Difference between revisions of "National Basketball Association" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:NBA Conferences Divisions.PNG|thumb|300px|right|National Basketball Association Conferences and Divisions. Locations of teams marked with square.]]
  
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The '''National Basketball Association''' ('''NBA''') is the world's premier men's [[basketball]] league. It has 30 teams; 29 in the [[United States]] and 1 in [[Canada]]. It is an active member<ref>[http://www.usabasketball.com/news/members.html USA Basketball] Retrieved April 22, 2008.</ref> of USA Basketball, which is recognized by the International Basketball Federation as the National Governing Body (NGB) for basketball in the United States.  
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The '''National Basketball Association''' ('''NBA''') is the world's premier men's [[basketball]] league. It has 30 teams; 29 in the [[United States]] and 1 in [[Canada]]. It is an active member<ref>http://www.usabasketball.com/news/members.html</ref> of USA Basketball, which is recognized by the International Basketball Federation as the National Governing Body (NGB) for basketball in the United States. The NBA is one of the four major North American professional sports leagues.
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The league was founded in [[New York City]], on June 6, 1946 as the '''Basketball Association of America''' (BAA). The league adopted the name National Basketball Association in the Autumn of 1949 after merging with the rival National Basketball League (United States). The league's several international and individual team offices are directed out of its head offices located in the Olympic Tower (New York) at 645 Fifth Avenue in New York City. The NBA represents the highest level of competition in the world of [[basketball]]. It has grown in international popularity as the best players of the world have joined [[United States|America's]] top players.
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{{toc}}
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The league was founded in [[New York City]], on June 6, 1946 as the '''Basketball Association of America''' (BAA). The league adopted the name National Basketball Association in the Autumn of 1949 after merging with the rival National Basketball League (United States). The league's several international and individual team offices are directed out of its head offices located in the Olympic Tower (New York) at 645 Fifth Avenue in New York City.  
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[[Image:Wilt Chamberlain.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Wilt Chamberlain, American basketball player wearing uniform of Harlem Globetrotters.]]
 
==History==  
 
==History==  
 
===1940s: BAA & NBL merge to include 17 teams===
 
===1940s: BAA & NBL merge to include 17 teams===
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{{see|List of NBA seasons}}
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Madison Square Garden in [[New York City]] played an instrumental role in the formation of the Basketball Association of America (BAA). On November 1, 1946, the Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers, which the NBA now regards as the first game played in the league's history.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/canada/History_of_Basketball_in_Canad-Canada_Generic_Article-18023.html History of Basketball in Canada] NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved April 13, 2007.</ref>
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The '''Basketball Association of America'''  was founded in 1946 by the owners of the major sports arenas in the Northeast and Midwest [[United States]], most notably Madison Square Garden in [[New York City]]. Although there had been earlier attempts at professional basketball leagues, including the American Basketball League (1925-1955) and the National Basketball League (United States), the BAA was the first league to attempt to play primarily in large arenas in major cities. During its early years, the quality of play in the BAA was not significantly better than in competing leagues or among leading independent clubs such as the [[Harlem Globetrotters]]. For instance the 1947 ABL finalist Baltimore Bullets moved to the BAA and won its 1948 title, followed by the 1948 National Basketball League champion Minneapolis Lakers who won the 1949 BAA title. On November 1, 1946, the Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers, which the NBA now regards as the first game played in the league's history.<ref name=firstgame>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/canada/History_of_Basketball_in_Canad-Canada_Generic_Article-18023.html|title=History of Basketball in Canada|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref>
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===1946-47===
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In the first season of the BAA, a new professional star emerged, one who had gained little notoriety in college. Joe Fulks, a 6-5 forward from Kentucky, averaged 23.2 ppg, an astonishing amount considering most games were won by teams scoring in the 70s and 80s and nearly seven points per game more than any other player in the league. Field goal percentages were in the 30 percent range, and Ernest Calverley of the Providence Steamrollers led the league with 3.4 assists per game. Other stars in the fledgling league were Washington's Bob Feerick and Bones McKinney, Detroit's Stan Miasek and Chicago's Max Zaslofsky.
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The 60-game regular season title belonged to the Washington Capitols, coached by [[Red Auerbach]] with a 49-11 record, including a 29-1 mark at home. But in the Playoffs, Chicago shocked the Capitols behind the play of Max Zaslofsky and center Chuck Halbert to advance to the Finals. Philadelphia, coached by Eddie Gottlieb, who had the most extensive pro background of anyone in the BAA, defeated St. Louis and New York to advance to the Finals. Fulks, Howie Dallmar and Angelo Musi led Philadelphia past Chicago as the Warriors won the first league title 4-1 (four games to one). The first year of the BAA was no indication of what was to come, as television was still a thing of the future and games on radio were not universal.
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As the end of the 1940s approached, the 60 game BAA schedule was reduced to 48 games. Of the 11 teams original teams, four of them folded, and the Baltimore Bullets were brought in to make it an even 8 teams and balance the number of teams. To everyone's surprise, the Bullets won the title in 1947 in six games as an expansion team.
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Although basketball didn't begin until mid-decade in the ‘40s, it was quickly known for its physical style of play. One of the players, Buddy Jeanette of the Bullets said, "I remember in the last game with Philly, George Senesky hit me in the mouth and split my lip open." "Right after the game I had to go get my mouth sewed up. Then we went out and had a few beers."
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===1948-49: The Year of the Center===
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When [[George Mikan]] stepped foot on the basketball court, he completely changed the way the game was played. For the first time, a dominant center playing with his back to the basket became the cornerstone of a team. He took the league by storm, and led his Minneapolis Lakers to the first of their five titles by beating the 1st seeded Baltimore Bullets in six games.
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On August 3, 1949, the BAA agreed to merge with the National Basketball League, creating the '''National Basketball Association,''' with seventeen franchises located in a mix of large and small cities, as well as large arenas and smaller gymnasiums.
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===1950s:24-second shot clock introduced===
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This decade began with a three division bracket (Eastern, Western, and Central Division) and a total of 17 teams. Mikan's Lakers won again to win back to back titles, and were clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the teams in the league.
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====1950-51====
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This season marked the introduction of the first black player to be given a contract to play in the NBA. Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, Chuck Cooper, and Early Lloyd opened the doors for [[African-American]] players to enter the NBA.
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====1952-54====
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1952 marked the emergence of young talents Paul Arizin and Bob Cousy, and the extension of the lane from six feet to twelve feet. This period marked a three-peat for the Minneapolis Lakers, making it five championships in the league's first six years.
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In the 1954-55 season, Danny Biasone came up with the idea of the shot clock to prevent teams from stalling after building a large lead. This increased scoring (from 79 points to 93 points per game) drastically and increased the pace of the game.
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The Boston Celtics had been waiting in the Lakers shadows, and with the arrival of rookie center Bill Russell, their time had come. The 1956-57 NBA Finals was one for the ages, as the Celtics earned their first NBA title in a dramatic, double OT victory over the St. Louis Hawks. Their big men, Russell and Tom Heinsohn produced monster games: 19 points and 32 rebounds for Russell, and 37 points and 23 rebounds for Heinsohn. They would go on to win 11 titles in 13 years and become the greatest sports dynasty in [[United States]] history.
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The 1957-58 seasons marked a break from Celtic brass, and brought glory to explosive scorer Bob Petit, who scored 50 points in the clinching Game 6 of the NBA finals, leading the St. Louis Hawks to victory against the Celtics.
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The end of the '50s brought Laker great Elgin Baylor onto the scene. After several losing seasons following Mikan's retirement, Baylor brought the Lakers back to the playoffs, and eventually to the NBA finals, where they would be swept by the Celtics. The Celtics would go on to win eight straight titles and separate themselves from the other great teams in NBA history.
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===1960s: Boston Dominance===
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[[Wilt Chamberlain]] entered the NBA with a bang. He captured the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player in the same year with astounding numbers: 37.6 ppg and 27 rebounds per game. This, however, was not enough to stop the Russell lead Celtics, as they easily disposed of Chamberlain and the Warriors. Once again, the Celtics captured the title.
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The NBA was not short on excitement, but with the arrival of young stars [[Oscar Robertson]] and [[Jerry West]], the NBA was throbbing with excitement and highlight-reel plays.
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====1961-62====
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This season was the stuff of legends and folklore that would be passed down from generation to generation. As if what [[Wilt Chamberlain|Wilt]] did in his first few seasons was mere child's play, what he did in his third season will likely never be duplicated. Chamberlain, who played all but eight possible minutes of the entire season and averaged 48.5 minutes per game, averaged 50.4 points per game, a full 12 points more than his NBA record set the year before. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks in Hershey, PA in a 169-147 triumph. Although 4,124 were in attendance, many thousands more would claim to have been there for decades afterward. The end result was still the same; Wilt lead the league in scoring, and the Celtics added one more title to their dynasty.
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====1964-65====
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In an effort to lessen the dominance of big men and keep the game open and moving, the NBA widened the foul lane from 12 to 16 feet. A major trade that took place at the NBA All-Star break would have far-reaching implications for years to come. Wilt Chamberlain, in the midst of his greatness at 28 years old, was dealt by the San Francisco Warriors to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul Neumann, Connie Dierking, Lee Shaffer and cash. The immediate results: San Francisco went from 48-32 the season before to 17-63, while Philadelphia improved slightly, from 34-46 to 40-40. More importantly, Chamberlain was back in the same division as the Celtics, and would have to be dealt with even before the NBA Finals.
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After trailing the Lakers for the majority of the series in Red Auerbach's last season as coach, the Celtics sent him off a winner with their eighth consecutive title.
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====1966-67====
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In this magical season, the [[Wilt Chamberlain]]-led Sixers posted the (then) best record in league history with 68 wins and 13 losses. Bill Russell was chosen as Red Auerbach's successor, becoming the first ever African-American coach in the NBA. The Sixers demolished the Celtics and Russell in five games (4-1), and went on to win the NBA title in an almost flawless season. Celtics player, K.C. Jones, put it best: "They're playing the same game we've played for the last nine years. In other words, team ball."
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In 1967, the league faced a new external threat with the formation of the American Basketball Association. The leagues engaged in a bidding war for talent. The NBA landed the most important college star of the era, [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] (then known as Lew Alcindor), who together with Oscar Robertson led the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] to a title in his second season, and who later played on five Los Angeles Lakers' championship teams.
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In 1968, the Celtics were predicted to crumble due to age. They fell behind 3-1 in the Eastern Conference finals to Wilt's Sixers, but overcame the deficit and won the NBA title with a seventh game victory over the Lakers on the Lakers' home court. After a one-year hiatus, they were back at the top.
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Wilt Chamberlain was again traded. In 1969, the Lakers acquired Wilt's rights for Jerry Chambers, Archie Clark and Darrall Imhoff prior to the beginning of the season. Wilt or no Wilt, it made no difference to the Celtics. They escaped again with a two point game seven win in Los Angeles when Don Nelson's shot careened high off the rim and through the hoop, marking the 11th title in 13 seasons as the sun set on the 1960's.  
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Through this period, the NBA continued to expand its scope with the shift of the Minneapolis Lakers to Los Angeles, the Philadelphia Warriors to [[San Francisco]], and the Syracuse Nationals to [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], as well as the addition of its first expansion franchises.
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===1970s- NBA-A New Era===
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The 1969-70 year presented many new opportunities, largely because Bill Russell, the Celtic coach and defensive juggernaut, retired from his position as a player/coach. A rejuvenated New York Knicks team, led by Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, and Bill Bradley defeated the Lakers in game seven of the NBA Finals, to capture their first title.
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====1970-71: From the Sky====
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Kareem Abdul Jabbar's sky hook was the most dangerous weapon in the NBA. His talent, along with Oscar Robertson, allowed the Milwaukee Bucks to surge to only the second NBA Finals sweep in history.
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====1971-72: Resurrection====
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After years and years of getting to the Finals and being turned back by the Celtics, the Lakers put together a streak that still stands: 33 straight victories, en route to a 69-13 record (then the best record in NBA history).
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While the Knicks regained their championship form in 1972-73, it was 6 foot guard, Nate Archibald, that stole the show, and the passion of the fans. The Cincinnati Royals failed to make the playoffs but Archibald led the league in both scoring and assists, with 34 ppg and an astounding 11.4 assists, a feat that has yet to be repeated.
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In 1973-74, the old stars were about to set. Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, and Willis Reed were all playing in their final season. The Celtics teams benefited the most from this, as they once again rose to the top to win championship number 12.
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The 1974-75 season was a return to dominance for the Baltimore Bullets, and surprising success for the Golden State Warriors. Led by star Rick Barry, they shocked the Bullets 4-0, only the third sweep in NBA finals history. After the series, Barry said, "It has to be the greatest upset in the history of the NBA Finals. It was like a fairy-tale season. Everything just fell into place. It's something I'll treasure for the rest of my life."
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After six straight losing seasons, a healthy [[Bill Walton]] and the Blazers shocked the world as they defeated the 76ers to win their first championship.
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The transfer of Dr.J from the ABA to the NBA, and thereafter the trade that sent him to Philadelphia had great ramifications. [[Julius Erving]] electrified the NBA with hair-raising dunks, particularly the "tomahawk," en route to leading his team to the NBA finals against Portland.
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The National Basketball Association adapted the ABA's innovative three-point field goal beginning in 1979 to create spacing of all ten players on the court. That same year, rookies Larry Bird and Magic Johnson joined the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers respectively, continuing a rivalry that began when the two played in the 1979 NCAA Basketball Finals, sparking a period of significant growth in fan interest in the NBA throughout the country and the world. Bird went on to lead the Celtics to three NBA titles, while Johnson led the Lakers to five.
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===1980s: Lakers Dynasty===
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[[Earvin "Magic" Johnson]] was absolutely magical in the 1979-80 season. Lakers' stars Magic and Kareem shouldered the load and dominated in the NBA Finals against Dr. J's 76ers. Game 6 was a classic. The rookie point guard Magic Johnson started at center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabaar and turned in the game of his life: 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, while playing at every position during the game.
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Not surprisingly, the very next season, the Celtics countered with a title of their own, the first of the Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale era.
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In the 1981-82 season, the Lakers and the 76ers faced off again, as the Lakers prevailed for the second straight time against the 76ers, to win the second title of the 1980s.
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===="Fo-Fi-Fo"====
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The famous prediction Moses Malone made when signing with the 76ers almost came true. "Fo-Fo-Fo" indicated a sweep of every team, but they ended up going 12-1 in the playoffs, hence, "Fo-Fi-Fo." While the 1960s were dominated by Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals, three of the first four years of the 1980s saw Lakers-Sixers NBA Finals.
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Larry Bird and the Celtics won their second title of the decade in 1983-84 against Magic's Lakers. It took them seven games to do it, and after the series, Larry Bird said, "To be honest, they should have swept."
  
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On August 3, 1949, the BAA agreed to merge with the National Basketball League, expanding the  '''National Basketball Association''' to seventeen franchises located in a mix of large and small cities, as well as large arenas and smaller gymnasiums. In 1950, the NBA consolidated to eleven franchises, a process that continued until 1954, when the league reached its smallest size of eight franchises, all of which are still in the league: New York Knickerbockers, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers|Lakers, Sacramento Royals/Kings, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia Nationals/76ers.
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====1984-85 Lakers Finally Put Garden Leprechaun to Sleep====
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Magic and Kareem finally accomplished what no other Laker great could before. In fact, they did what only Bob Petit's St. Louis Hawks had done in 1958 by beating the Celtics at the Garden.
  
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While contracting, the league also saw its smaller city franchises move to larger cities. The Atlanta Hawks|Hawks shifted from "Tri-Cities" (the area now known as the Quad Cities) to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and then to St. Louis, Missouri; the Sacramento Kings/Royals from [[Rochester, New York|Rochester]] to [[Cincinnati, Ohio|Cincinnati]], the [[Detroit Pistons|Pistons]] from [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]] to [[Detroit, Michigan|Detroit]].
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====A Draft Like No Other====
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The 1984 draft is arguably the deepest draft in NBA history. It has produced future Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton.
  
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===1950s: diversity, 24-second shot clock introduced===
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The 1985-1986 season continued the trend of Lakers/Celtics domination. After the Lakers earned their third title of the decade, Larry Bird was intent on doing the same for his Celtics, winning back to back MVP awards and leading the Celtics to the best record in franchise history, 67-15, and a stellar 40-1 home record. Title number 16 was brought to Boston after Bird and company dispatched the Rockets in six games.
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Although [[Japanese-American]] Wataru Misaka technically broke the NBA color barrier in the 1947-48 season when he played for the New York Knicks, 1950 is recognized as the year the NBA integrated with the addition of African American players by several teams including Chuck Cooper with the Boston Celtics, Nathaniel "Sweetwater" Clifton with the New York Knicks, and Earl Lloyd with the Washington Capitols. Today, more than fifty years later, the NBA is made up of players of many different races, with diverse backgrounds and cultures. Over 80% of NBA players today are African American.
 
  
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During this period, the Los Angeles Lakers/Minneapolis Lakers, led by center [[George Mikan]], won five NBA Finals Championships and established themselves as the league's first sports dynasty.
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====Showtime====
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In 1986-87, the Lakers had entered the phase in their franchise's history that would always be remembered as "Showtime." The Lakers coasted to their fourth title of the decade. During the championship celebration, coach Pat Riley made a daring statement guaranteeing a repeat. It took them seven games against the Detroit Pistons, but that is just what they did, making them only the second team in NBA history (Boston Celtics) to accomplish the feat. Somewhat overshadowed in their loss, Isaiah Thomas's third quarter in the deciding game will never be forgotten. On a sprained ankle, Thomas scored 25 points in the third quarter to give the Pistons a chance to win. The Pistons finally beat the Lakers, sweeping them in 1988-89 to close out the decade.
  
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To encourage shooting and discourage stalling, the league introduced the 24-second shot clock in 1954. If a team does not attempt to score a field goal within 24 seconds of obtaining the ball, play is stopped and the ball given to its opponent.
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===1990s: The Years of the Bull===
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The 1990s opened up with the Detroit Pistons posting the second straight repeat (Lakers 1986-87,1987-88).  
  
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In 1956, rookie center Bill Russell joined the Boston Celtics, who already featured guard Bob Cousy and coach [[Red Auerbach]], and went on to lead the club to eleven NBA titles in thirteen seasons. Center [[Wilt Chamberlain]] entered the league in 1959 and became the dominant individual star of the 1960s, setting new records in scoring (100) and rebounding (55). Russell's rivalry with Chamberlain became one of the great individual rivalries in the history of team sports.
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The 1991 NBA Finals was billed as a matchup between two larger-than-life superstars, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. But as the series played out, it became obvious that it took a team, not one superlative individual, to win an NBA Championship. Jordan was superb, as his series averages of 31.2 points, 11.4 assists and 6.6 rebounds demonstrated, but the Bulls were no one-man team. Their defense held the Lakers to a record-low 458 points for a five-game series. Jordan, who had won his fifth straight scoring title in April, had finally silenced those who said he couldn't lead the Bulls all the way.
  
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===1960s: ABA forms competing league===
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The next season proved to be Larry Bird's last. Coupled with Magic's shocking revelation that he had contracted the HIV virus, Jordan's way had been opened up. The Jordan-led Bulls put their stamp on the 1990s decade by winning six titles, and more astoundingly, two three-peats.
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Through this period, the NBA continued to strengthen with the shift of the Minneapolis Lakers to Los Angeles, the Philadelphia Warriors to [[San Francisco]], and the Syracuse Nationals to [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], as well as the addition of its first expansion franchises.
 
  
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In 1967, the league faced a new external threat with the formation of the American Basketball Association. The leagues engaged in a bidding war for talent. The NBA landed the most important college star of the era, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor), who together with Oscar Robertson led the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] to a title in his second season, and who later played on five Los Angeles Lakers' championship teams.
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====1993-94====
  
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However, the NBA's leading scorer, Rick Barry jumped to the ABA, as did four veteran referees—Norm Drucker, Earl Strom, John Vanak, and Joe Gushue.
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[[Michael Jordan]] shocked the NBA world by announcing his retirement at the peak of his career. More shocking news was yet to come, however, as the 63-win Seattle Supersonics were toppled by the number eight seeded Denver Nuggets, in the first round of the playoffs. The Houston Rockets would go on to beat the New York Knicks in seven to win the first of their back-to-back titles.
  
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===1970s: agreement with ABA expands league to 22 teams===
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====1995-96 72-10: The Bulls Dominate====
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The ABA also succeeded in signing a number of major stars, including Julius Erving, in part because it allowed teams to sign college undergraduates. The NBA expanded rapidly during this period, one purpose being to tie up the most viable cities. Following the 1976 season, the leagues reached a settlement that provided for the addition of four ABA franchises to the NBA, raising the number of franchises in the league at that time to 22.
 
  
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The league added the ABA's innovative three-point field goal beginning in 1979 to open up the game. That same year, rookies Larry Bird and Magic Johnson joined the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers respectively, initiating a period of significant growth in fan interest in the NBA throughout the country and the world. Bird went on to lead the Celtics to three titles, and Johnson went on to lead the Lakers to five.
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The Chicago Bulls returned to dominance with the return of their star, Michael Jordan. In fact, they posted the best record in NBA history, and coasted to their 4th championship of the decade.  
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John Stockton captured his ninth straight assist title, and became the all-time steals leader in NBA history.
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A bit more surprising was Magic Johnson's announcement that he was coming out of retirement, although concerns from other players would scuttle the attempt.
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The National Basketball Association went international with the birth of the Vancouver Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors.
  
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===1980s: 27 teams===
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The Bulls went on to complete their three-peat in 1996-97 and 1997-98.
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Michael Jordan entered the league in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls, providing an even more popular star to support growing interest in the league. By 1989, further expansion had raised the number of teams in the league to 27. During the 1990s, Jordan led Bulls to six titles (1991-1993 and 1996-1998). <!-- this should be in 90's - need more 80's info—>
 
  
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===1990s: globalization; WNBA created===
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The end of the decade saw a lockout by the owners to institute a salary cap, one that lasted 191 days. As a result, only 50 games were played in the 1998-99 season. The Spurs went 37-13 and beat the Knicks in five games in the finals in what many claim was an "asterisk" championship season.
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Globalization also increased in the 1990s. The [[1992 Summer Olympics|1992 Olympic]] basketball [[Dream Team (basketball)|Dream Team]], the first to use current NBA stars, featured Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson. A growing number of NBA star players also began coming from other countries. Initially, many of these players, such as 1994 [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA MVP]] [[Hakeem Olajuwon]] of [[Nigeria]], first played [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] basketball to enhance their skills. An increasing number, though, have moved directly from playing elsewhere in the world to starring in the NBA, such as 2002 [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] and [[2006 FIBA World Championship|2006 World Championships]] MVP [[Pau Gasol]] of [[Spain]], first pick in the [[2002 NBA Draft]] [[Yao Ming]] of [[China]], [[2002 FIBA World Championship|2002 World Championships]] and [[Eurobasket 2005]] MVP and NBA 2007 MVP [[Dirk Nowitzki]] of [[Germany]], and [[Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Olympic]] Tournament MVP [[Manu Ginobili]] of [[Argentina]]. Today, young players from the English-speaking world tend to attend U.S. colleges before playing in the NBA (notable examples are 2005 and 2006 MVP [[Steve Nash]], a [[Canada|Canadian]], and [[2005 NBA Draft|2005 top draft pick]] [[Andrew Bogut]] of [[Australia]]), while other international players generally come to the NBA from professional club teams. The NBA is now televised in 212 nations in 42 languages.
 
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<!-- much of this after 2000 —>
 
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In 1996, the NBA created a women's league, the [[Women's National Basketball Association]], and in 2001 created an affiliated [[minor league]], the [[NBA Development League|National Basketball Development League]], now called the NBA Development League.
 
  
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In 1998, the NBA owners began a lockout which lasted 191-days and was settled on [[January 18]] [[1999]]. As a result of this lockout the [[1998-99 NBA season]] was reduced from 82 to 50 games, which were all played in early 1999.
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===2000s: Lakers and Spurs Dominate===
  
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===2000s: 30 franchises; synthetic ball attempted===
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The end of the 1990s and this decade thus far have been a stage for utter domination by two teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers sandwiched their three-peat in between Spurs' titles in 1999 and 2003. The Spurs have since won in 2005 and again in 2007.
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Today, the NBA has reached 30 franchises and continues to evolve as one of the premier sports leagues in the world.
 
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{{NBA labeled map|float=right}}
 
  
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On [[June 29]], [[2006]], a new official game ball was introduced for the 2006-07 season, marking the first change to the ball in over 35 years and only the second in 60 seasons. Manufactured by [[Spalding (sports equipment)|Spalding]], the new ball featured a new design and new synthetic material that Spalding claimed offered a better grip, feel, and consistency than the original ball. However, many players were vocal in their disdain for the new ball, saying that it was too sticky when dry, and too slippery when wet.
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The Lakers 2001 championship was marked by a historic 15-1 route in the NBA playoffs of the Spurs, Blazers, Kings, and Sixers. In fact, the Lakers were the only team in Playoff history to go unbeaten on the road.
  
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On [[December 11]], [[2006]], Commissioner Stern announced that beginning [[January 1]], [[2007]], the NBA would return to the traditional leather basketball in use prior to the 2006-2007 season. The change was influenced by frequent player complaints and confirmed hand injuries (cuts) caused by the microfiber ball.<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2694335</ref> The [[NBA Players Association|Players' Association]] had filed a suit in behalf of the players against the NBA over the new ball.<ref>http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6227520?FSO1&ATT=HCP&GT1=8901</ref> As of 2006, the NBA team jerseys are manufactured by [[Adidas]], which purchased the previous supplier, [[Reebok]].
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==Ethnic Diversity==
 +
Worldwide, basketball tournaments are held for boys and girls of all age levels. The global popularity of the sport is reflected in the nationalities represented in the NBA. Players from all over the globe can be found in NBA teams. Steve Nash, who won the 2005 and 2006 NBA Most Valuable Player Award, is [[Canada|Canadian]]; Kobe Bryant is an [[United States|American]] who spent much of his childhood in [[Italy]]; Dallas Mavericks superstar and 2007 NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki is [[Germany|German]]; All-Star Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies is from [[Spain]]; 2005 NBA Draft's top overall pick Andrew Bogut of the Milwaukee Bucks is Australian; 2006 NBA Draft's top overall pick Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors is from Italy; Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming is from [[China]]; Cleveland Cavaliers big man Zydrunas Ilgauskas is [[Lithuania]]n; and the San Antonio Spurs feature Tim Duncan of the [[United States Virgin Islands|U.S. Virgin Islands]], Manu Ginobili of [[Argentina]] (like Chicago Bulls player Andrés Nocioni) and Tony Parker of [[France]].  
 +
The all-tournament teams at the two most recent FIBA World Championships, held in 2002 FIBA World Championship in [[Indianapolis, Indiana|Indianapolis]] and 2006 FIBA World Championship in [[Japan]], demonstrate the globalization of the game equally dramatically. Only one member of either team was American, namely Carmelo Anthony in 2006. The 2002 team featured Nowitzki, Ginobili, Predrag Stojaković of Yugoslavia, Yao Ming of [[China national basketball team|China]], and Pero Cameron of New Zealand. Ginobili also made the 2006 team; the other members were Anthony, Gasol, his [[Spain national basketball team|Spanish]] teammate Jorge Garbajosa and Theodoros Papaloukas of [[Greece national basketball team|Greece]]. The only players on either team to never have joined the NBA are Cameron and Papaloukas. The only Japanese NBA player is Kenny Nakazawa.
  
−
==Teams==
+
==30 Teams==
−
The National Basketball Association originated in 1946 with 11 teams, and through a sequence of team expansions, reductions, and relocations currently consists of 30 teams. The United States is home to 29 teams and one is located in Canada. The [[Boston Celtics]] have won the most championships, with 16 [[NBA Finals]] wins. The next most successful franchise is the [[Los Angeles Lakers]], who have 14 championships. Following the Lakers are the [[Chicago Bulls]] with 6 championships, all of them won over an 8-year span during the 1990s. The [[San Antonio Spurs]], who have won 4 championships since 1999, are the defending champions.
+
The National Basketball Association originated in 1946 with 11 teams. Through a sequence of team expansions, reductions, and relocations, the NBA currently consists of 30 teams. The United States is home to 29 teams and one is located in Canada (Toronto Raptors). The Boston Celtics have won the most championships, with 16 NBA Finals wins. The next most successful franchise is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have 14 championships. Following the Lakers are the Chicago Bulls with six championships, all of them won over an eight-year span during the 1990s. The San Antonio Spurs, who have won four championships since 1999, are the defending champions.
  
−
The current league organization divides the teams into two conferences. Each conference has three divisions, and each division has five teams. The current divisional alignment was introduced in the [[2004-05 NBA season|2004-05 season]].
+
The current league organization divides the teams into two conferences. Each conference has three divisions, and each division has five teams. The current divisional alignment was introduced in the 2004-05 NBA season.
  
 
===Eastern Conference===
 
===Eastern Conference===
Line 68: Line 163:
 
! width=10%|Founded
 
! width=10%|Founded
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="5" | [[Atlantic Division (NBA)|Atlantic]]
+
! rowspan="5" | Atlantic Division
−
| '''[[Boston Celtics]]'''
+
| '''Boston Celtics'''
−
| [[Boston, Massachusetts]]
+
| Boston, Massachusetts
−
| Green and White<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics</ref>
+
| Green and White
−
| [[TD Banknorth Garden]]
+
| TD Banknorth Garden
 
| 1946
 
| 1946
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[New Jersey Nets]]'''
+
| '''New Jersey Nets'''
−
| [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]]
+
| East Rutherford, New Jersey
 
| Midnight Blue, Red, Silver
 
| Midnight Blue, Red, Silver
−
| [[Continental Airlines Arena]]
+
| Continental Airlines Arena
 
| 1967*
 
| 1967*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[New York Knicks]]'''
+
| '''New York Knicks'''
 
| [[New York City|New York]], [[New York]]
 
| [[New York City|New York]], [[New York]]
 
| Blue, Black, Orange
 
| Blue, Black, Orange
−
| [[Madison Square Garden]]
+
| Madison Square Garden
 
| 1946
 
| 1946
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Philadelphia 76ers]]'''
+
| '''Philadelphia 76ers'''
−
| [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]
+
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 
| Black, Red, Gold, Blue
 
| Black, Red, Gold, Blue
−
| [[Wachovia Center]]
+
| Wachovia Center
 
| 1939*
 
| 1939*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Toronto Raptors]]'''
+
| '''Toronto Raptors'''
−
| [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]]
+
| Toronto, Ontario
 
| Purple,Red,Black,Silver,White
 
| Purple,Red,Black,Silver,White
−
| [[Air Canada Centre]]
+
| Air Canada Centre
 
| 1995
 
| 1995
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="5" | [[Central Division (NBA)|Central]]
+
! rowspan="5" | Central Division
−
| '''[[Chicago Bulls]]'''
+
| '''Chicago Bulls'''
−
| [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]
+
| Chicago, Illinois
 
| Red, Black, White
 
| Red, Black, White
−
| [[United Center]]
+
| United Center
 
| 1966
 
| 1966
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Cleveland Cavaliers]]'''
+
| '''Cleveland Cavaliers'''
−
| [[Cleveland, Ohio]]
+
| Cleveland, Ohio
 
| Wine, Gold, Navy Blue, White
 
| Wine, Gold, Navy Blue, White
−
| [[Quicken Loans Arena]]
+
| Quicken Loans Arena
 
| 1970
 
| 1970
 
|-
 
|-
−
|'''[[Detroit Pistons]]'''
+
|'''Detroit Pistons'''
−
|[[Auburn Hills, Michigan]] ([[Detroit|Detroit area]])
+
|Auburn Hills, Michigan
 
| Blue, Red, White
 
| Blue, Red, White
−
| [[The Palace of Auburn Hills]]
+
| The Palace of Auburn Hills
 
| 1941*
 
| 1941*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Indiana Pacers]]'''
+
| '''Indiana Pacers'''
−
| [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]
+
| Indianapolis, Indiana
 
| Navy Blue, Gold, Gray
 
| Navy Blue, Gold, Gray
−
| [[Conseco Fieldhouse]]
+
| Conseco Fieldhouse
 
| 1967
 
| 1967
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Milwaukee Bucks]]'''
+
| '''Milwaukee Bucks'''
−
| [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]]
+
| Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 
| Green, Red, Silver
 
| Green, Red, Silver
−
| [[Bradley Center]]
+
| Bradley Center
 
| 1968
 
| 1968
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="5" | [[Southeast Division (NBA)|Southeast]]
+
! rowspan="5" | Southeast Division
−
| '''[[Atlanta Hawks]]'''
+
| '''Atlanta Hawks'''
−
| [[Atlanta, Georgia]]
+
| Atlanta, Georgia
 
| Navy Blue, Red, Silver
 
| Navy Blue, Red, Silver
−
| [[Philips Arena]]
+
| Philips Arena
 
| 1946*
 
| 1946*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Charlotte Bobcats]]'''
+
| '''Charlotte Bobcats'''
−
| [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]
+
| Charlotte, North Carolina
 
| Orange, Blue, Black, Silver
 
| Orange, Blue, Black, Silver
−
| [[Charlotte Bobcats Arena]]
+
| Charlotte Bobcats Arena
 
| 2004
 
| 2004
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Miami Heat]]'''
+
| '''Miami Heat'''
−
| [[Miami, Florida]]
+
| Miami, Florida
 
| Black, Red, White, Yellow
 
| Black, Red, White, Yellow
−
| [[AmericanAirlines Arena]]
+
| AmericanAirlines Arena
 
| 1988
 
| 1988
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Orlando Magic]]'''
+
| '''Orlando Magic'''
−
| [[Orlando, Florida]]
+
| Orlando, Florida
 
| White, Blue, Black
 
| White, Blue, Black
−
| [[Amway Arena]]
+
| Amway Arena
 
| 1989
 
| 1989
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Washington Wizards]]'''
+
| '''Washington Wizards'''
−
| [[Washington, D.C.]]
+
| Washington, D.C.
 
| Blue, Black, Bronze
 
| Blue, Black, Bronze
−
| [[Verizon Center]]
+
| Verizon Center
 
| 1961*
 
| 1961*
 
|}
 
|}
Line 172: Line 267:
 
! width=10%|Founded
 
! width=10%|Founded
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="5" | [[Southwest Division (NBA)|Southwest]]
+
! rowspan="5" | Southwest Division
−
| '''[[Dallas Mavericks]]'''
+
| '''Dallas Mavericks'''
−
| [[Dallas, Texas]]
+
| Dallas, Texas
 
| Navy Blue, Royal Blue, Silver, Green
 
| Navy Blue, Royal Blue, Silver, Green
−
| [[American Airlines Center]]
+
| American Airlines Center
 
| 1980
 
| 1980
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Houston Rockets]]'''
+
| '''Houston Rockets'''
−
| [[Houston, Texas]]
+
| Houston, Texas
 
| Red, White, Silver, Black
 
| Red, White, Silver, Black
−
| [[Toyota Center]]
+
| Toyota Center
 
| 1967*
 
| 1967*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Memphis Grizzlies]]'''
+
| '''Memphis Grizzlies'''
−
| [[Memphis, Tennessee]]
+
| Memphis, Tennessee
 
| Navy Blue, Light Blue, Smoke Blue, Gold
 
| Navy Blue, Light Blue, Smoke Blue, Gold
−
| [[FedExForum]]
+
| FedExForum
 
| 1995*
 
| 1995*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[New Orleans Hornets]]'''
+
| '''New Orleans Hornets'''
−
| [[New Orleans, Louisiana]]
+
| New Orleans, Louisiana
 
| Teal, Purple, Gold
 
| Teal, Purple, Gold
−
| [[New Orleans Arena]]
+
| New Orleans Arena
 
| 1988*
 
| 1988*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[San Antonio Spurs]]'''
+
| '''San Antonio Spurs'''
−
| [[San Antonio, Texas]]
+
| San Antonio, Texas
 
| Black, Silver
 
| Black, Silver
−
| [[AT&T Center]]
+
| AT&T Center
 
| 1967*
 
| 1967*
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="5" | [[Northwest Division (NBA)|Northwest]]
+
! rowspan="5" | Northwest Division
−
| '''[[Denver Nuggets]]'''
+
| '''Denver Nuggets'''
−
| [[Denver, Colorado]]
+
| Denver, Colorado
 
| Light Blue, Gold, Cobalt Blue
 
| Light Blue, Gold, Cobalt Blue
−
| [[Pepsi Center]]
+
| Pepsi Center
 
| 1967
 
| 1967
−
 
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Minnesota Timberwolves]]'''
+
| '''Minnesota Timberwolves'''
−
| [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]
+
| Minneapolis, Minnesota
 
| Forest Green, Black, Tan, Green
 
| Forest Green, Black, Tan, Green
−
| [[Target Center]]
+
| Target Center
 
| 1989
 
| 1989
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Portland Trail Blazers]]'''
+
| '''Portland Trail Blazers'''
−
| [[Portland, Oregon]]
+
| Portland, Oregon
 
| Black, Red, Silver
 
| Black, Red, Silver
−
| [[Rose Garden Arena]]
+
| Rose Garden Arena
 
| 1970
 
| 1970
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Seattle SuperSonics]]'''
+
| '''Seattle SuperSonics'''
−
| [[Seattle, Washington]]
+
| Seattle, Washington
 
| Green, Gold
 
| Green, Gold
−
| [[KeyArena]]
+
| KeyArena
 
| 1967
 
| 1967
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Utah Jazz]]'''
+
| '''Utah Jazz'''
−
| [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]
+
| Salt Lake City, Utah
 
| Navy Blue, Ice Blue, Silver
 
| Navy Blue, Ice Blue, Silver
−
| [[EnergySolutions Arena]]
+
| EnergySolutions Arena
 
| 1974*
 
| 1974*
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="5" | [[Pacific Division (NBA)|Pacific]]
+
! rowspan="5" | Pacific Division
−
| '''[[Golden State Warriors]]'''
+
| '''Golden State Warriors'''
−
| [[Oakland, California]]
+
| Oakland, California
 
| Navy Blue, Orange, Gold
 
| Navy Blue, Orange, Gold
−
| [[Oracle Arena]]
+
| Oracle Arena
 
| 1946*
 
| 1946*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Los Angeles Clippers]]'''
+
| '''Los Angeles Clippers'''
−
| [[Los Angeles, California]]
+
| Los Angeles, California
 
| Red, Blue, White
 
| Red, Blue, White
−
| [[Staples Center]]
+
| Staples Center
 
| 1970*
 
| 1970*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Los Angeles Lakers]]'''
+
| '''Los Angeles Lakers'''
−
| [[Los Angeles, California]]
+
| Los Angeles, California
 
| Purple, Gold, White
 
| Purple, Gold, White
−
| [[Staples Center]]
+
| Staples Center
 
| 1946*
 
| 1946*
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Phoenix Suns]]'''
+
| '''Phoenix Suns'''
−
| [[Phoenix, Arizona]]
+
| Phoenix, Arizona
 
| Purple, Orange, Gray
 
| Purple, Orange, Gray
−
| [[US Airways Center]]
+
| US Airways Center
 
| 1968
 
| 1968
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''[[Sacramento Kings]]'''
+
| '''Sacramento Kings'''
−
| [[Sacramento, California]]
+
| Sacramento, California
 
| Purple, Black, Silver, White, Gold
 
| Purple, Black, Silver, White, Gold
−
| [[ARCO Arena]]
+
| ARCO Arena
 
| 1945*
 
| 1945*
 
|}
 
|}
Line 272: Line 367:
 
*''The [[Philadelphia 76ers|Syracuse Nationals]] and [[Atlanta Hawks|Tri-Cities Blackhawks]] joined the NBA in 1949 as part of the BAA-NBL merger.''
 
*''The [[Philadelphia 76ers|Syracuse Nationals]] and [[Atlanta Hawks|Tri-Cities Blackhawks]] joined the NBA in 1949 as part of the BAA-NBL merger.''
 
*''The Indiana Pacers, [[New Jersey Nets|New York Nets]], San Antonio Spurs, and Denver Nuggets all joined the NBA in 1976 as part of the NBA-[[American Basketball Association|ABA]] merger.''
 
*''The Indiana Pacers, [[New Jersey Nets|New York Nets]], San Antonio Spurs, and Denver Nuggets all joined the NBA in 1976 as part of the NBA-[[American Basketball Association|ABA]] merger.''
−
*''Due to arena damages caused by [[Hurricane Katrina]], the New Orleans Hornets played most of their 2005-06 home schedule in Oklahoma City. They did the same for the 2006-07 season. The NBA and the Hornets organization have announced that the team will be returning to New Orleans on a full-time basis for the upcoming 2007-08 season. The 2008 All Star game will be held in New Orleans as well.''
+
*''Due to arena damages caused by [[Hurricane Katrina]], the New Orleans Hornets played most of their 2005-06 home schedule in Oklahoma City. They did the same for the 2006-07 season. The NBA and the Hornets organization have announced that the team will be returning to New Orleans on a full-time basis for the upcoming 2007-08 season. The 2008 All Star game will be held in New Orleans as well.''
−
 
 
−
===Defunct teams===
 
−
:''See: [[List of defunct National Basketball Association teams]]''
 
  
 
==Regular season==
 
==Regular season==
−
Following the summer break, teams hold training camps in October. Training camps allow the coaching staff to evaluate players (especially rookies), scout the team's strengths and weaknesses, prepare the players for the rigorous regular season, and determine the 12-man active roster (and a 3-man inactive list) with which they will begin the regular season. Teams have the ability to assign players with less than two years of experience to the NBA development league. After training camp, a series of preseason exhibition games are held. The NBA regular season begins in the first week of November.
+
Training camp (begins in October) is a type of guess and check for the coaching staff to evaluate which players fit, which don't, and scout the team's strengths and weaknesses. After training camp, a series of preseason exhibition games are held. The NBA regular season begins in the first week of November.
−
 
 
−
In the regular season, each team plays 82 games, which are divided evenly between home and away games. A team faces opponents in its own division four times a year, teams from the other two divisions in its conference either three or four times, and teams in the other conference twice apiece. A team can therefore have a relatively easy or difficult schedule, depending on the division and conference it is located in. Following the recent changes to the [[National Hockey League]]'s scheduling format, the NBA is now the only major league in North America in which teams play every other team during the regular season. Each team hosts every other team in at least one home game every season.[[Image:Bucks vs Bobcats - February 11th, 2006.jpg|thumb|left|[[Milwaukee Bucks]] playing the [[Charlotte Bobcats]].]]
 
−
 
 
−
In February, the regular season ceases to celebrate the annual [[National Basketball Association All-Star Game|NBA All-Star Game]]. Fans vote throughout the [[United States]], [[Canada]], and on the [[internet]], and the top vote-getters at each position in each conference are given a starting spot on their conference's All-Star team. Coaches vote to choose the remaining 14 All-Stars. Then, Eastern conference players face the Western conference players in the All-Star game. The player with the best performance during the game is rewarded with a Game MVP award. Other attractions of the All-Star break include the [[Rookie Challenge]] game, which pits the best rookies and the best second-year players against each other; the [[Skills Challenge]], a competition between players to see who could complete an obstacle course comprising shooting, passing and dribbling in the fastest time; the [[Three Point Contest]], a competition between players to see who is the best three-point shooter; and the [[NBA Slam Dunk Contest]], to see which player dunks the ball in the most entertaining way. These other attractions have varying names which include the names of the various sponsors who have paid for naming rights.
 
−
 
 
−
Shortly after the All-Star break is the league's trade deadline. After this date, teams are not allowed to exchange players with each other for the remainder of the season, although they may still sign and release players. Major trades are often completed right before the trading deadline, making that day a hectic time for general managers.
 
  
−
Around the end of April, the regular season ends. It is during this time that voting begins for individual awards, as well as the selection of the honorary league-wide postseason teams. The [[NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award|Sixth Man of the Year Award]] is given to the best player coming off the bench (not starting for his team). The [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year Award]] is awarded to the most outstanding first-year player. The [[NBA Most Improved Player Award|Most Improved Player Award]] is awarded to the player who is deemed to have shown the most improvement from the previous season. The [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award|Defensive Player of the Year Award]] is awarded to the league's best defender. The [[NBA Coach of the Year Award|Coach of the Year Award]] is awarded to the coach that has made the most positive difference to a team. The [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player Award]] is given to player deemed the most valuable for (his team) that season. Additionally, [[The Sporting News]] awards an unofficial (but widely recognized) [[NBA Executive of the Year Award|Executive of the Year Award]] to the general manager who is adjudged to have performed the best job for the benefit of his franchise.
+
In the regular season, each team plays 82 games, which are divided evenly between home and away games. A team faces opponents in its own division four times a year, teams from the other two divisions in its conference either three or four times, and teams in the other conference twice apiece. A team can therefore have a relatively easy or difficult schedule, depending on the division and conference it is located in. [[Image:Bucks vs Bobcats - February 11th, 2006.jpg|thumb|left|Milwaukee Bucks playing the Charlotte Bobcats.]]
  
−
The postseason teams are the All-NBA Teams, the All-Defensive Teams, and the All-Rookie Teams; each consists of five players. There are three All-NBA teams, consisting of the top players at each position, with first-team status being most desirable. There are two All-Defensive teams, consisting of the top defenders at each position. There are also two All-Rookie teams, consisting of the top first-year players regardless of position.
+
==All-Star Weekend==
 +
In February, the regular season is at its halfway point, the time to celebrate the annual National Basketball Association All-Star Game. Then, Eastern conference players face the Western conference players in the All-Star game. The player with the best performance during the game is rewarded with a Game MVP award. Other attractions of the All-Star break include the Rookie Challenge game, which pits the best rookies and the best second-year players against each other; the Skills Challenge, a competition between players to see who could complete an obstacle course comprising shooting, passing and dribbling in the fastest time; the Three Point Contest, a competition between players to see who is the best three-point shooter; and the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, to see which player dunks the ball in the most entertaining way. These other attractions have varying names which include the names of the various sponsors who have paid for naming rights.  
  
 
==Playoffs==
 
==Playoffs==
−
{{main|NBA Playoffs}}
 
−
The NBA Playoffs begin in late April, with eight teams in each conference qualifying for the playoffs. The three division winners, along with the team with the next best record from the conference are given the top four seeds. The next four teams in terms of record are given the lower four seeds.
 
−
 
−
Having a higher seed offers several advantages. Since the first seed plays the eighth seed, the second seed plays the seventh seed, the third seed plays the sixth seed, and the fourth seed plays the fifth seed in the playoffs, having a higher seed generally means you will be facing a weaker team. The team in each series with the better record has home court advantage, including the First Round. This means that, for example, if the team who receives the 6 (six) seed has a better record than the team with the 3 (three) seed (by virtue of a divisional championship), the 6 seed would have home court advantage, even though the other team has a higher seed. Therefore, the team with the best regular season record in the league is guaranteed home court advantage in every series it plays.
 
−
 
−
The playoffs follow a tournament format. Each team plays a rival in a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games advancing into the next round, while the other team is eliminated from the playoffs. In the next round, the successful team plays against another advancing team of the same conference. Thus, all but one team in each conference are eliminated from the playoffs. Since the NBA does not re-seed teams, the playoff bracket in each conference uses a traditional design, with the winner of the series matching the 1st and 8th seeded teams playing the winner of the series matching the 4th and 5th seeded teams, and the winner of the series matching the 2nd and 7th seeded teams playing the winner of the series matching the 3rd and 6th seeded teams. In every round except the [[NBA Finals]], the best of seven series follows a 2-2-1-1-1 pattern, meaning that one team will have home court in games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while the other plays at home in games 3, 4, and 6. For the final round (NBA Finals), the series follows a 2-3-2 pattern, meaning that one team will have home court in games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the other plays at home in games 3-5.
 
−
 
−
The final playoff round, a best-of-seven series between the victors of both conferences, is known as the [[NBA Finals]], and is held annually in June. The victor in the NBA Finals wins the [[Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy]]. Each player and major contributor — including coaches and the general manager — on the winning team receive a championship ring. In addition, the league awards an [[NBA Finals MVP Award|NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award]], which nearly always goes to a member of the winning team, though not by rule.
 
  
−
On [[August 2]] [[2006]], the NBA announced the new playoff format. The new format takes the three division winners and the second-place team with the best record and rank them 1-4 by record.  The other 4 slots are filled by best record other than those other 4 teams.
 
  
 
==Championship leaders==
 
==Championship leaders==
Line 307: Line 385:
 
! Team !! Championships !! Winning years
 
! Team !! Championships !! Winning years
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Boston Celtics]] || 16 || 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986
+
| Boston Celtics || 16 || 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Los Angeles Lakers|Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers]] || 14 || 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002
+
| Los Angeles Lakers|Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers || 14 || 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Chicago Bulls]] || 6 || 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998
+
| Chicago Bulls || 6 || 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[San Antonio Spurs]] || 4 || 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007
+
| San Antonio Spurs || 4 || 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Golden State Warriors|Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors]] || 3 || 1947, 1956, 1975
+
| Golden State Warriors|Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors || 3 || 1947, 1956, 1975
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Philadelphia 76ers|Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers]] || 3 || 1955, 1967, 1983
+
| Philadelphia 76ers|Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers || 3 || 1955, 1967, 1983
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Detroit Pistons]] || 3 || 1989, 1990, 2004
+
| Detroit Pistons || 3 || 1989, 1990, 2004
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[New York Knicks]] || 2 || 1970, 1973
+
| New York Knicks || 2 || 1970, 1973
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Houston Rockets]] || 2 || 1994, 1995
+
| Houston Rockets || 2 || 1994, 1995
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Baltimore Bullets (original)|Baltimore Bullets]] || 1 || 1948
+
| Baltimore Bullets (original) || 1 || 1948
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Sacramento Kings|Rochester Royals/Sacramento Kings]] || 1 || 1951
+
| Sacramento Kings|Rochester Royals/Sacramento Kings || 1 || 1951
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Atlanta Hawks|St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks]] || 1 || 1958
+
| Atlanta Hawks|St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks || 1 || 1958
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Milwaukee Bucks]] || 1 || 1971
+
| Milwaukee Bucks || 1 || 1971
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Portland Trail Blazers]] || 1 || 1977
+
| Portland Trail Blazers || 1 || 1977
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Washington Wizards|Washington Bullets/Wizards]] || 1 || 1978
+
| Washington Wizards|Washington Bullets/Wizards || 1 || 1978
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Seattle SuperSonics]] || 1 || 1979
+
| Seattle SuperSonics || 1 || 1979  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Miami Heat]] || 1 || 2006
+
| Miami Heat || 1 || 2006
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
==Notable people==
 
−
{{see|Basketball Hall of Fame}}
 
  
 
===Presidents and commissioners===
 
===Presidents and commissioners===
−
*[[Maurice Podoloff]], President from 1946 to 1963
+
*Maurice Podoloff, President from 1946 to 1963
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*[[Walter Kennedy (NBA)|Walter Kennedy]], President from 1963 to 1967 and Commissioner from 1967 to 1975
+
*Walter Kennedy, President from 1963 to 1967 and Commissioner from 1967 to 1975
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*[[Larry O'Brien]], Commissioner from 1975 to 1984
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*Larry O'Brien, Commissioner from 1975 to 1984
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*[[David Stern]], Commissioner since 1984
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*David Stern, Commissioner since 1984
  
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===Players===
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==Awards==
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{{NBA50}}{{NBA seasons}}
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*NBA Most Valuable Player Award
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*[[List of National Basketball Association players]]
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*NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
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**[[List of National Basketball Association players by country]], a list exclusively for players who are not from the United States
+
*NBA Rookie of the Year Award
 +
*NBA Most Improved Player Award
 +
*NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
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*NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award
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*NBA Coach of the Year Award
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*All-NBA Team
 +
*NBA All-Defensive Team
 +
*J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
  
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===Coaches===
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==Notes==
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*[[List of NBA Head Coaches]]
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<references/>
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*[[List of NBA championship head coaches]]
 
  
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==Awards==
+
==References==
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*[[NBA Most Valuable Player Award]]
+
*Bradley, Bill. ''Values of the Game''. New York, New York: Artisan (A Division of Workman Publishing Company, Inc.), 1998. ISBN 1-57965-116-X
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*[[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award]]
+
*Kirchberg, Connie. ''Hoop lore: a history of the National Basketball Association''. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 2007. ISBN 9780786426737
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*[[NBA Rookie of the Year Award]]
 
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*[[NBA Most Improved Player Award]]
 
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*[[NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award]]
 
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*[[NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award]]
 
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*[[NBA Coach of the Year Award]]
 
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*[[All-NBA Team]]
 
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*[[NBA All-Defensive Team]]
 
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*[[J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award]]
 
  
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==See also==
+
*Ominsky, Dave, and P.J. Harari. ''Basketball Made Simple, A Spectator's Guide''. Los Angeles, California: First Base Sports, Inc., 1994. ISBN 1-884309-07-0
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*[[Women's National Basketball Association]]
+
*[http://www.nba.com National Basketball Association Home] Retrieved April 22, 2008.
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*[[NBA Development League]] (NBA D-League)
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*NBA.com [http://www.nba.com/history/season/index.html NBA History] Retrieved April 22, 2008.
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*[[NBA Draft]], [[NBA first overall draft pick]]
 
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*[[National Basketball Association All-Star Game]], [[NBA All-Star Weekend]]
 
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*[[NBA Playoffs]], [[NBA Finals]]
 
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*[[List of sports attendance figures]]
 
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*[[Major North American professional sports leagues]]
 
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*[[NBA International]]
 
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*[[Rivalries of the NBA]]
 
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*Notable statistics:
 
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**[[:Category:National Basketball Association lists|National Basketball Association lists]]
 
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**[[All-time NBA playoff appearance streaks]]
 
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**[[Active NBA playoff appearance streaks]]
 
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**[[Active NBA non-playoff appearance streaks]]
 
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*Miscellaneous: [[National Basketball Association criticisms and controversies|Criticisms and controversies]], [[National Basketball Association music|Music]], [[National Basketball Association Nielsen ratings|Nielsen ratings]], [[Notable fans of the NBA|Notable fans]]
 
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*Television partners: [[The NBA on CBS|CBS]], [[The NBA on NBC|NBC]], [[The NBA on ABC|ABC]], [[The NBA on TNT|TNT]], [[The NBA on ESPN|ESPN]], [[NBA TV]]
 
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*Video games: [[NBA Live series|NBA Live]], [[NBA 2K]], [[NBA Street]]
 
  
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==Notes==
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==External links==
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{{reflist}}
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All links retrieved November 10, 2022.
  
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==External links==
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*[http://www.nba.com NBA.com] Official Site
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*[http://www.nba.com NBA.com] Official PC/Mac Site
 
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*[http://www.nba.mobi NBA.mobi] Official Mobile Site
 
 
*[http://www.nbpa.com National Basketball Players Association]
 
*[http://www.nbpa.com National Basketball Players Association]
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*[http://www.probasketballrefs.com NBRA] NBA Referees
+
 
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*[http://www.internationalistreview.com/article.php?id=51 Internationalistreview.com] Article by the Internationalist Review on race issues in the NBA
 
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*[http://www.sportscalendar.ca The 2007 NBA League Schedule] The 2007 NBA League Schedule
 
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{{NBA}}
 
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[[category:Art, music, literature, sports and leisure]]
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[[Category:Art, music, literature, sports and leisure]]
 
{{credits|National_Basketball_Association|140797337}}
 
{{credits|National_Basketball_Association|140797337}}

Latest revision as of 01:38, 11 November 2022

National Basketball Association Conferences and Divisions. Locations of teams marked with square.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the world's premier men's basketball league. It has 30 teams; 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. It is an active member[1] of USA Basketball, which is recognized by the International Basketball Federation as the National Governing Body (NGB) for basketball in the United States. The league was founded in New York City, on June 6, 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The league adopted the name National Basketball Association in the Autumn of 1949 after merging with the rival National Basketball League (United States). The league's several international and individual team offices are directed out of its head offices located in the Olympic Tower (New York) at 645 Fifth Avenue in New York City. The NBA represents the highest level of competition in the world of basketball. It has grown in international popularity as the best players of the world have joined America's top players.

Wilt Chamberlain, American basketball player wearing uniform of Harlem Globetrotters.

History

1940s: BAA & NBL merge to include 17 teams

Madison Square Garden in New York City played an instrumental role in the formation of the Basketball Association of America (BAA). On November 1, 1946, the Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers, which the NBA now regards as the first game played in the league's history.[2]

1946-47

In the first season of the BAA, a new professional star emerged, one who had gained little notoriety in college. Joe Fulks, a 6-5 forward from Kentucky, averaged 23.2 ppg, an astonishing amount considering most games were won by teams scoring in the 70s and 80s and nearly seven points per game more than any other player in the league. Field goal percentages were in the 30 percent range, and Ernest Calverley of the Providence Steamrollers led the league with 3.4 assists per game. Other stars in the fledgling league were Washington's Bob Feerick and Bones McKinney, Detroit's Stan Miasek and Chicago's Max Zaslofsky.

The 60-game regular season title belonged to the Washington Capitols, coached by Red Auerbach with a 49-11 record, including a 29-1 mark at home. But in the Playoffs, Chicago shocked the Capitols behind the play of Max Zaslofsky and center Chuck Halbert to advance to the Finals. Philadelphia, coached by Eddie Gottlieb, who had the most extensive pro background of anyone in the BAA, defeated St. Louis and New York to advance to the Finals. Fulks, Howie Dallmar and Angelo Musi led Philadelphia past Chicago as the Warriors won the first league title 4-1 (four games to one). The first year of the BAA was no indication of what was to come, as television was still a thing of the future and games on radio were not universal.

As the end of the 1940s approached, the 60 game BAA schedule was reduced to 48 games. Of the 11 teams original teams, four of them folded, and the Baltimore Bullets were brought in to make it an even 8 teams and balance the number of teams. To everyone's surprise, the Bullets won the title in 1947 in six games as an expansion team.

Although basketball didn't begin until mid-decade in the ‘40s, it was quickly known for its physical style of play. One of the players, Buddy Jeanette of the Bullets said, "I remember in the last game with Philly, George Senesky hit me in the mouth and split my lip open." "Right after the game I had to go get my mouth sewed up. Then we went out and had a few beers."

1948-49: The Year of the Center

When George Mikan stepped foot on the basketball court, he completely changed the way the game was played. For the first time, a dominant center playing with his back to the basket became the cornerstone of a team. He took the league by storm, and led his Minneapolis Lakers to the first of their five titles by beating the 1st seeded Baltimore Bullets in six games.

On August 3, 1949, the BAA agreed to merge with the National Basketball League, creating the National Basketball Association, with seventeen franchises located in a mix of large and small cities, as well as large arenas and smaller gymnasiums.

1950s:24-second shot clock introduced

This decade began with a three division bracket (Eastern, Western, and Central Division) and a total of 17 teams. Mikan's Lakers won again to win back to back titles, and were clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the teams in the league.

1950-51

This season marked the introduction of the first black player to be given a contract to play in the NBA. Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, Chuck Cooper, and Early Lloyd opened the doors for African-American players to enter the NBA.

1952-54

1952 marked the emergence of young talents Paul Arizin and Bob Cousy, and the extension of the lane from six feet to twelve feet. This period marked a three-peat for the Minneapolis Lakers, making it five championships in the league's first six years.

In the 1954-55 season, Danny Biasone came up with the idea of the shot clock to prevent teams from stalling after building a large lead. This increased scoring (from 79 points to 93 points per game) drastically and increased the pace of the game.

The Boston Celtics had been waiting in the Lakers shadows, and with the arrival of rookie center Bill Russell, their time had come. The 1956-57 NBA Finals was one for the ages, as the Celtics earned their first NBA title in a dramatic, double OT victory over the St. Louis Hawks. Their big men, Russell and Tom Heinsohn produced monster games: 19 points and 32 rebounds for Russell, and 37 points and 23 rebounds for Heinsohn. They would go on to win 11 titles in 13 years and become the greatest sports dynasty in United States history.

The 1957-58 seasons marked a break from Celtic brass, and brought glory to explosive scorer Bob Petit, who scored 50 points in the clinching Game 6 of the NBA finals, leading the St. Louis Hawks to victory against the Celtics.

The end of the '50s brought Laker great Elgin Baylor onto the scene. After several losing seasons following Mikan's retirement, Baylor brought the Lakers back to the playoffs, and eventually to the NBA finals, where they would be swept by the Celtics. The Celtics would go on to win eight straight titles and separate themselves from the other great teams in NBA history.

1960s: Boston Dominance

Wilt Chamberlain entered the NBA with a bang. He captured the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player in the same year with astounding numbers: 37.6 ppg and 27 rebounds per game. This, however, was not enough to stop the Russell lead Celtics, as they easily disposed of Chamberlain and the Warriors. Once again, the Celtics captured the title.

The NBA was not short on excitement, but with the arrival of young stars Oscar Robertson and Jerry West, the NBA was throbbing with excitement and highlight-reel plays.

1961-62

This season was the stuff of legends and folklore that would be passed down from generation to generation. As if what Wilt did in his first few seasons was mere child's play, what he did in his third season will likely never be duplicated. Chamberlain, who played all but eight possible minutes of the entire season and averaged 48.5 minutes per game, averaged 50.4 points per game, a full 12 points more than his NBA record set the year before. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks in Hershey, PA in a 169-147 triumph. Although 4,124 were in attendance, many thousands more would claim to have been there for decades afterward. The end result was still the same; Wilt lead the league in scoring, and the Celtics added one more title to their dynasty.

1964-65

In an effort to lessen the dominance of big men and keep the game open and moving, the NBA widened the foul lane from 12 to 16 feet. A major trade that took place at the NBA All-Star break would have far-reaching implications for years to come. Wilt Chamberlain, in the midst of his greatness at 28 years old, was dealt by the San Francisco Warriors to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul Neumann, Connie Dierking, Lee Shaffer and cash. The immediate results: San Francisco went from 48-32 the season before to 17-63, while Philadelphia improved slightly, from 34-46 to 40-40. More importantly, Chamberlain was back in the same division as the Celtics, and would have to be dealt with even before the NBA Finals.

After trailing the Lakers for the majority of the series in Red Auerbach's last season as coach, the Celtics sent him off a winner with their eighth consecutive title.

1966-67

In this magical season, the Wilt Chamberlain-led Sixers posted the (then) best record in league history with 68 wins and 13 losses. Bill Russell was chosen as Red Auerbach's successor, becoming the first ever African-American coach in the NBA. The Sixers demolished the Celtics and Russell in five games (4-1), and went on to win the NBA title in an almost flawless season. Celtics player, K.C. Jones, put it best: "They're playing the same game we've played for the last nine years. In other words, team ball."

In 1967, the league faced a new external threat with the formation of the American Basketball Association. The leagues engaged in a bidding war for talent. The NBA landed the most important college star of the era, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor), who together with Oscar Robertson led the Milwaukee Bucks to a title in his second season, and who later played on five Los Angeles Lakers' championship teams.

In 1968, the Celtics were predicted to crumble due to age. They fell behind 3-1 in the Eastern Conference finals to Wilt's Sixers, but overcame the deficit and won the NBA title with a seventh game victory over the Lakers on the Lakers' home court. After a one-year hiatus, they were back at the top.

Wilt Chamberlain was again traded. In 1969, the Lakers acquired Wilt's rights for Jerry Chambers, Archie Clark and Darrall Imhoff prior to the beginning of the season. Wilt or no Wilt, it made no difference to the Celtics. They escaped again with a two point game seven win in Los Angeles when Don Nelson's shot careened high off the rim and through the hoop, marking the 11th title in 13 seasons as the sun set on the 1960's.

Through this period, the NBA continued to expand its scope with the shift of the Minneapolis Lakers to Los Angeles, the Philadelphia Warriors to San Francisco, and the Syracuse Nationals to Philadelphia, as well as the addition of its first expansion franchises.

1970s- NBA-A New Era

The 1969-70 year presented many new opportunities, largely because Bill Russell, the Celtic coach and defensive juggernaut, retired from his position as a player/coach. A rejuvenated New York Knicks team, led by Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, and Bill Bradley defeated the Lakers in game seven of the NBA Finals, to capture their first title.

1970-71: From the Sky

Kareem Abdul Jabbar's sky hook was the most dangerous weapon in the NBA. His talent, along with Oscar Robertson, allowed the Milwaukee Bucks to surge to only the second NBA Finals sweep in history.

1971-72: Resurrection

After years and years of getting to the Finals and being turned back by the Celtics, the Lakers put together a streak that still stands: 33 straight victories, en route to a 69-13 record (then the best record in NBA history).

While the Knicks regained their championship form in 1972-73, it was 6 foot guard, Nate Archibald, that stole the show, and the passion of the fans. The Cincinnati Royals failed to make the playoffs but Archibald led the league in both scoring and assists, with 34 ppg and an astounding 11.4 assists, a feat that has yet to be repeated.

In 1973-74, the old stars were about to set. Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, and Willis Reed were all playing in their final season. The Celtics teams benefited the most from this, as they once again rose to the top to win championship number 12.

The 1974-75 season was a return to dominance for the Baltimore Bullets, and surprising success for the Golden State Warriors. Led by star Rick Barry, they shocked the Bullets 4-0, only the third sweep in NBA finals history. After the series, Barry said, "It has to be the greatest upset in the history of the NBA Finals. It was like a fairy-tale season. Everything just fell into place. It's something I'll treasure for the rest of my life."

After six straight losing seasons, a healthy Bill Walton and the Blazers shocked the world as they defeated the 76ers to win their first championship.

The transfer of Dr.J from the ABA to the NBA, and thereafter the trade that sent him to Philadelphia had great ramifications. Julius Erving electrified the NBA with hair-raising dunks, particularly the "tomahawk," en route to leading his team to the NBA finals against Portland.

The National Basketball Association adapted the ABA's innovative three-point field goal beginning in 1979 to create spacing of all ten players on the court. That same year, rookies Larry Bird and Magic Johnson joined the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers respectively, continuing a rivalry that began when the two played in the 1979 NCAA Basketball Finals, sparking a period of significant growth in fan interest in the NBA throughout the country and the world. Bird went on to lead the Celtics to three NBA titles, while Johnson led the Lakers to five.

1980s: Lakers Dynasty

Earvin "Magic" Johnson was absolutely magical in the 1979-80 season. Lakers' stars Magic and Kareem shouldered the load and dominated in the NBA Finals against Dr. J's 76ers. Game 6 was a classic. The rookie point guard Magic Johnson started at center for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabaar and turned in the game of his life: 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, while playing at every position during the game.

Not surprisingly, the very next season, the Celtics countered with a title of their own, the first of the Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale era.

In the 1981-82 season, the Lakers and the 76ers faced off again, as the Lakers prevailed for the second straight time against the 76ers, to win the second title of the 1980s.

"Fo-Fi-Fo"

The famous prediction Moses Malone made when signing with the 76ers almost came true. "Fo-Fo-Fo" indicated a sweep of every team, but they ended up going 12-1 in the playoffs, hence, "Fo-Fi-Fo." While the 1960s were dominated by Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals, three of the first four years of the 1980s saw Lakers-Sixers NBA Finals.

Larry Bird and the Celtics won their second title of the decade in 1983-84 against Magic's Lakers. It took them seven games to do it, and after the series, Larry Bird said, "To be honest, they should have swept."

1984-85 Lakers Finally Put Garden Leprechaun to Sleep

Magic and Kareem finally accomplished what no other Laker great could before. In fact, they did what only Bob Petit's St. Louis Hawks had done in 1958 by beating the Celtics at the Garden.

A Draft Like No Other

The 1984 draft is arguably the deepest draft in NBA history. It has produced future Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton.

The 1985-1986 season continued the trend of Lakers/Celtics domination. After the Lakers earned their third title of the decade, Larry Bird was intent on doing the same for his Celtics, winning back to back MVP awards and leading the Celtics to the best record in franchise history, 67-15, and a stellar 40-1 home record. Title number 16 was brought to Boston after Bird and company dispatched the Rockets in six games.

Showtime

In 1986-87, the Lakers had entered the phase in their franchise's history that would always be remembered as "Showtime." The Lakers coasted to their fourth title of the decade. During the championship celebration, coach Pat Riley made a daring statement guaranteeing a repeat. It took them seven games against the Detroit Pistons, but that is just what they did, making them only the second team in NBA history (Boston Celtics) to accomplish the feat. Somewhat overshadowed in their loss, Isaiah Thomas's third quarter in the deciding game will never be forgotten. On a sprained ankle, Thomas scored 25 points in the third quarter to give the Pistons a chance to win. The Pistons finally beat the Lakers, sweeping them in 1988-89 to close out the decade.

1990s: The Years of the Bull

The 1990s opened up with the Detroit Pistons posting the second straight repeat (Lakers 1986-87,1987-88).

The 1991 NBA Finals was billed as a matchup between two larger-than-life superstars, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. But as the series played out, it became obvious that it took a team, not one superlative individual, to win an NBA Championship. Jordan was superb, as his series averages of 31.2 points, 11.4 assists and 6.6 rebounds demonstrated, but the Bulls were no one-man team. Their defense held the Lakers to a record-low 458 points for a five-game series. Jordan, who had won his fifth straight scoring title in April, had finally silenced those who said he couldn't lead the Bulls all the way.

The next season proved to be Larry Bird's last. Coupled with Magic's shocking revelation that he had contracted the HIV virus, Jordan's way had been opened up. The Jordan-led Bulls put their stamp on the 1990s decade by winning six titles, and more astoundingly, two three-peats.

1993-94

Michael Jordan shocked the NBA world by announcing his retirement at the peak of his career. More shocking news was yet to come, however, as the 63-win Seattle Supersonics were toppled by the number eight seeded Denver Nuggets, in the first round of the playoffs. The Houston Rockets would go on to beat the New York Knicks in seven to win the first of their back-to-back titles.

1995-96 72-10: The Bulls Dominate

The Chicago Bulls returned to dominance with the return of their star, Michael Jordan. In fact, they posted the best record in NBA history, and coasted to their 4th championship of the decade. John Stockton captured his ninth straight assist title, and became the all-time steals leader in NBA history. A bit more surprising was Magic Johnson's announcement that he was coming out of retirement, although concerns from other players would scuttle the attempt. The National Basketball Association went international with the birth of the Vancouver Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors.

The Bulls went on to complete their three-peat in 1996-97 and 1997-98.

The end of the decade saw a lockout by the owners to institute a salary cap, one that lasted 191 days. As a result, only 50 games were played in the 1998-99 season. The Spurs went 37-13 and beat the Knicks in five games in the finals in what many claim was an "asterisk" championship season.

2000s: Lakers and Spurs Dominate

The end of the 1990s and this decade thus far have been a stage for utter domination by two teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers sandwiched their three-peat in between Spurs' titles in 1999 and 2003. The Spurs have since won in 2005 and again in 2007.

The Lakers 2001 championship was marked by a historic 15-1 route in the NBA playoffs of the Spurs, Blazers, Kings, and Sixers. In fact, the Lakers were the only team in Playoff history to go unbeaten on the road.

Ethnic Diversity

Worldwide, basketball tournaments are held for boys and girls of all age levels. The global popularity of the sport is reflected in the nationalities represented in the NBA. Players from all over the globe can be found in NBA teams. Steve Nash, who won the 2005 and 2006 NBA Most Valuable Player Award, is Canadian; Kobe Bryant is an American who spent much of his childhood in Italy; Dallas Mavericks superstar and 2007 NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki is German; All-Star Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies is from Spain; 2005 NBA Draft's top overall pick Andrew Bogut of the Milwaukee Bucks is Australian; 2006 NBA Draft's top overall pick Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors is from Italy; Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming is from China; Cleveland Cavaliers big man Zydrunas Ilgauskas is Lithuanian; and the San Antonio Spurs feature Tim Duncan of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Manu Ginobili of Argentina (like Chicago Bulls player Andrés Nocioni) and Tony Parker of France. The all-tournament teams at the two most recent FIBA World Championships, held in 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis and 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, demonstrate the globalization of the game equally dramatically. Only one member of either team was American, namely Carmelo Anthony in 2006. The 2002 team featured Nowitzki, Ginobili, Predrag Stojaković of Yugoslavia, Yao Ming of China, and Pero Cameron of New Zealand. Ginobili also made the 2006 team; the other members were Anthony, Gasol, his Spanish teammate Jorge Garbajosa and Theodoros Papaloukas of Greece. The only players on either team to never have joined the NBA are Cameron and Papaloukas. The only Japanese NBA player is Kenny Nakazawa.

30 Teams

The National Basketball Association originated in 1946 with 11 teams. Through a sequence of team expansions, reductions, and relocations, the NBA currently consists of 30 teams. The United States is home to 29 teams and one is located in Canada (Toronto Raptors). The Boston Celtics have won the most championships, with 16 NBA Finals wins. The next most successful franchise is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have 14 championships. Following the Lakers are the Chicago Bulls with six championships, all of them won over an eight-year span during the 1990s. The San Antonio Spurs, who have won four championships since 1999, are the defending champions.

The current league organization divides the teams into two conferences. Each conference has three divisions, and each division has five teams. The current divisional alignment was introduced in the 2004-05 NBA season.

Eastern Conference

Division Team City Colors Arena Founded
Atlantic Division Boston Celtics Boston, Massachusetts Green and White TD Banknorth Garden 1946
New Jersey Nets East Rutherford, New Jersey Midnight Blue, Red, Silver Continental Airlines Arena 1967*
New York Knicks New York, New York Blue, Black, Orange Madison Square Garden 1946
Philadelphia 76ers Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Black, Red, Gold, Blue Wachovia Center 1939*
Toronto Raptors Toronto, Ontario Purple,Red,Black,Silver,White Air Canada Centre 1995
Central Division Chicago Bulls Chicago, Illinois Red, Black, White United Center 1966
Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland, Ohio Wine, Gold, Navy Blue, White Quicken Loans Arena 1970
Detroit Pistons Auburn Hills, Michigan Blue, Red, White The Palace of Auburn Hills 1941*
Indiana Pacers Indianapolis, Indiana Navy Blue, Gold, Gray Conseco Fieldhouse 1967
Milwaukee Bucks Milwaukee, Wisconsin Green, Red, Silver Bradley Center 1968
Southeast Division Atlanta Hawks Atlanta, Georgia Navy Blue, Red, Silver Philips Arena 1946*
Charlotte Bobcats Charlotte, North Carolina Orange, Blue, Black, Silver Charlotte Bobcats Arena 2004
Miami Heat Miami, Florida Black, Red, White, Yellow AmericanAirlines Arena 1988
Orlando Magic Orlando, Florida White, Blue, Black Amway Arena 1989
Washington Wizards Washington, D.C. Blue, Black, Bronze Verizon Center 1961*

Western Conference

Division Team City Colors Arena Founded
Southwest Division Dallas Mavericks Dallas, Texas Navy Blue, Royal Blue, Silver, Green American Airlines Center 1980
Houston Rockets Houston, Texas Red, White, Silver, Black Toyota Center 1967*
Memphis Grizzlies Memphis, Tennessee Navy Blue, Light Blue, Smoke Blue, Gold FedExForum 1995*
New Orleans Hornets New Orleans, Louisiana Teal, Purple, Gold New Orleans Arena 1988*
San Antonio Spurs San Antonio, Texas Black, Silver AT&T Center 1967*
Northwest Division Denver Nuggets Denver, Colorado Light Blue, Gold, Cobalt Blue Pepsi Center 1967
Minnesota Timberwolves Minneapolis, Minnesota Forest Green, Black, Tan, Green Target Center 1989
Portland Trail Blazers Portland, Oregon Black, Red, Silver Rose Garden Arena 1970
Seattle SuperSonics Seattle, Washington Green, Gold KeyArena 1967
Utah Jazz Salt Lake City, Utah Navy Blue, Ice Blue, Silver EnergySolutions Arena 1974*
Pacific Division Golden State Warriors Oakland, California Navy Blue, Orange, Gold Oracle Arena 1946*
Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles, California Red, Blue, White Staples Center 1970*
Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles, California Purple, Gold, White Staples Center 1946*
Phoenix Suns Phoenix, Arizona Purple, Orange, Gray US Airways Center 1968
Sacramento Kings Sacramento, California Purple, Black, Silver, White, Gold ARCO Arena 1945*

Notes:

  • An asterisk (*) denotes a franchise move. See the respective team articles for more information.
  • The Fort Wayne Pistons, Minneapolis Lakers and Rochester Royals all joined the NBA (BAA) in 1948 from the NBL.
  • The Syracuse Nationals and Tri-Cities Blackhawks joined the NBA in 1949 as part of the BAA-NBL merger.
  • The Indiana Pacers, New York Nets, San Antonio Spurs, and Denver Nuggets all joined the NBA in 1976 as part of the NBA-ABA merger.
  • Due to arena damages caused by Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Hornets played most of their 2005-06 home schedule in Oklahoma City. They did the same for the 2006-07 season. The NBA and the Hornets organization have announced that the team will be returning to New Orleans on a full-time basis for the upcoming 2007-08 season. The 2008 All Star game will be held in New Orleans as well.

Regular season

Training camp (begins in October) is a type of guess and check for the coaching staff to evaluate which players fit, which don't, and scout the team's strengths and weaknesses. After training camp, a series of preseason exhibition games are held. The NBA regular season begins in the first week of November.

In the regular season, each team plays 82 games, which are divided evenly between home and away games. A team faces opponents in its own division four times a year, teams from the other two divisions in its conference either three or four times, and teams in the other conference twice apiece. A team can therefore have a relatively easy or difficult schedule, depending on the division and conference it is located in.

Milwaukee Bucks playing the Charlotte Bobcats.

All-Star Weekend

In February, the regular season is at its halfway point, the time to celebrate the annual National Basketball Association All-Star Game. Then, Eastern conference players face the Western conference players in the All-Star game. The player with the best performance during the game is rewarded with a Game MVP award. Other attractions of the All-Star break include the Rookie Challenge game, which pits the best rookies and the best second-year players against each other; the Skills Challenge, a competition between players to see who could complete an obstacle course comprising shooting, passing and dribbling in the fastest time; the Three Point Contest, a competition between players to see who is the best three-point shooter; and the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, to see which player dunks the ball in the most entertaining way. These other attractions have varying names which include the names of the various sponsors who have paid for naming rights.

Playoffs

Championship leaders

Team Championships Winning years
Boston Celtics 16 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986
Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers 14 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002
Chicago Bulls 6 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998
San Antonio Spurs 4 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007
Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors 3 1947, 1956, 1975
Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers 3 1955, 1967, 1983
Detroit Pistons 3 1989, 1990, 2004
New York Knicks 2 1970, 1973
Houston Rockets 2 1994, 1995
Baltimore Bullets (original) 1 1948
Rochester Royals/Sacramento Kings 1 1951
St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks 1 1958
Milwaukee Bucks 1 1971
Portland Trail Blazers 1 1977
Washington Bullets/Wizards 1 1978
Seattle SuperSonics 1 1979
Miami Heat 1 2006

Presidents and commissioners

  • Maurice Podoloff, President from 1946 to 1963
  • Walter Kennedy, President from 1963 to 1967 and Commissioner from 1967 to 1975
  • Larry O'Brien, Commissioner from 1975 to 1984
  • David Stern, Commissioner since 1984

Awards

  • NBA Most Valuable Player Award
  • NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
  • NBA Rookie of the Year Award
  • NBA Most Improved Player Award
  • NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
  • NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award
  • NBA Coach of the Year Award
  • All-NBA Team
  • NBA All-Defensive Team
  • J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

Notes

  1. ↑ USA Basketball Retrieved April 22, 2008.
  2. ↑ History of Basketball in Canada NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved April 13, 2007.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Bradley, Bill. Values of the Game. New York, New York: Artisan (A Division of Workman Publishing Company, Inc.), 1998. ISBN 1-57965-116-X
  • Kirchberg, Connie. Hoop lore: a history of the National Basketball Association. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 2007. ISBN 9780786426737

External links

All links retrieved November 10, 2022.

National Basketball Association (2007-08)
Western Conference Eastern Conference
Northwest Pacific Southwest Atlantic Central Southeast
Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors Dallas Mavericks Boston Celtics Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks
Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Clippers Houston Rockets New Jersey Nets Cleveland Cavaliers Charlotte Bobcats
Portland Trail Blazers Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies New York Knicks Detroit Pistons Miami Heat
Seattle SuperSonics Phoenix Suns New Orleans Hornets Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers Orlando Magic
Utah Jazz Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks Washington Wizards
Miscellaneous
Annual events: Playoffs - Finals - All-Star Game - All-Star Weekend - Rookie Challenge - Three-point Shootout - Skills Challenge - Shooting Stars Competition - Slam Dunk Contest - Draft
Other: Current team rosters - Midwest Division - Dress code - Salary Cap - Arenas - D-League - WNBA - WNBA Finals - Europe Live Tour - Larry O'Brien Trophy - Finals MVP - 50 Greatest Players
 International basketball

FIBA | Olympic Tournament | World Championship (men) - (women) | Teams by Country | Players | Leagues |
World Under-21 Championship (men) - (women) | World under 19 Championship (men) - (women)

     Africa: FIBA Africa – Africa Championship
     Americas: FIBA Americas – Americas Championship
     Asia: FIBA Asia – Asian Championship
     Europe: FIBA Europe – Eurobasket
     Oceania: FIBA Oceania – Oceania Championship
FIBA map.png
 Men's professional basketball leagues

FIBA | National Basketball Association | Other leagues

Americas: Liga Sudamericana | Argentina | Brazil | Chile | Mexico | Paraguay | Puerto Rico | Uruguay | Venezuela
U.S. developmental leagues: ABA | CBA | D-League | EBA | IBL | PBL | United BL | USBL | Universal BL | WBA
Europe: Euroleague | ULEB Cup | Adriatic League | Austria | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Croatia | Cyprus | Finland | France | Germany | Greece | Israel | Italy | Lithuania | Montenegro | Norway | Poland | Portugal | Romania | Russia | Serbia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Turkey | Ukraine | United Kingdom - England - Scotland
Asia: Asia Champions Cup | China | Japan | Korea | Philippines | Taiwan
Oceania: Australia | New Zealand
Africa: Africa Cup for Clubs

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