From Brook Lopez laying the foundation to Kevin Durant delivering the franchise’s highest peak, the Brooklyn Nets era has been defined by unforgettable chapters. But when weighing impact, longevity, and legacy, only four players truly stand above the rest.
Since relocating to Brooklyn in 2012, the Nets have experienced just about everything.
This isn't a Mount Rushmore of the Nets franchise as a whole. Instead, it's a look at the four players who best represent the Brooklyn era of Nets basketball. That means only players who suited up after the franchise's move from New Jersey are eligible.
From rebuilding around young talent to assembling one of the most star-studded teams in NBA history before eventually starting over, plenty of notable players have worn a Nets jersey over the past 14 years. But when factoring in longevity, accomplishments, impact, and legacy, not just talent, only four deserve a spot.
Here's my Brooklyn Nets Mount Rushmore.
Brook Lopez
If there's one player who has to be on this list, it's Brook Lopez.
Originally drafted by the franchise in 2008, Lopez became the face of the team during its transition from New Jersey to Brooklyn. He was the first true star of the Brooklyn era and spent nine seasons with the organization before being traded in 2017.
Lopez remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer, a record that may stand for years to come. While his No. 11 jersey hasn't yet been retired because he's still an active player, he's widely expected to have it hanging in the Barclays Center rafters once his career comes to an end.
The team didn't enjoy much playoff success during his tenure, but that doesn't diminish what Lopez meant to the franchise. Between his longevity, production, and place in Nets history, he's the first name on this Mount Rushmore.
Kevin Durant
If Brook Lopez defines the Brooklyn era, Kevin Durant represents its highest peak.
Although injuries delayed his debut, Durant immediately reminded everyone why he's one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Across three-plus seasons with Brooklyn, he earned multiple All-NBA selections while averaging nearly 30 points per game.
His defining moment came during the 2021 playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks. Durant delivered one of the greatest postseason performances the league has ever seen, highlighted by his legendary 49-point triple-double in Game 5 and the unforgettable Game 7 that was literally inches away from sending Brooklyn to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The championship never came, but no player has ever reached the level Durant did in a Nets uniform.
Joe Harris
Joe Harris may not have been the biggest star, but few players meant more to the Brooklyn era.
Claimed off waivers in 2016, Harris developed into one of the NBA's premier three-point shooters while spending seven seasons with the organization. He became one of the constants through multiple eras, helping lead the surprise 2018-19 playoff team before seamlessly transitioning into a key role alongside Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden.
By the time his Nets career ended, Harris had established himself as one of the greatest shooters in franchise history, setting numerous team records from beyond the arc.
Few role players have left a bigger mark on Brooklyn basketball than Harris, and that's why he earns a spot on this list.
Nic Claxton
Few homegrown players have developed the way Nic Claxton did.
Selected with the 31st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Claxton entered the league as a raw prospect with intriguing athleticism. By the end of his seven-year Nets career, he had transformed into one of the NBA's premier defensive centers.
Claxton became an All-Defensive Team selection while anchoring Brooklyn's defense and establishing himself as one of the league's most versatile big men. More importantly, his growth represented exactly what every rebuilding franchise hopes to accomplish through player development.
His departure in 2026 marked the end of one of the greatest homegrown success stories of the Brooklyn era, cementing his place on this Mount Rushmore.
Honorable Mentions
Several players have legitimate cases but ultimately fall just short.
Kyrie Irving was one of the most talented players to ever wear a Nets jersey and produced an All-NBA season in Brooklyn. If this list were based strictly on talent, he'd have a strong argument. But injuries, missed games, and a relatively short tenure keep him just outside the top four.
Joe Johnson deserves plenty of consideration. As the first All-Star of the Brooklyn era, he gave the franchise credibility during its early years and delivered countless clutch moments. Four seasons simply weren't enough to crack the top four.
D'Angelo Russell changed the trajectory of the organization. He led the surprising 2018-19 playoff team and helped restore excitement around Brooklyn basketball before the arrivals of Durant and Irving. His impact was significant, but his time with the franchise was relatively brief.
Spencer Dinwiddie evolved from an overlooked waiver claim into one of the league's better guards and embodied the culture shift that made Brooklyn an attractive destination for stars. His development story remains one of the franchise's best, but he falls just short of the Mount Rushmore.
Jarrett Allen has become one of the NBA's best centers, but much of what made him an All-Star happened after the James Harden trade sent him to Cleveland. Had he spent several more seasons in Brooklyn, he'd have a much stronger case.
Mikal Bridges embraced being the face of the franchise during a transitional period and enjoyed an outstanding first full season with the Nets. However, two seasons weren't enough to build the legacy needed to earn one of these four spots.
There will always be debate over a franchise's Mount Rushmore, and that's what makes these conversations fun. Some fans may prioritize peak talent and argue for Kyrie Irving, while others may favor the early impact of Joe Johnson or the culture-changing contributions of D'Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie.
For me, though, the combination of longevity, accomplishments, individual performance, and lasting impact makes the choice clear. Brook Lopez, Kevin Durant, Joe Harris, and Nic Claxton are the four players who best define the first chapter of Brooklyn Nets basketball.
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