Every jersey number tells a story, and for the Brooklyn Nets, the tale of #55 begins with a hometown hero. Albert King, a Brooklyn native, made the number his own during a solid six-year stint with the team from 1981 to 1987.

Selected 10th overall in the 1981 NBA Draft, King brought his versatile game to the then-New Jersey Nets straight from a standout career at the University of Maryland. As a forward, he provided consistent scoring and playmaking, averaging 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while exclusively wearing #55.

King's tenure represents an important chapter in the Nets' rich jersey history, which spans from their ABA origins to the present day. He was the first of eight players to don the number for the franchise, setting a standard for the versatile forwards who would follow. His reliable production in the red, white, and blue (and later the iconic New Jersey road grays) helped solidify his place in the team's narrative.

For fans of Nets history and classic hoops style, Albert King's era represents a connection to the foundational players of the 1980s. His #55 remains a symbol of a steady, professional career that began right in the team's backyard.