The Brooklyn Nets have built a distinct identity since their 2012 move, and four players stand above the rest for defining the era. This Mount Rushmore ranks the top contributors based on longevity, accomplishments, and impact, not just raw talent. The team's current form, with a recent 136-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors on April 12, 2026, shows a new chapter is underway. You can track their progress on our [standings](/standings) page.
Who are the Brooklyn Nets Mount Rushmore players?
Brook Lopez, Kevin Durant, Joe Harris, and Nic Claxton are the four players selected. The criteria focused solely on the Brooklyn era, meaning only performances after the 2012 relocation from New Jersey counted. This excludes franchise greats from earlier periods. Longevity, production, and cultural impact were the main factors considered.
Why is Brook Lopez the first name on the list?
Brook Lopez is the foundational piece of the Brooklyn Nets. Drafted in 2008, he became the face of the team during its transition and played nine seasons in Brooklyn. Lopez remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer. His No. 11 jersey is widely expected to be retired once his playing career ends, a fitting tribute to his steady production and loyalty.
He averaged over 20 points per game in multiple seasons, anchoring the paint. The team's lack of deep playoff runs during his tenure doesn't diminish his importance. Lopez set a standard for consistency that future Nets stars would follow.
How did Kevin Durant reach the peak in Brooklyn?
Kevin Durant represents the highest basketball peak the Brooklyn Nets ever achieved. Injuries delayed his debut, but he quickly proved his elite status. Across three-plus seasons, he averaged nearly 30 points per game and earned multiple All-NBA selections.
His 2021 playoff performance against the Milwaukee Bucks was legendary. Durant posted a 49-point triple-double in Game 5. He then nearly won Game 7 with a shot that was literally inches from sending Brooklyn to the Eastern Conference Finals. No player has reached a higher level of individual play in a Nets uniform.
What role did Joe Harris play?
Joe Harris wasn't the biggest star, but his value was immense. Claimed off waivers in 2016, he spent seven seasons in Brooklyn and developed into one of the NBA's premier three-point shooters. Harris became a constant through different team phases, from a surprise 2018-19 playoff run to a key role alongside superstars.
He set numerous franchise records for three-point shooting. Harris's reliability from the perimeter created essential spacing for the offense. Few role players have left a bigger mark on the culture and success of Brooklyn basketball.
Why does Nic Claxton deserve a spot?
Nic Claxton's development story is a blueprint for the Nets. Selected 31st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, he entered the league as a raw prospect. Over seven seasons, he transformed into one of the NBA's premier defensive centers, earning an All-Defensive Team selection.
His ability to protect the rim and switch onto perimeter players defined the Nets' defensive identity. Claxton's growth from project to cornerstone represents the franchise's ability to develop talent. He anchored the defense during a period of significant roster turnover.
The Nets' current rebuild, following a tough stretch where they lost their last three games, looks to find the next generation of franchise icons. Fans can follow the roster construction on our [squad](/squad) page. The legacy of these four players sets a high bar for what it means to be a Brooklyn Net.
