The 1985–86 New Jersey Nets season was the Nets' tenth season in the NBA. After starting the first half of the season strong with a 23–14 record, the Nets lost star Micheal Ray Richardson due to a lifetime ban from the NBA due to repeated drug offenses and Darryl Dawkins to injuries, and then stumbled and went 16–29, finishing with a 39–43 record and barely making it into the playoffs. Draft picks Roster Roster notes The Nets let F Rod Higgins's 10-day contract expire. C Yvon Joseph was waived after playing 1 game in the NBA. G Micheal Ray Richardson received a lifetime ban on February 25 after he violated the league's drug policy three times. Regular season Season standings Record vs. opponents Game log Playoffs |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 18 | @ Milwaukee | L 107–119 | Buck Williams (27) | Buck Williams (14) | Birdsong, Cook (7) | MECCA Arena11,052 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 20 | @ Milwaukee | L 97–111 | Mike Gminski (28) | Mike Gminski (13) | Darwin Cook (7) | MECCA Arena11,052 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | April 22 | Milwaukee | L 113–118 | Otis Birdsong (28) | Buck Williams (10) | Kelvin Ransey (4) | Brendan Byrne Arena7,784 | 0–3 Player statistics Season Playoffs Awards and records Transactions References See also 1985–86 NBA season New Jersey Nets season New Jersey Nets seasons New Jersey Nets New Jersey Nets 20th century in East Rutherford, New Jersey Meadowlands Sports Complex