The Brooklyn Nets have a long history of defensive stalwarts who have left a lasting mark on the league with their exceptional stealing abilities. Here are the Nets' best single-season steals averages in franchise history.

First: Michael Ray Richardson (1985, 3.0 per game)
In the 1984-85 season, Richardson led the league in steals, averaging 3.0 steals per game. This was the second-highest mark of his career and the best in Nets franchise history. He averaged at least two steals per game in seven of his eight NBA seasons, demonstrating his consistent defensive prowess.

2. Eddie Jordan (1980, 2.7 per game)
Jordan peaked in the 1979-80 season, averaging 13.3 points, 6.8 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, ranking second in the league behind Richardson. He averaged over 2.5 steals per game in each of his two full seasons with the Nets.

Tied for 2nd place: Kendall Gill (1999, 2.7 per game)
In the 1998-99 season, Gill also led the league in steals with 2.7, the only time in his 15-year NBA career that he averaged more than 2.0 steals per game, and it was also a highlight in the Nets' history.

4. Michael Ray Richardson (1986, 2.7 per game)
The following year, Richardson continued his defensive prowess, averaging 2.7 steals per game, second in the league behind Alvin Robertson's 3.7. This was also his final season in the NBA.

5. Eddie Jordan (1979, 2.5 per game)
Jordan averaged 2.5 steals per game in the 1978-79 season and tied for the league lead in total steals with 201. He had a total of 562 steals in four seasons with the Nets, ranking in the top ten in team history.