Basketball, a young sport, quickly gained a colorful culture. Invented in Canada and popularized in America, it now attracts fans worldwide, from New York Knicks enthusiasts to Los Angeles Lakers supporters.
The journey to NBA prominence, featuring teams like the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls, was challenging. Entrepreneurial strategies and innovative concepts transformed basketball, once a niche game, into a professional sport celebrated in NBA playoffs and championships.
The NBA, evolving from the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America, stands as a monumental success. Its global reach during events like the NBA Finals marks a stark contrast from its humble origins. Understanding this evolution, from the first NBA game to the international spectacle it is today, is key to appreciating its impact.
Building Blocks Of Today’s NBA
American Basketball League
The American Basketball League, established in 1925, marked the initial step toward professional basketball. Teams were split into Eastern and Western Divisions.
In each division, two teams advanced to the playoffs, culminating in a championship duel.
The American Basketball League’s existence was brief, hindered by the Great Depression and the looming war. However, its influence endured, notably in contract signings. ABL players often switched teams, leading owners to institute contracts with monetary compensation. This practice set a precedent for future professional basketball organizations, including the National Basketball Association.
National Basketball League
The National Basketball League, formed a decade after its predecessor, began in 1935 as the Midwest Basketball Conference.
In 1937, it rebranded to appear more inclusive and professional. Despite its ambitious name, the NBL resembled an after-work club for employees from major companies around the Great Lakes.
The National Basketball League was instrumental in creating teams now central to NBA history.
The Los Angeles Lakers originated from the NBL’s Detroit Gems, while the Philadelphia 76ers evolved from the Syracuse Nationals. The Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons became the renowned NBA team Detroit Pistons, and the Rochester Royals are known today as the Sacramento Kings.
These NBA teams, integral to the legacy, trace their roots back to the humble beginnings of the NBL.
Basketball Association of America
The Basketball Association of America, established in 1946, is recognized by the NBA as its origin. Yet, it took a few years before the BAA transformed into the NBA.
BAA’s founders were innovative. They realized basketball needed to move beyond school gyms to gain respect. Walter Brown, owner of the Boston Garden in New York City, saw potential in using the vacant hockey arena for basketball. This shift aimed to enhance the spectator experience.
This strategy proved successful, attracting NBL teams to the BAA. In 1949, the BAA absorbed the NBL, creating the National Basketball Association.
However, the first NBA championship under this new name wasn’t held until 1950.
The NBA And The Original 11 NBA Teams
The National Basketball Association initially had 17 franchises, consolidated into 11. Throughout the ’50s, teams from smaller towns merged into larger franchises.
Eventually, only eight NBA teams remained: the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia Warriors, Minneapolis Lakers, Rochester Royals, Fort Wayne Pistons, Tri-Cities Blackhawks, and Syracuse Nationals.
This consolidation shaped the league’s structure and influenced its future growth.
First NBA Championship
The inaugural NBA championships took place in 1950, marking the beginning of the Minneapolis Lakers‘ dominance, a team now known as the Los Angeles Lakers. This period signaled the start of the Lakers era, characterized by their command over the NBA finals in the early ’50s. However, this reign eventually gave way to the rise of the Boston Celtics.
The Shot Clock – The Most Important Change In NBA History
NBA history saw a pivotal change with Danny Biasone, owner of the Syracuse Nationals. Despite team mergers and larger venues, basketball wasn’t as popular as expected, partly due to the game’s slow pace. Players often stalled, leading to games with few basket attempts.
Biasone, observing the dynamics, noticed that enjoyable games typically had at least 60 shot attempts per team, totaling about 120 shots. This equated to 2800 seconds of play. Dividing this time by the number of shots, he deduced that a shot should occur every 24 seconds during team possession. This insight led to the implementation of the critical 24-second shot clock rule, transforming the pace and excitement of NBA games; a monumental change in league history.
The Boom of NBA and its Popularity
In the ’60s and ’70s, the National Basketball Association, featuring teams like the San Francisco Warriors, witnessed varying levels of popularity. The rise of cable television initially boosted audiences, yet by the ’80s, interest declined.
Franchises, including expansion team like the New Jersey Nets, faced challenges as television ratings fell, signaling a need for the NBA to revitalize its image.
The ’80s marked a turning point with new talent emerging. Players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and notably Michael Jordan led the resurgence.
Jordan, the NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls, transformed the league’s identity. His team’s victories, reminiscent of an underdog story, captivated fans. This era, once dominated by teams that won multiple titles like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, now celebrated a new icon.
NBA Commissioner David Stern capitalized on this, using NBA media ventures to reinvigorate the league’s appeal.
NBA Nowadays
Many beloved NBA teams have roots in the BAA’s early days.
Others, like the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets, originally part of the American Basketball Association, joined the NBA in 1976.
Now, the NBA is home to 30 teams, 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. Fans, whether they support the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Oklahoma City Thunder, can see through a brief history lesson that the NBA truly stands as a world champion among professional basketball leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What were the original NBA teams?
The original NBA teams were the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia Warriors, Minneapolis Lakers (now the Los Angeles Lakers), Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings), Fort Wayne Pistons (now the Detroit Pistons), Tri-Cities Blackhawks (now the Atlanta Hawks), and the Syracuse Nationals (now the Philadelphia 76ers). These teams formed the core of the NBA following the merger of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949.
Which team won the first NBA Championship?
The Minneapolis Lakers, now known as the Los Angeles Lakers, won the first NBA Championship in 1950.
When does the regular season begin?
The NBA regular season begins in October each year.
Which team won the most NBA Championships?
The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have won the most NBA Championships, with a total of 17 titles. The Celtics are the only team to win it 8 times in a row.
