The 1990–91 New Jersey Nets season was the Nets' 24th season in the National Basketball Association, and 15th season in East Rutherford, New Jersey. After finishing with the worst record last season, the Nets won the draft lottery, and selected Derrick Coleman out of Syracuse University with the first overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft. In the off-season, the team acquired Reggie Theus from the Orlando Magic. However, the Nets continued to struggle losing eleven consecutive games between December and January. Their movement would continue at mid-season as they acquired Dražen Petrović from the Portland Trail Blazers, and rookie forward Terry Mills from the Denver Nuggets. The Nets finished fifth in the Atlantic Division with a 26–56 record. Coleman had a stellar rookie season averaging 18.