Nets Pay Homage to ABA Era With New Classic Jerseys

The Brooklyn Nets revealed their new classic edition jerseys on Monday, paying homage to their ABA era in New York from 1968 to 1972.

Brooklyn is one of four teams that unveiled new jerseys tributing their ABA period. The Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers are the other three franchises and were among the first 11 teams in the ABA's inaugural 1967-68 season.

The jersey has a white base colorway with "Nets" written in classic red cursive font and has red, white and blue stripes on the side and shorts.

A classic edition court accompanies the jersey with two logos celebrating the ABA 50th anniversary on the baseline and the 60th anniversary at center court. The sideline features all Nets alumni: Buck Williams, Drazen Petrovic, Julius Erving and more.

Erving led the team during its most successful stretch in the ABA era. The Nets won two titles in 1974 and 1976, which are the only championships in franchise history.

Dr. J also won MVP during those title-winning seasons, becoming a Nets great before going to the Philadelphia 76ers after the merger.

Brooklyn will wear its classic edition in 16 games this season, starting and ending against the Charlotte Hornets. Fans can circle Nov. 18's game against the Chicago Bulls as the team is throwing a special themed "ABA Night" and is welcoming back Nic Claxton.

The Nets are giving away a Dr. J bobblehead for the first 5,000 fans. Claxton was the longest-tenured player for seven seasons and was traded to the Bulls as part of the four-team Julius Randle trade that landed the 12-year veteran back in New York.

Paying homage to successful eras or city themes has become a trend since the NBA partnered with Nike as its jersey maker. Brooklyn has had two other classic jerseys in the past several seasons.

The team recreated the early 70s jersey and its 1990 jersey when Petrovic played.

Brooklyn's classics are arguably among the best jerseys in franchise history and across the NBA. Paying homage to the ABA era is interesting, knowing the team wants to win games this season.

Randle said he wants to help the Nets win a championship, which is a tall task, but he's helped their crosstown rival achieve that feat for the first time in 50 years. He was a vital trade piece that landed the New York Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns, who averaged a double-double in the NBA Finals.

It's a building block season for Brooklyn, with veterans stabilizing the young core to win now and develop for the future.