1996–97 New Jersey Nets season

NBA professional basketball team season August 2023 March 2026 New Jersey Nets 1997 26 56 Atlantic 5 13 John Calipari Continental Airlines Arena WBIS-TVSportsChannel New York WOR Did not qualify NJN The 1996–97 New Jersey Nets season was the Nets' 30th season in the National Basketball Association, and 21st season in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Brooklyn Nets Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BRK/ August 8, 2026 Season summary Off-season The Nets received the eighth overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft, and selected shooting guard Kerry Kittles out of Villanova University. Brown Clifton Pro Basketball: Big Trade and Some Twists in N.B.A. Youth Parade The New York Times June 27, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/27/sports/pro-basketball-big-trade-and-some-twists-in-nba-youth-parade.html July 12, 2022 Heisler Mark The Surprises Are Few Los Angeles Times June 27, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-06-27-sp-22580-story.html December 1, 2022 1996 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1996.html December 1, 2022 During the off-season, the team signed free agents Robert Pack, Associated Press Pro Basketball: Nets and Pack Agree on Deal The New York Times July 25, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/25/sports/pro-basketball-nets-and-pack-agree-on-deal.html December 30, 2021 Nets, Pack Agree on 3-Year Deal United Press International July 25, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/25/Nets-Pack-agree-on-3-year-deal/2016838267200/ October 7, 2022 Asher Mark Strickland Risk for Bullets The Washington Post July 25, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/07/25/strickland-risk-for-bullets/2d2bcce6-755f-44e3-804a-72d91f1c3596/ January 30, 2023 Tony Massenburg, Hungary Faked Qualifying Meet for Olympic Swimming Los Angeles Times September 11, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-09-11-sp-42642-story.html October 10, 2022 David Benoit, Roberts Selena Nets Pick Up a Bargain as Benoit Signs Up The New York Times August 8, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/08/sports/nets-pick-up-a-bargain-as-benoit-signs-up.html January 8, 2023 and Xavier McDaniel, who played overseas in Greece during the previous season, Roberts Selena Nets Become Tougher as McDaniel Signs On The New York Times October 19, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/19/sports/nets-become-tougher-as-mcdaniel-signs-on.html October 22, 2022 Associated Press Nets Add the X Factor: McDaniel Los Angeles Times October 19, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-19-sp-55591-story.html December 27, 2022 and acquired Vincent Askew from the Seattle SuperSonics. Nets Acquire Askew from Seattle United Press International July 16, 1996 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/07/16/Nets-acquire-Askew-from-Seattle/1023837489600/ March 7, 2026 Condotta Bob Sonics Swap with Nets, Unload Brick, Johnson The Spokesman-Review July 17, 1996 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/jul/17/sonics-swap-with-nets-unload-brick-johnson/ March 7, 2026 The Nets also hired John Calipari as their new head coach. Roberts Selena Basketball: Nets Make an Offer to Calipari The New York Times June 6, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/06/sports/basketball-nets-make-an-offer-to-calipari.html November 18, 2022 Roberts Selena Pro Basketball: Calipari Leaving Scrutiny Behind to Take Nets Job The New York Times June 7, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/07/sports/pro-basketball-calipari-leaving-scrutiny-behind-to-take-nets-job.html January 28, 2023 Everson Darren Calipari Leaves U-Mass for Nets The Washington Post June 7, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/06/07/calipari-leaves-u-mass-for-nets/e924e5d4-d82f-432e-8502-3d9bf4cb8d57/ June 23, 2023 However, Benoit would miss the entire regular season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, Bad News for Benoit... The New York Times October 10, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/10/sports/bad-news-for-benoit.html June 27, 2022 while after only just one game with the Nets, Askew was traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Reggie Williams. Roberts Selena Nets Trade Askew for Pacers' Williams The New York Times November 5, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/05/sports/nets-trade-askew-for-pacers-williams.html March 7, 2026 Associated Press Pacers Trade Williams for Askew Los Angeles Times November 5, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-11-05-sp-61330-story.html March 7, 2026 Associated Press Nets, Pacers Trade Forwards Deseret News November 5, 1996 https://www.deseret.com/1996/11/5/19286803/nets-pacers-trade-forwards March 7, 2026 Regular season Early into the regular season, the Nets traveled overseas to Tokyo, Japan to play two games against the Orlando Magic at the Tokyo Dome. In the first game on November 7, 1996, the Nets were the home team and lost to the Magic by a score of 108–95; Kendall Gill led the team with 22 points and 7 assists, while Shawn Bradley finished with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Jayson Williams also had a double-double, contributing 13 points and 16 rebounds. Pollack Andrew Before 38,600 Fans in Tokyo, Nets Run Out of Luck The New York Times November 8, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/08/sports/before-38600-fans-in-tokyo-nets-run-out-of-luck.html July 24, 2017 Johnson L.C. Magic Beat the Clock, the Nets Orlando Sentinel November 8, 1996 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1996-11-08-9611080061-story.html October 10, 2022 Orlando Magic at New Jersey Nets Box Score, November 7, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199611070NJN.html March 7, 2026 In the second game on November 8, the Nets were the road team and lost to the Magic by a score of 86–82; Pack led the team with 13 points, while Jayson Williams finished with a double-double of 12 points and 18 rebounds. Associated Press Hardaway Leads Magic to Sweep of the Nets The New York Times November 9, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/09/sports/hardaway-leads-magic-to-sweep-of-the-nets.html May 16, 2022 Associated Press  Iverson Helps Sixers Get Into Win Column  The Daily Gazette  November 9, 1996  C2  https://books.google.com/books?id=DIhGAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA15&dq=1996+Orlando+Magic+New+Jersey+Nets+tokyo&article_id=3256,2044614&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6k9zdq4-TAxW35MkDHaoINGM4ChDoAXoECA4QAw#v=onepage&q=1996%20Orlando%20Magic%20New%20Jersey%20Nets%20tokyo&f=false March 7, 2026 New Jersey Nets at Orlando Magic Box Score, November 8, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199611080ORL.html March 7, 2026 Both games had an attendance of 38,639 fans at the Tokyo Dome. Under Calipari and with the addition of Kittles, Pack, Massenburg and McDaniel, the Nets continued to struggle losing their first five games of the regular season. The team got off to a 5–16 start to the season, lost 11 of their 15 games in January, and later on held a 13–33 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 6, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=6&year=1997 January 2, 2023 At mid-season, the Nets traded Pack, Bradley, Khalid Reeves and second-year forward Ed O'Bannon to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Sam Cassell, Jim Jackson, Chris Gatling, Eric Montross and George McCloud; McCloud never played for the Nets, and was soon traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Joe Kleine. Roberts Selena Nets and Mavericks Clean House and Start Over The New York Times February 18, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/18/sports/nets-and-mavericks-clean-house-and-start-over.html July 21, 2017 Associated Press Overhaul Ends for Mavericks Los Angeles Times February 18, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-18-sp-29993-story.html September 16, 2022 Canavan Tom Mavericks, Nets Swap 9 Players The Washington Post February 18, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/02/18/mavericks-nets-swap-9-players/f70dfa56-30e8-477d-bbd2-fcd563c6ddee/ December 1, 2022 Gatling only played just three games after the trade due to an ear infection, and was out for the remainder of the season, Roberts Selena Gatling Doubtful as Nets Shoot for 3d Victory in Row The New York Times February 28, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/28/sports/gatling-doubtful-as-nets-shoot-for-3d-victory-in-row.html October 22, 2022 Steele David Nets Feel Fulfilled After Mavs Trade SFGate February 28, 1997 https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Nets-Feel-Fulfilled-After-Mavs-Trade-2853228.php February 4, 2023 Roberts Selena As Scary Ailment Heals, Gatling Finds a Smile The New York Times March 28, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/28/sports/as-scary-ailment-heals-gatling-finds-a-smile.html July 31, 2021 averaging 17.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game during his short three-game stint. The Nets lost nine of their final twelve games of the season, and finished in fifth place in the Atlantic Division with a 26–56 record. 1996–97 New Jersey Nets Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NJN/1997_games.html June 28, 2021 Gill averaged 21.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.9 steals per game, while Cassell averaged 19.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 23 games after the trade, and Jackson provided the team with 16.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game in 31 games. In addition, Kittles contributed 16.4 points and 1.9 steals per game, led the Nets with 158 three-point field goals, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, while Jayson Williams continued to show improvement, becoming the team's starting power forward averaging 13.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, but only played just 41 games due to a season-ending thumb injury, Roberts Selena In Williams's Absence, Nets Pull Together The New York Times February 5, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/05/sports/in-williams-s-absence-nets-pull-together.html June 27, 2022 Associated Press Nets' Williams Under Pain's Thumb Los Angeles Times February 5, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-05-sp-25578-story.html February 4, 2023 Roberts Selena Trying Loss as the Nets Lack Effort The New York Times March 1, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/01/sports/trying-loss-as-the-nets-lack-effort.html October 22, 2022 and Massenburg provided with 7.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Reggie Williams averaged 6.5 points per game in eleven games, Kevin Edwards contributed 5.9 points per game in only just 32 games, McDaniel provided with 5.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, and Montross averaged 5.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in 31 games. 1996–97 New Jersey Nets Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NJN/1997.html June 28, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Kittles was selected for the NBA Rookie Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference Rookie team. Fry Darrell On to the Next Stage Tampa Bay Times February 8, 1997 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/02/08/on-to-the-next-stage/ September 19, 2025 1997 NBA Rising Stars: East 96, West 91 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1997_rookie.html September 19, 2025 Gill finished tied in fifth place in Most Improved Player voting, 1996–97 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1997.html October 3, 2022 while Kittles finished in fifth place in Rookie of the Year voting, Associated Press Iverson Is Voted Top Rookie The New York Times May 2, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/02/sports/iverson-is-voted-top-rookie.html October 3, 2022 and Gatling finished in third place in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Sixth Man Award for Starks The New York Times April 24, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/24/sports/sixth-man-award-for-starks.html October 3, 2022 The Nets finished 18th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 670,628 at the Continental Airlines Arena during the regular season. 1996–97 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997.html January 22, 2026 Aftermath Following the season, Jackson and Montross were both traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, Roberts Selena The Nets Decide the Future Can't Wait The New York Times June 28, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/28/sports/the-nets-decide-the-future-can-t-wait.html December 1, 2022 Staff and Wire Reports Van Horn Finally on His Way to New Jersey in 76er Trade Los Angeles Times June 28, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-28-sp-7674-story.html January 2, 2023 Kepner Tyler Nets Get Van Horn from 76ers The Washington Post June 28, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/06/28/nets-get-van-horn-from-76ers/cd015603-cc9d-48cc-b1f5-6c6d12f22675/ September 24, 2022 while Massenburg signed as a free agent with the Boston Celtics, who later on traded him to the Vancouver Grizzlies, Celtics' Signings  Wilmington Morning Star  July 29, 1997  5C  https://books.google.com/books?id=MrxOAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA10&dq=1997+Boston+Celtics+signed+forward+tony+massenburg&article_id=5663,5099629&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj_4_OsvcGXAxX73ckDHRKFKlYQ6AF6BAgHEAI#v=onepage&q=1997%20Boston%20Celtics%20signed%20forward%20tony%20massenburg&f=false October 17, 2026 Grizzlies Acquire Massenburg, Mack Associated Press October 28, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/50c38e4cc72f7dafe7848c91e29a9916 July 17, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220627071035/https://apnews.com/article/50c38e4cc72f7dafe7848c91e29a9916 June 27, 2022 dead and Kleine signed with the Chicago Bulls. Bulls Sign Wennington for 1 Year Chicago Tribune September 9, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-09-09-9709090029-story.html December 27, 2022 Draft picks 1996 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 8 Kerry Kittles SG United States Villanova Roster New Jersey Nets 1996–97 #0C479D #FFFFFF #EC0044 #FFFFFF 2 David Benoit basketball F 6 8 220 1968-05-09 Alabama yes IN 10 Sam Cassell G 6 3 185 1969-11-18 Florida State yes 33 Yinka Dare C 7 0 265 1972-10-10 George Washington 21 Kevin Edwards G 6 3 190 1965-10-30 DePaul 15 Chris Gatling F 6 10 220 1967-09-03 Old Dominion yes 13 Kendall Gill G/F 6 5 195 1968-05-25 Illinois 54 Jack Haley basketball F 6 10 240 1964-01-27 UCLA 22 Jim Jackson basketball F 6 6 220 1970-10-14 Ohio State 30 Kerry Kittles G 6 5 179 1974-06-12 Villanova 35 Joe Kleine C 6 11 255 1962-01-04 Arkansas 44 Tony Massenburg F 6 9 220 1967-07-31 Maryland 34 Xavier McDaniel F 6 7 205 1963-06-04 Wichita State 00 Eric Montross C 7 0 270 1971-09-23 North Carolina 55 Jayson Williams F 6 9 240 1968-02-22 St. John's yes 7 Reggie Williams basketball, born 1964 F 6 7 190 1964-03-05 Georgetown yes John Calipari Don Casey Kenny Gattison Ed Schilling (IN) Inactive https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NJN/1997.html Roster notes Small forward David Benoit was on the injured reserve list due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, and missed the entire regular season. Regular season Season standings NJN NJN z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Game log January 2011 Player statistics Regular season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPGKendall Gill828139.0.443.336.7976.14.01.90.621.8Sam Cassell232233.8.443.392.8313.66.51.60.319.3Chris Gatling3030.7.419.9387.31.01.30.017.0Jim Jackson313137.3.417.370.8525.95.20.90.516.5Kerry Kittles825736.7.426.377.7713.93.01.90.416.4Robert Pack343134.9.407.297.7882.59.61.70.115.9Jayson Williams414034.9.409.000.59013.51.20.60.913.4Shawn Bradley403830.7.436.000.6648.10.50.64.012.0Khalid Reeves501821.0.393.396.7471.83.40.50.18.3Tony Massenburg794924.7.485.000.6316.50.30.50.67.2Reggie Williams11015.2.403.273.8002.20.70.70.46.5Kevin Edwards32014.9.377.349.8601.31.80.50.15.9Xavier McDaniel62518.9.389.200.7305.11.00.60.35.6Lloyd Daniels17016.6.330.322.8332.31.50.50.25.4Eric Montross313127.2.451.3939.10.90.41.35.1Ed O'Bannon45514.1.367.283.8702.50.60.50.24.2Joe Kleine28016.2.427.500.7224.10.80.30.43.0Evric Gray508.4.267.2501.0000.60.40.20.02.6Jack Haley2003.7.351.7371.60.30.10.12.0Adrian Caldwell18011.3.286.000.5293.10.30.40.11.6Robert Werdann605.2.4291.0001.00.00.30.21.5Yinka Dare4127.6.352.5142.00.10.10.71.4Vincent Askew107.00.00.00.00.00.0 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Kerry Kittles, NBA All-Rookie Team 2nd Team Shawn Bradley, NBA 1996-1997 League Leader in Blocks References See also 1996–97 NBA season New Jersey Nets season Category:New Jersey Nets seasons New Jersey Nets New Jersey Nets Category:20th century in East Rutherford, New Jersey Category:Meadowlands Sports Complex