On January 25, 2025, Julius Erving spoke during Vince Carter’s jersey retirement at Barclays Center, highlighting the 50th anniversary of the ABA’s final season and the Nets’ championship. The Nets, the only remaining ABA team without a championship since the 1976 merger, faced financial struggles that forced them to sell Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers. This decision contributed to a long-lasting curse on the franchise, as the Nets struggled with instability and missed playoff opportunities thereafter. The merger’s legacy remains contentious, overshadowing the Nets’ history and contributions to basketball.
Want More Context? 🔎
Can Nets Honor ABA and Dr. J at Lottery Event?
Sports News. No Fluff.
Quick summaries of major games, trades, and headlines — so you can stay in the loop without spending hours reading.