The Bleak Net 'scape

Kentucky basketball coach Rick Pitino last week turned down a five-year $30 million deal to run the New Jersey Nets, continuing what has been more or less a two-decade losing streak for the denizens of the Secaucus swamps. Herewith, a brief look at a few of the highs and lows—mostly lows—of a floundering franchise.

May 1976
As New York Nets, win the last ABA championship.

October '76
Sell legendary Julius Erving to Philadelphia 76ers for $3 million.

November '77
NBA draws up schedule for a Nets-less league in case franchise folds before end of 77-78 season.

May '83
Coach Larry Brown bolts to university of Kansas.

May '84
Eliminate defending champ 76ers from playoffs in First round.

June '85
On morning of press conference to announce his hiring, coach Rollie Massimino leaves Nets at the altar.

December '85
After a loss Otis Birdsong says, "We played hard, but it was a lackadaisical hard."

June '87
Draft Dennis Hopson with third pick of first round, passing over Scottie Pippen and Reggie Miller.

May '91
Derrick Coleman is named NBA Rookie of the year.