The NBA in the 1960s was much different from the NBA we know and love now. Basketball wasn’t as popular as baseball, which could be named a national sport of the US back then. The NBA games were broadcast on television only one day of the week if they were televised at all. The players weren’t considered superstars, despite the fact that the 1960s has been an era of incredible achievements and talented players.
The 1960s were dominated by the Boston Celtics. Not to say, they didn’t have any competition. Other teams also had very skilled players, but no one could match the Celtics for many years straight.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics were in some way innovative. Red Auerbach understood that the championships are won by the defense, not by the offense. Their strategy was so successful it led them to eleven titles in thirteen seasons, including eight consecutive titles.
In addition, the Boston Celtics had many well-trained, athletic and talented players. Starting with Bill Cousy as one of the OG, ending with an absolute legend, Bill Russell.
Bob Cousy
When it comes to playing basketball, it’s hard to match the talent of Bob Cousy. His large hands and shoulders with an excellent view on all sides enabled him to see how defense was going to play.
He had a sloping posture which helped prevent injury while running up towards the basket as well as agile feet capable of changing speed mid-step for quick cuts in order not be tracked easily – these are just a few examples of why people say “the Houdini” is among some very best players ever.
Bill Russell
Bill Russell’s defensive and shot-blocking skills were not always a focal point in basketball, but he brought it to the forefront. His ability as an agile defender made him one of if not the greatest collegiate players ever seen at his position. Then he led the Boston Celtics to win 11 NBA championships including 8 consecutive titles from 1959-1966 and helped change how people view defense by initiating a more physical style that remains key today.
Bill Russell was the first to popularize the player-coach role, later becoming the first Afro-American coach in league history.
John Havlicek
Havlicek, who was nicknamed “Hondo” for his calm demeanor and humble nature isn’t just the best sixth man in NBA history- he’s one of them. He was a collegiate star at Ohio State University where he won two national championships with John Wooden as head coach.
Havlicek combined running ability to fuel an endurance style that frustrated opponents while adding magic on offense and defense for Boston Celtics fans everywhere.
Los Angeles Lakers
In 1960 Minneapolis Lakers moved to Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Lakers were the biggest rival for the Boston Celtics and through the 1960s they were only one step behind, almost always the second team to the NBA title. Not to say that the Lakers were lacking in talent. The team had one of the best players, who paved the way for players like Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
Jerry West
The 1960s were the time of Jerry West. West went on to become one of the best players in NBA history with over 25 thousand points under his belt for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a pure shooter who could always find himself at the right place, at the exact time needed, and when it mattered most. His calm personality helped him lead groups through tough times both mentally and physically while giving the team everything they needed: leadership ability from day one!
The presence of Jerry West is still prominent in the NBA. His dribbling silhouette is included in the NBA logo.
Elgin Baylor
Baylor was a small forward with the ability to score from anywhere on the court. He had an uncanny knack for drawing contact, which allowed him some of his most memorable plays in college basketball while playing for the College of Idaho.
A 6-foot-5 player that could shoot over someone’s head or through several defenders; these are just two ways this giant displayed finesse under pressure! With a strong first step dribble game combined with his trademark moves, he was named ten times NBA All-Time First Team.
San Francisco Warriors
At the beginning of the decade, the team previously known as the Philadelphia Warriors relocated to San Francisco. With a new name, the San Francisco Warriors were another opposition to the Boston Celtics and were often paired with the Celtics in the championship games.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain joined the San Francisco Warriors in 1959. It was the time of his greatest achievements, for example, his famous 100 point game of 1962. Big, strong and fierce – few athletes have matched the fantastic abilities of Wilt Chamberlain. An offensive force who could single-handedly take over any game he played in with his overpowering height advantage as well as being a great jumper for someone so tall!
Nate Thurmond
Nate Thurmond was a great defensive player. He had quickness, long arms that helped him block shots as well as rebound over tenacious opponents which are just some of the things he did on court to stay competitive with other teams in his era! He was the first player to ever record a quadruple double and he retired with over 14 thousands rebounds, and over 14 thousands points.
NBA History
Besides the triumphant giants mentioned above, other players made NBA history and have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Their style of play and incredible abilities helped to shape the NBA into the form we are familiar with today.
Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson, known as “Big O” is one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was like a mixture of Shaquille O’Neal and Magic Johnson of the 60s. He was the first player to get a triple-double every season he played (as the only player in NBA history besides Russel Westbrook). He was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals and played with them through the whole decade.
Bailey Howell
Bailey Howell was one of the most versatile power forwards in NBA history. He averaged 27 points per game during his college career, leading Mississippi State to 61 wins. He was drafted into the Detroit Pistons, but changed teams three times. He ranks eighth all-time with 17,770 total points scored over his twelve season NBA career.
Walt Bellamy
“Bells” was an exceptionally skilled offensive force and defensive stopper in his day. He was the first overall draft pick for the team, known now as the Washington Wizards, and became Rookie of the Year. He played through over 1000 games in his NBA career and finished every season with exceptional statistical results.
NBA Finals
Just to put everything into perspective, here is a list of championship games of the 1960s and their winners.
1960 – The St. Louis Hawks battled the Boston Celtics and the Celtics won the trophy.
1961 – The St. Louis Hawks against the Boston Celtics again, with the same outcome.
1962 – The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics.
1963 – The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics one more time.
1964 – The San Francisco Warriors were swept away by the Boston Celtics.
1965 – The Los Angeles Lakers were second to the Boston Celtics again.
1966 – The Los Angeles Lakers with silver, Boston Celtics with gold.
1967 – The San Francisco Warriors lost to the Philadelphia 76ers.
1968 – The Los Angeles Lakers came second to the Boston Celtics.
1969 – The Los Angeles Lakers again fell short to the Boston Celtics.
Era of Dominance
If someone was to describe the 1960s in one word it would be dominance. It can describe the physical dominance of athletes like Bill Russell, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson; the championship dominance of the Boston Celtics and the overall dominance of the NBA over other leagues. In terms of entertainment, the outcomes of games were rather predictable based on the skills of the players but still managed to gather a loyal audience who was willing to root for their favourites.
Who was the best NBA player in the 1960s?
Wilt Chamberlain was one of the most dominant players in the history of the NBA. During the 1960s, he was virtually unstoppable, averaging over 30 points per game and leading the league in rebounding eight times. He also set a number of records that still stand today, including most points in a single game and most rebounds in a single season.
What was basketball like in the 1960s?
In the 1960s, the NBA was tougher and rougher than in any other decade that followed. Boston Celtics dominated during this time while Wilt Chamberlain set a record by scoring 100 points in a game.
Was the NBA popular in the 60s?
The NBA wasn’t too popular in 1965 due to the attendance of games. MLB had 22 million fans while the NBA only had 2 million. It was difficult for the sport to get any recognition because it was only televised once a week on Sundays on ABC.
