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Brooklyn Nets jersey history No. 54 - Bob Elliott (1978-81)
TL;DR
The Brooklyn Nets have a rich jersey history with 52 numbers worn by over 600 players since their founding in 1967. The franchise has transitioned from the ABA to the NBA, maintaining its legacy through various name changes.
The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the "New Jersey Americans".
Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA, with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today.
To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise's jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 03: A detail of Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets jersey against the Chicago Bulls in the first half of the NBA In-Season Tournament at the United Center on November 03, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
And for today's article, we will continue with the second of six people to wear the No. 54 jersey, big man alum Bob Elliott. After ending his college career at Arizona, Elliott was picked up with the 42nd overall selection of the 1977 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Ann Arbor, Michigan native played the first three seasons of his NBA career with the (then) New Jersey (now, Brooklyn) Nets after being cut, leaving the league as a player afterward.
During his time suiting up for the Nets, Elliott wore only jersey No. 54 and put up 7.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets jersey history No. 54 - Bob Elliott (1978-81)
Q&A
What is the significance of jersey number 54 in Brooklyn Nets history?
Jersey number 54 was worn by Bob Elliott during his time with the Brooklyn Nets from 1978 to 1981, contributing to the team's legacy.
How many players have worn Brooklyn Nets jerseys since the franchise began?
Over 600 different players have worn jerseys for the Brooklyn Nets since the franchise was founded in 1967.
What were the original names of the Brooklyn Nets before they became known as the Nets?
The franchise was originally known as the New Jersey Americans before becoming the New Jersey Nets and eventually the Brooklyn Nets.
