Monday, November 19, 2001 - The New Jersey Nets have taken a back seat to the neighboring New York Knicks during most of their NBA existence.

The injury bug has infested the Nets in recent years, and their rare playoff appearances have been short-lived. The glory years? Those were in the ABA days, when Julius "Dr. J" Erving led the Nets to two league titles more than 25 years ago.

The NHL's New Jersey Devils and NFL's New York Giants have been the talk of the Meadowlands in recent years. Not the Nets. But with the addition of all-star Jason Kidd and newfound health, New Jersey is garnering notice as the NBA's early surprise team with an Eastern Conference-best 7-2 record.