The expansive tapestry of the Brooklyn Nets’ franchise history is vividly woven through the myriad of jersey numbers donned by hundreds of players, each digit representing a unique chapter in the team’s enduring narrative.
Tracing its origins back to 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), then known as the “New Jersey Americans,” the organization has undergone significant transformations, eventually merging into the NBA and establishing its iconic identity in New York before settling in Brooklyn.
Over the decades, more than 600 different athletes have contributed to this rich NBA jersey history, sporting 52 distinct jersey numbers, each symbolizing a moment or an era in the team’s evolution.
Among these significant numerals, jersey No. 21 holds a notable place, having been worn by a remarkable total of 26 Nets players throughout the franchise’s extensive timeline, reflecting a continuous lineage of talent.
The 21st player to embrace the No. 21 jersey was Jacob Wiley, a forward whose collegiate career at Eastern Washington concluded without an NBA Draft selection in 2017, leading him to sign with the Brooklyn Nets.
Wiley’s tenure with the team was remarkably brief, encompassing just five games before he was ultimately waived, marking his final appearance in the NBA, a fleeting but memorable entry into the basketball archives.
During his short stint, Wiley exclusively wore jersey No. 21 for the Brooklyn Nets, making a minor impact with 2.2 rebounds per game, yet his brief presence remains a part of the team’s intricate team heritage.
Every player, regardless of the duration of their time on the roster, contributes to the collective story of a franchise, with their chosen number becoming an indelible part of the team’s historical fabric.