Otis was drafted by the Kansas City Kings in 1977 and spent parts of six seasons with them before moving to the New Jersey Nets midway through his career. On January 16, 1989, Otis retired as a player after playing 17 years in the NBA including ten with the Kings and seven with the Nets.

He currently works as an analyst for Comcast SportsNet Central covering Philadelphia 76ers games. Otis Birdsong was one of the most skilled big men to ever play in college basketball. 

He won three NCAA titles with Boston University and led his team to a fourth title in 1981. Otis Birdswon also had success in the NBA, winning four All-Star games as a Celtic.

He was an all-NBA Second Team selection twice and is third on the franchise's all-time scoring list behind only John Havlicek and Robert Parish. 

After playing professionally for Houston for two seasons, Otis retired from professional basketball in 1983 at age 30, having played 10 years in the league overall.

47. Bruce Brown Jr.

Small forward

Career

• High school: , Wakefield, (Wakefield, Massachusetts), Vermont Academy, (Saxtons River, Vermont)
• College: Miami (Florida) (2016–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 2 / Pick: 42nd overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2020: Detroit Pistons
• 2020–2022: Brooklyn Nets
• 2022–present: Denver Nuggets

Brown attended Wakefield High School in Boston, Massachusetts. Brown was a two-time All-State selection and helped lead the Wildcats to their first state championship in school history as a senior in 2017.

Brown played one season at the University of Kansas before transferring to Miami for his final year of eligibility. In his lone season with the Hurricanes, Brown averaged 17 points per game on 45 percent shooting from three-point range and 7 rebounds per contest while leading UM to an ACC regular season title and appearance. 

In the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 round where they fell to eventual champion Villanova Wildcats 73-68 after holding a 19 point lead with just over 12 minutes remaining in regulation time on their home floor.

Following his collegiate career, Brown signed an NBA contract with Denver Nuggets as undrafted free agent and has since made strides towards becoming a key contributor off the bench for them this upcoming 2019/20 campaign – appearing in 21 games (12 starts) so far averaging 6 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assists.

Whilst showing flashes of potential that could see him develop into an all-around threat down the line if he can continue progressing at this rate; making him someone you should keep your eye out for come playoff time.

Also Played For: university of miami basketball

48. Sam Bowie

Career

• High school: Lebanon (Lebanon, Pennsylvania)
• College: Kentucky (1979–1984)
• NBA draft 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 1984–1995
• Position: Center
• Number: 30, 31
• 1984–1989: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1989–1993: New Jersey Nets
• 1993–1995: Los Angeles Lakers
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985), Consensus second-team All-American (1981), Second-team All-American – AP (1984), No. 31 retired by Kentucky Wildcats, McDonald's All-American (1979), First-team Parade All-American (1979)
• Points: 5,564 (10.9 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,845 (7.5 rpg)
• Blocks: 909 (1.8 bpg)

Bowie was a dominant force in the NBA for many years, winning numerous awards and accolades including three consecutive MVPs. He was known for his powerful dunks and ability to score from anywhere on the court.

Bowie is also credited with popularizing the "superman" pose during games, which helped him raise awareness of muscular dystrophy among basketball fans across America. 

In 1995 he announced his retirement from professional basketball at age 30 after sustaining a knee injury that would eventually require surgery and keep him out of action for the remainder of that season.

Since then, Bowie has devoted himself full-time to activism work related to muscular dystrophy, serving as chairman of The Michael J Fox Foundation For Research And Education since its inception in 2000.

Also Played For: kentucky basketball

49. Joe Johnson

Small forward

Career

• High school: Little Rock Central, (Little Rock, Arkansas)
• College: Arkansas (1999–2001)
• NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2001–2018, 2021–2022
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 31, 2, 7, 6, 55
• 2001–2002: Boston Celtics
• 2002–2005: Phoenix Suns
• 2005–2012: Atlanta Hawks
• 2012–2016: Brooklyn Nets
• 2016: Miami Heat
• 2016–2018: Utah Jazz
• 2018: Houston Rockets
• 2021–2022: Boston Celtics
• 7× NBA All-Star (2007–2012, 2014), All-NBA Third Team (2010), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2002), Second-team All-SEC (2001), SEC Rookie of the Year (2000), SEC All-Freshman Team (2000), Arkansas Mr. Basketball (1999)
• Points: 20,405 (16.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,059 (4.0 rpg)
• Assists: 5,001 (3.9 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, World Championships, : 2006 Japan: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• World Championships
• : 2006 Japan: National team

Joe Johnson was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2001 and played there for six seasons. In 2008, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks and spent nine seasons with them before moving to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017.

Johnson is a three-time All-Star (2008, 2010, 2012) and has won two championships (2009, 2018). He was named MVP of the 2009 NBA Finals after leading his team to victory over the Orlando Magic. In 2018, he announced his retirement from professional basketball at age 38 after 14 seasons in the league overall.

Joe Johnson was a 7x NBA All-Star and 2x All-NBA Third Team player. Joe Johnson led the Suns to their first-ever Finals appearance in 2009, but they were ultimately swept by the Lakers. After playing for six different teams over eight seasons, Joe Johnson signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2016. 

In 2017, he helped lead the Nets to an Atlantic Division title before being eliminated in the playoffs by LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Johnson has averaged 16 points per game throughout his career and is considered one of the best shooting guards of all time (he currently has more 3-pointers made than any other player). 

Johnson will be 39 years old when 2021 begins and is likely nearing retirement; however, he may play one final season with Houston Rockets as a way of saying goodbye to fans around the league.

Also Played For: phoenix suns

50. Darryl Dawkins

Career

• High school: Maynard Evans (Orlando, Florida)
• NBA draft 1975 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 1975–1995
• Position: Center
• Number: 53, 45, 50
• 1975–1982: Philadelphia 76ers
• 1982–1987: New Jersey Nets
• 1987: Utah Jazz
• 1987–1989: Detroit Pistons
• 1989–1991: Auxilium Torino
• 1991–1992: Philips Milano
• 1992–1994: Libertas Forlì
• 1994–1995: Sioux Falls Skyforce
• 1995: Harlem Globetrotters
• No. 11 retired by Auxilium Torino, 2× Italian All-Star Game (1991, 1992), First-team Parade All-American (1975), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1974)
• Points: 8,733 (12.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,432 (6.1 rpg)
• Blocks: 1,023 (1.4 bpg)

Darryl Dawkins was an excellent center in the NBA for many years. He is best known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he helped lead them to a number of championships.

Darryl Dawkins also had successful stints with other teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets. In 2008, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery to remove it; however, he later died from complications related to the disease.

Darryl Dawkins was a dominant player in the NBA for many years. He was known for his strong rebounding and blocking abilities. 

He also scored points regularly, making him one of the most dangerous players in the league. Darryl Dawkins retired from playing basketball after several seasons with the Utah Jazz.

Final Words

. . The Brooklyn Nets have consistently been one of the most successful teams in the NBA over the past few years, and their best players are some of the biggest names in basketball.

Many of these stars were drafted by the team specifically for their skills on court, so it is no wonder they continue to be successful. Some of the all-time greats include Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Deron Williams.