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Nets One of a Few NBA Teams to Honor Black History

BQE Admin on February 18, 2026

Brooklyn hosts one of the best Black History Month celebrations of 2026

It was Black History Night at the Barclays Center earlier this month as the Nets took on the Chicago Bulls! Photos: Christian Spencer

By Christian Spencer

sports@queensledger.com

The Brooklyn Nets are one of the few NBA teams this year to host a Black History Month game, showing how the franchise’s identity is deeply rooted in its Black heritage. 

On February 9, the team celebrated that identity with a 123–115 win over the Chicago Bulls, in-arena performances, and a special appearance by Nets legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

The evening was not just a game, but a veritable indicator of Brooklyn’s influence on Black culture, basketball, and community.

Fans watched a tight contest that swung both ways before the Nets closed it out with crisp late-game execution and balanced scoring down the stretch. 

Beyond the scoreboard, the game highlighted Black generations and community traditions that have shaped Brooklyn’s identity. 

African dancers opened the night with bright colors and pounding drums that energized the arena and set a vibrant tone.

A cookout-style dance-off followed, as Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z playfully competed over which generation produced the best music and moves during a pregame “Black Family Reunion” activation staged with Brooklyn-based platform The Lay Out. 

The Nets hosted a pregame fireside chat on Black health and wellness, where artist and entrepreneur Styles P spoke with local community groups about mental, physical, and emotional healing. 

KBT Temple and Praise performed Lift Every Voice & Sing and the National Anthem before tipoff, and the Brooklynettes and Team Hype honored Black social dance at halftime alongside the New York Liberty’s Timeless Torches, bridging generations. 

The programming was a copious investment in Blackness that extended beyond the court.

Before the halftime show, fans were welcomed by NBA legend Julius Erving, popularly known as Dr. J. 

Though his appearance was brief and silent, the arena erupted in cheers as the iconic player watched his hometown team secure a meaningful win during Black History Month. 

Dr. J’s presence was especially fitting: he won championships in both the ABA and NBA and inspired generations of players, including Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Vince Carter. 

His Nets jersey — No. 32 — hangs in the rafters.

Julius Erving was honored during the game. His Nets jersey sits in the rafters at the Barclays Center.

Other NBA teams also hosted Black History Month-themed games. 

The Boston Celtics celebrated with the NBA Pioneers Classic against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 1, honoring the league’s first Black players, according to The Boston Herald.

The Bucks followed with their Black Excellence Game versus the Bulls on February 3, according to TMJ4, NBC Milwaukee, while the San Antonio Spurs marked Black Heritage Night against the Dallas Mavericks on February 7 with in-game spotlights and community programming, according to The Associated Press.

The Atlanta Hawks’ Black History Month game versus the Washington Wizards is scheduled for February 26. 

Even so, the Nets’ February 9 game offered one of the most performative celebrations, reflecting a season-long commitment to honoring Black culture.

As Brooklyn Downtown Star previously reported, the Nets’ embrace of hip-hop culture separates them from most franchises. 

The team collaborates with the Notorious B.I.G. estate, with the Brooklyn Camo City Edition uniforms — first introduced in 2018–19 and revived for the 2025–26 season — paying tribute to the late rapper and his Bedford-Stuyvesant roots. 

The arena reflects Brooklyn’s hip-hop legacy, from Biggie-themed nights and halftime programming to the influence of Jay-Z, who advocated for the team’s return to Brooklyn.

From the Archives – August 26, 2021: “Former Christ the King Star Jose Alvarado Signs with Pelicans”

BQE Admin on February 12, 2026

Plenty has changed from CTK to Georgia Tech and the Pelicans, but Alvarado’s tough style of play hasn’t. (Photos from D1Scout.com, ramblinwreck.com, & @PelicansNBA)

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

Five years ago, Jose Alvarado was named CHSAA Player of the Year, turning heads at Christ the King High School in Middle Village. Now the Brooklyn native is on his way to an NBA career, recently signing a two-way contract with the Pelicans.

“When I first met him I thought he was a win at all cost player, the ones I love,” said Christ the King head coach Joe Arbitello. “I knew he would be successful at whatever he chose to do. It’s not a surprise to me he’s in the NBA.”

Alvarado was a four-star recruit out of high school, landing at Georgia Tech under head coach Josh Pastner. In his first year he averaged 12 points, the fourth most by a GT freshman.

By his senior year, Alvarado was averaging 15.2 points and 2.8 steals, a tough player on both sides of the ball. He was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year as Georgia Tech finished 4th in the conference before making a run for the ACC championship.

“Jose is a hard worker, a real hard-nosed individual,” said Pastner. “Coaches love guys like him. He does all the little things to help you win games, fights for every 50/50 ball. That’s what made him Defensive Player of the Year and back-to-back steals leader, the first in the ACC since Chris Paul.”

Up five in the final seconds of the championship game, Alvarado sealed the title with a steal and assist.

“This is why I work my butt off,” said an emotional Alvarado after the game. “A lot of people doubted me. I wasn’t supposed to be in the ACC, but coach took a chance on me,”

Not many players in his situation end up in the NBA, but on draft night, Alvarado knew he had a chance.

“I worked out for 17 different teams and honestly I didn’t know who was going to pick me,” said Alvarado. “I knew the chances of getting drafted were pretty low, but as the process went I started to feel that this might happen, I might get my name called. When I got the phone call it was a dream come true, like a number one pick for me.”

While he didn’t end up picked in the top 60, Alvarado was a part of the Pelicans’ draft day plans. They kept a keen eye on him as they dealt their final pick of the draft, later picking up the Yellow Jackets star.

New Orleans was one of the most comfortable pre-draft workouts for Alvarado, who kept busy in the months leading up to the draft.

“It felt really good,” he said. “They welcomed me with open arms and good energy. It was a good fit, not forced or anything, one of my best workouts easily.”

In the NBA Summer League, Jose took the floor looking to prove he belonged on the roster. In his five games, he did exactly that, leading the team in steals, blocks, and rebounds per game while finishing second in points and assists.

Alvarado’s energy was contagious and he remained confident as ever on the ball. While he has plenty of growth to do, he got valuable experience to learn the speed of the pro game.

With his NBA career on the horizon, Alvarado still looks back to his time hooping in his hometown.

“New York is always gonna be my home, when I go to Christ the King, they’re always gonna be my family. They show so much love because they know my story, they were there with me. My story’s different from a lot of others because not a lot of guys like me get a chance to make it. Where I’m from, that’s never happened.”

Alvarado’s stats may not pop off of the box score, but his effort, dedication, and heart certainly stand out on the court. He knows his role and he plays it well. Whether starting, coming off the bench, or training with the team, the Pelicans are lucky to have Alvarado on board.

“I’m 6-foot on a good day, don’t have the craziest length, I can’t jump up and jam, don’t have the best jump shot, but I give my heart out and I’ll give it my all every time,” he said. “I play like I’m 7-foot and I play like I’m jumping out of the gym.”

This article was originally published on August 26, 2021. Alvarado was traded to the New York Knicks on February 5, 2026.

Nets Battle Jazz in Salt Lake as Trade Deadline Looms

BQE Admin on February 5, 2026

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The Nets travelled out West last week for a trio of matchups to finish off a lackluster January. After going 7-4 in December, Brooklyn lost 14 of their first 16 games in 2026. They were able to break a 7-game losing streak in Salt Lake City, but a dry January saw Brooklyn back near the Eastern Conference basement.

It wasn’t a flashy affair in Utah, as the Nets and Jazz each entered with 34 losses. Lauri Markkanen didn’t suit up for the hosts after playing on back-to-back nights earlier in the week. Michael Porter Jr. missed the game for personal reasons after scoring 38 in his return to Denver the night before. 

Still, the game was an entertaining one as the Jazz kept within reach. The arena was full for the Friday night matchup despite the two bottom-dwelling teams featured. Part of the draw was Nets rookie Egor Dëmin, making his return to the Beehive State after starring as a freshman at BYU.

Dëmin put together his best professional performance in Utah’s capitol. He set career highs with 25 points and 10 rebounds to record his 1st double-double, also setting an NBA rookie record with 34 consecutive games with a made three pointer.

The Russian rookie was phenomenal from start to finish, hitting 6 threes, keeping the ball moving, crashing the boards, and even throwing down a delightful dunk. While his 3-pointer streak came to an end on Sunday in Detroit, he has shown tremendous potential as a young sharpshooter who can contribute in all aspects of the game.

Dëmin wasn’t the only Nets rookie to showcase their skills last Friday. Making his 6th NBA start was Danny Wolf, who came up with 14 points and 5 boards. Starting for the 2nd time in his career was Nolan Traoré, who brought great energy despite his shot not quite falling (6 assists and 2 blocks).

The other Nets to score in double figures were Cam Thomas with 21 and Day’ron Sharpe with 16. Thomas provided 14 straight points for Brooklyn to help them seize control, also finishing with 4 assists. Sharpe pulled down 9 rebounds, including a game-high 3 offensive boards.

Jazz youngsters also showed off for the home crowd, led by third-year guard Keyonte George’s 26 points and 7 assists. Fellow third-year Brice Sensabaugh added 18 off the bench, second-years Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier scored 14 and 10, respectively, and prized rookie Ace Bailey scored 12 with a pair of rebounds and steals.

Still, despite a wealth of young talent, the Jazz have had a hard time breaking out of mediocrity. This year it’s in part due to Walker Kessler’s season ending surgery, but even with their many lottery picks they sit well out of reach of the Western Conference play-in.

Finishing with the worst record in the league guarantees a draft pick no lower than 5th overall, and the three worst teams will each have a 14% chance of picking 1st overall. Following Monday’s games, Brooklyn’s record sat at 13-35, level with Washington and ahead of only the Pacers (13-37), Pelicans (13-39), and Kings (12-39).

While they’re not likely to ensure a top-5 pick, the trajectory of Brooklyn’s rookies and arsenal of future selections makes the future quite promising. Perhaps the most interesting moments of the Nets season will come this week with the NBA’s trade deadline.

All moves will be final at 3pm on Thursday, February 5, and it may include some high profile names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden. The Nets have some valuable players to offer in Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton, Day’ron Sharpe, and Cam Thomas, as well as a NBA-best 10 tradable 1st round picks. 

Should the Nets sell at the deadline they are sure to remain in contention for a top pick, but even if they use their assets to make a splash they’ll be in a great position moving forward.

Nets Turn Kids Day into Full-On Playground

BQE Admin on January 15, 2026

Kids Day at the Barclays Center was a riveting success, full of dancing, performances, and fun! (Photos: Brooklyn Nets)

Michael Porter Jr. Leads Brooklyn Past Nuggets

By Christian Spencer

The Brooklyn Nets’ outreach to young fans centers on community engagement designed to put Brooklyn kids at the forefront of the game-day experience.

The Nets earned a 127–115 win over the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 4, the team’s first home game of the new year.

But the Kids Day matchup at Barclays Center—broadcast on the YES Network at 3 p.m.—was part of a broader effort that extended beyond the final score.

“The Nets Kids Games are one of many touchpoints—alongside digital content, community programs, and in-arena experiences—designed to help young fans feel connected to the team,” said Andrew Karson, executive vice president of marketing for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.

“Kids respond to what feels current and authentic, so staying culturally relevant and listening to how they engage is key to building long-term relationships.”

The first 5,000 children through the doors received Kids Day giveaways, including kid-friendly keepsakes.

The first few thousand kids through the doors got “blind box” giveaways!

Inside the concourse, families had access to select concession items—pretzels, popcorn, and soft drinks—priced at $5, lower than the usual cost at NBA games.

Compared with the New York Knicks, whose fan base is long established, the Nets continue to focus on localized engagement.

That includes school-based programming tied to science and technology education, literacy initiatives such as Read Across Brooklyn, and recurring park and neighborhood events in communities including Bedford-Stuyvesant.

“By meeting families and youth where they are and authentically reflecting Brooklyn’s many cultures, we look to cultivate meaningful connections that extend well beyond game day,” Karson said.

Kids Day programming also put young fans at the center of the entertainment. Youth performers appeared during halftime and in-game breaks, and a kid reporter joined the broadcast.

Performances featured kids dance teams and a kid reporter!

“When families experience moments together at Kids Days, Practice in the Park, or community events, those moments become part of their history with family and friends,” Karson said. “Our goal is for today’s young fans to one day return with families of their own, carrying that sense of connection and tradition forward across generations.”

Beyond the Barclays, the Nets extend their reach through programs like NETSTEM, a supplemental STEM curriculum for elementary and middle school students, and Brooklyn Basketball, a joint youth program with the New York Liberty.

Across the street, a combine was held at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center.

“Even for kids who don’t pursue the sport long-term, the memories they create, the lessons learned and the relationships they form will endure,” Karson said.

These programs are designed to meet kids at every stage. At the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, after-school sessions for boys and girls ages 6–17 provide both basketball training and mentorship.

Each experience focuses on building confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.

“This layered approach allows kids to grow with us, develop life skills along the way, and deepen their connection to the Nets and Liberty over time,” Karson said.

The team is also heavy on its digital content and interactive experiences, bringing young fans closer to Nets experience.

“By sharing behind-the-scenes access and telling connective stories on their favorite platforms, we’re able to spark early connections that can mature into long-term fandom,” Karson said, describing the team’s outreach across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

During the Kids Day game, the Nets were also promoting Michael Porter Jr. as a candidate for the upcoming All-Star Game, with many young fans already familiar with him through TikTok and Instagram, including his presence alongside rapper girlfriend Ice Spice.

MPJ’s star power is resonating with younger audiences, and with the Nets developing their young players and building momentum under head coach Jordi Fernández, the Kids Day celebration reflected learning, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Happy Net Year! Brooklyn Turns the Page With 7-4 December

BQE Admin on December 31, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

While their winning came to an end with Monday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Brooklyn Nets were able to close out their first month above .500 of the season, their third in the last three seasons.

It’s been a drastic 3-month turnaround for Brooklyn, going winless in five October matchups before a woeful 3-11 November. Since then, a switch has flipped. In addition to their strong shooting, Brooklyn maintained the best defensive rating in the NBA during the final month of the calendar year. They finished 7-4, with impressive wins against the Raptors, 76ers, and Timberwolves.

Already riding a 6-3 stretch into Minnesota, the Nets took on their toughest foe of the month. They only shot 28% for three, but interior scoring helped bring their total FG% to 55%. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28, while Jaden McDaniels added 16. Both were terrific on the defensive end.

Leading Brooklyn off the bench was Cam Thomas, his first game back after missing 20 with hamstring issues. It was his 30th time scoring 30 points in a game, shooting an efficient 9-15 and adding 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Thomas scored 12 straight Brooklyn points in the 3rd Quarter, helping them pull away late for a 123-107 win.

Back home to play the middling Warriors in their 2025 finale, Brooklyn had much less help from the second unit. The bench only added 27 points on 36% shooting, compared to 62 with 64% shooting against the Wolves.

The Nets put together a pair of 10-0 runs in the 1st but couldn’t pull away as Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry powered the Warriors to a 120-107 win. 

It was a tight physical matchup the whole night, with some phenomenal shooting by Michael Porter Jr. and Egor Dëmin. As well as another stellar all-around game from Nic Claxton.

Porter Jr.’s 56% shooting helped him to a team-leading 27 points while Brooklyn’s top draft pick matched his NBA best with 23 points. All of Dëmin’s made field goals came from beyond the arc, setting a Nets rookie record with seven three pointers. Claxton scored 15 points, tallying 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.

In his second game back, Thomas produced significantly less in 19 minutes off the bench. He seemed overeager to put up shots despite a focused defensive effort to stop him, shooting 5-12 and finishing with 13 points and 2 assists.

The Warriors shot efficiently in the 4th quarter and a strong effort to stay within reach finally petered out for Brooklyn. They fell for the 20th time this year, an unfortunate finish after dominant play the rest of the month

Cam back off the bench

In his two games back, Cam Thomas showed the positive and negative side of his impact. When his shots are dropping like in Minnesota, he can easily provide a winning spark. When he fixates on getting shots up like against Golden State, he can be taken out of the game and made a detriment on both ends of the floor.

Since Brooklyn began to really turn the ship around in his absence, many were quick to suggest Cam’s ball-dominant playstyle as a culprit. Saturday’s win over Minnesota showed that Cam is more than capable of fitting into this Nets playstyle and providing exactly what Jordi Fernandez needs to lead the second unit.

Alternatively, there are games like Monday’s, where Thomas puts up a game-worst +/- at -24. When he doesn’t get the shots to fall and can’t fit the team’s flow, Thomas turns from a bonafide bucket to a tank engine.

If Brooklyn gets the good side of Thomas over the next month, they’ll be in a fascinating position. While they’re positioned to maximize their first round draft pick in 2026, they may not be sellers at the trade deadline as many expect. General Manager Sean Marks has shown hesitation to deal players and assets without clear benefit, and between Porter Jr. clicking in his first year in Brooklyn and Claxton turning the page, some of his most valuable assets may be ideal building blocks for the future.

Chris DeMarco in the building

Also on the Barclays Center hardwood on Monday night was Chris DeMarco, the new head coach of the New York Liberty. In his final game as an assistant with the Warriors, DeMarco was spotted chatting with Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez before tip-off and taking photos with the Golden State coaching staff after the final buzzer.

With the new year comes DeMarco’s new role, and the longtime Dubs assistant has officially closed that chapter of his career. Now DeMarco shifts his focus to the team taking the floor later in 2026, with a busy offseason still playing out.

“I love Barclays, I love what they’re building with the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center across the street,” DeMarco said after his final NBA game. “It’s a beautiful thing to see and it’s a growing league, I’m just excited to get started.”

WNBPA Authorizes Strike if Deemed Necessary

BQE Admin on December 25, 2025

Can the W Avoid a Catastrophic 2026 Lockout?

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

On Thursday last week the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) saw historic participation and support for a potential strike, authorizing executives to dig their heels in if CBA negotiations don’t progress. The vote saw overwhelming participation and support, with 98% in support of authorizing a strike and 93% of the league casting a vote.

“The players’ vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one,” the WNBPA said in their statement. “It is an emphatic affirmation of the players’ confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer and undervalue them.”

After seeing significant growth over the past few seasons, WNBA players are eyeing a significant jump in shared revenue, also hoping for other significant concessions. However, the league has made little progress on negotiations. While a strike could be catastrophic to continued league growth from its current peak, the vote sends a strong message to the league, urging executives to pursue a fair deal in good faith.

The emphasis in a new CBA largely falls on league revenue sharing and salary ranges. Right now, the league only shares roughly 10% of revenue, much lower than most male sports leagues that share nearly half of their profits. As a result, many players are forced to look overseas or into offseason leagues like Unrivaled to supplement their time playing in the WNBA. With the league making more than ever, players are searching for significant increases.

Reports say that the WNBA is offering an increase in revenue sharing up to 15% with minimum and average salaries roughly quadrupling, but players are steadfast in their demands for 30% of revenue, with salaries dependent on annual league profits.

“What we’re doing right now isn’t working,” said NY Liberty star Breanna Stewart, who serves as a Vice President in the Players’ Association. “We know how important as players it is to play and to be on the court. But at the same time, if we’re not going to be valued the way that we know we should be, then we’re just not going to do something that doesn’t make sense for us.”

It doesn’t seem likely that the league will cave to player demands quite yet, but the threat of a 2026 lockout shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all the growth in recent years, it would be disastrous for players, teams, and the league if the upcoming season doesn’t start on time.

Nets Match Franchise Record for Margin of Victory With 45-point Win Over Bucks

BQE Admin on December 19, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The Brooklyn Nets delivered a wild smackdown to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, an impressive showing even with Milwaukee missing star big man Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their 45-point win is tied for the largest in franchise history, previously set in New Jersey back in 1993. Their previous record in the Brooklyn era came in 2022 when they defeated the Wizards by 42.

Despite the 127-point performance, no Net scored more than 17 points. Instead it was a terrific all-around performance with 9 different players scoring in double figures, including all 5 starters. Every Net recorded at least one rebound and all aside from Jalen Wilson recorded at least one assist. They beat the Bucks in both stats, also winning the battle in turnovers, blocks, steals, and fouls.

Rookie Egor Dëmin led the charge with his second-best performance in Brooklyn. His 17 points came with solid efficiency, shooting 6/8 and 3/3 at the FT line, also picking up 3 rebounds and 3 assists. While Michael Porter Jr. hit 2 of 7 three pointers and only managed 12 points (about half of his season average) the Net newcomer added 6 rebounds and 5 assists to round out his game.

The Nets were without Head Coach Jordi Fernandez, who missed the game with the flu. Assistant Steve Hetzel picked up his 1st career NBA win, echoing the same gameplan of constant ball movement and defensive effort.

“It’s a 45-point loss to a team trying to lose. They have 4 or 5 wins or whatever it is now,” lamented Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma. “That’s the beauty of this league, right? There’s so much talent and if you’re not ready you can get your butt whooped by any team.”

It was Brooklyn’s 7th win and the Bucks without Giannis certainly were not ready, though the Nets were by no means playing to lose. While they’re not constructed to contend by any means, they still have plenty of talent and when they connect on the gameplan they have shown immense promise.

Meanwhile in Milwaukee, things aren’t exactly going much better than in Brooklyn. It seems Giannis is destined for a trade in the near future and without him it’s possible the Bucks plummet from the 10th seed in the East, where they only hold a 11-16 record. If the Nets can catch their stride, especially depending on how the roster looks down the line, they could easily go on a winning stretch and find themselves in that very same play-in position.

Brooklyn Finally Breaks Through at Barclays

BQE Admin on December 4, 2025

Emphatic slams punctuate Nets win vs Hornets

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

In their 10th attempt, the Brooklyn Nets were finally able to emerge victorious on their home court in the 2025-26 season. Highlighted by a series of delectable dunks, Brooklyn were able to dispatch the Charlotte Hornets for a 116-103 win on the first night of December. It was their first win on home turf since early April.

Egor Dëmin, Danny Wolf, and Noah Clowney all threw down big dunks to the delight of the bench and local crowd. Egor’s came in transition while Wolf and Clowney both threw down contested slams.

Leading the Brooklyn offense once again was Michael Porter Jr., who recorded his 6th game with 30+ points in his first 17 games as a Net. He hit a season high 7 three-pointers, tied for the second most in his career. Porter Jr. has truly stepped into his new role as primary scorer for the Nets, and he credits Head Coach Jordi Fernandez for helping him elevate his play.

“I think Jordi is a genius of a coach in terms of the schemes he puts out, especially offensively for me” Porter said postgame about his coach. “The different creative ways that Jordi has our team running plays to help me get touches and looks off is really next level. He’s making it so easy for me to play my game.”

Notably, some of the Nets’ best performances have come in the absence of Cam Thomas, currently nursing a hamstring injury. The offense has looked more fluid and potent even without his incredible scoring touch, and the Nets rookies have taken advantage of increased minutes.

Thomas is set to get a MRI at the end of the week, with updates on his return to play coming shortly after. With Brooklyn playing better ball and confidence starting to take hold after a lethargic start to the campaign, perhaps Cam’s return could be the catalyst for continued success. 

Of course, the Nets won’t be in a rush to get Cam back, as his hamstring is the same one injured multiple times last season, holding him to just 25 games played. Whether a contributor on the floor or an asset for a trade, Brooklyn needs Thomas back long term.

Legendary Player, Coach Lenny Wilkens Dies at Age 88

BQE Admin on November 13, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The basketball world mourned the passing of Brooklyn native and legendary player/coach Lenny Wilkens, who died on Sunday. Dubbed the “Godfather of Seattle Basketball,” Wilkens was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame three different times. He was honored as a 9-time All-Star point guard, again as one of the winningest coaches in league history, and once more for helping coach the USA in the 1992 Olympic Games.

Wilkens was a legendary playmaker, adding tremendous flair in the 1960’s and early 70’s. In the 1967-68 season he averaged 8.3 assists and 20 points per game, finishing 2nd in MVP voting to the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.

“He influenced the lives of countless young people as well as generations of players and coaches who considered Lenny not only a great teammate or coach but also an extraordinary mentor who led with integrity and true class,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“Even more impressive than Lenny’s basketball accomplishments, which included two Olympic gold medals and an NBA championship, was his commitment to service – especially in his beloved community of Seattle where a statue stands in his honor.”

The illustrious career was forged on the playgrounds and asphalt courts of Brooklyn. While he didn’t play until his senior year Wilkens was able to impress at Boys High School after drawing attention outdoors. He went on to dominate at Providence College. Wilkens became one of the greatest to grace the floor for the Friars, leading them to the NIT Tournament as a junior and senior. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in 1960, also claiming All-American honors that year and the season prior.

After his time in Rhode Island, Wilkens was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the St. Louis Hawks. He spent the first 8 years of his career there before joining the Supersonics in the Pacific Northwest. He was an All-Star in three out of four seasons in Seattle, also setting career highs in assists and points per game.

Less than a decade later Wilkens was back on the floor as a coach, helping lead the Supersonics to their lone NBA title in 1979. In his coaching career he became the all-time leader in games coached, as well as the first of now 10 to pass the 1,000-win mark. He remains the coach with the most games in charge in NBA history, leading his teams in 2,487 contests.

“The thing that I’ll always remember, he was such a great gentleman, and such an eloquent human being, along with being a super competitive coach. He is still way up there in all-time victories. Very, very special man. He’ll be missed but he’ll be remembered,” Indiana Pacers Head Coach Carlisle said. “I ended up following him as president (of the NBCA), he did a lot of things to further the profession; the pension, benefits, coaching salaries rose significantly during his time. He was a great representative to the league office.”

Nets and Cam Thomas at Standstill Over New Contract

BQE Admin on August 12, 2025

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The dust has largely settled across the NBA, but one big question still looms for the Brooklyn Nets. Young starlet Cam Thomas is due for his next contract, but a difference in valuation has led to a standstill.

The 23-year-old is reportedly seeking a deal worth well over $30M, hoping to outearn players like Immanuel Quickley, Jalen Green, and Tyler Herro. A lack of landing spots make a deal that large doubtful this offseason, as Thomas is increasingly likely to take the qualifying offer and seek a long-term deal as an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.

Thomas remains one of the best pure scorers from the 2021 draft, where he was selected with the 27th pick. Back in 2023-24, Thomas set a NBA record with three consecutive 40-point games before the age of 22. In November against the Knicks, he dropped 43 points at The Garden. It was his 9th career 40-point showing, a hallmark of his young career. 

His immense scoring ability has made him a fascinating player despite shortcomings on defense and ball movement. Despite injuries cutting his last season short, Thomas set career highs in points, assists, and rebounds per game.

If the Nets look beyond Thomas, there are a number of interesting Free Agents who could land in King’s County. Among them are former Thunder and Bulls guard Josh Giddey and Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, both drafted before Thomas in 2021.

Chicago and Golden State can’t match a contract offer in ranges either player is seeking, as Brooklyn is the only team in the league capable of offering a $30M deal to the restricted Free Agents.

Brooklyn holds the most cap space in the NBA entering the 2025-26 season, and are poised to lead the league again in 2026-27. Regardless how the offseason ends, it should be an interesting season in Brooklyn as the Nets continue to rebuild.

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