Best Draft Pick In Brooklyn Nets History

The Nets organization, be it in New Jersey or Brooklyn, has had its fair share of talented players. From Julius Erving to Jason Kidd. Heck, even Kevin Durant stopped by for a cup of coffee. However, when the conversation turns to the greatest draft pick in Nets history, the honest answer isn't as impressive. Yes, there is Brook Lopez, Derrick Coleman, and Kenny Anderson, all of whom made at least one All-Star team as a Net, but none really left a lasting memory in the league.  Of the Nets draft picks that do stand out the most, Buck Williams was one of the most quietly dominant players of his era, and a player who almost single-handedly made the team relevant in the early 1980s. 

The season before Williams arrived, the Nets had finished a horrific 24-58, one of the worst records in the league. The New Jersey Nets selected Williams third overall in the 1981 NBA Draft, after Mark Aguirre and Isiah Thomas.  A 6’8” power forward, Williams grew up in North Carolina, where he led his high school team to a state championship before attending the University of Maryland. 

Williams had immediate success in college with the Terrapins, leading the ACC in rebounding twice and earning All-ACC honors.  After averaging 13.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in his three seasons, Williams declared for the 1981 Draft. 

In his first season with the Nets, Williams averaged 15.5 points and led the team with 12.3 rebounds per game, helping New Jersey to a 44-38 record, 20 more wins than the previous year, while capturing the 1982 Rookie of the Year award and the first of his three All-Star appearances. After missing the playoffs the prior two seasons, the Nets advanced to the postseason in Williams’s first five years with the team. 

Playing in an era filled with Hall-of-Fame forwards all battling for limited spots on the All-NBA teams, Williams earned one spot during his second season, while also adding four All-Defensive team selections. After eight seasons in New Jersey, Williams still holds several Nets records, including the all-time lead in rebounds, games played, and minutes played.

Unlike some of his peers, who were known for their championship pedigree, eye-popping stats, highlight-reel athleticism, or over-the-top personalities, Williams was known as a blue-collar baller in a pair of goggles.  After seven seasons in Portland and two in New York, Williams finished his career averaging 12.8 points and 10 rebounds. While it may not be the most celebrated career, it is certainly one worthy of acknowledgment.