The 2002 New Jersey Nets were a beautiful story in the NBA. When the Nets traded guard Stephon Marbury to the Phoenix Suns for Jason Kidd, I knew instantly that this move was going to change the Nets organization. The nets had a 26-56 record the previous season. When Jason Kidd arrived, it became one of the most impressive turnarounds I have ever seen in basketball. Nets finished with a 52-30, ending with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Kidd didn’t do it alone. Kenyon Martin, second year in the league, improved his game. Rookie Richard Jefferson and forward Keith Van Horn were also key elements to the team’s success.

Jason Kidd finished second in the MVP voting behind Tim Duncan. Nets defeated the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics to make the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, they ran into a much superior team, the Los Angeles Lakers with Shaq and Kobe. The nets got swept in the Finals.

Nets would go to make the finals again the following season but losing to the San Antonio Spurs. The 2002 New Jersey Nets were an exciting team to watch, and I needed to remind everyone how good they were for a short time during the Jason Kidd era.