Basketball has been a beloved sport for decades. Audiences all over the world find themselves glued to the screen, shouting in the stands, and constantly checking stats to stay informed about the latest happenings on the court. This fast-paced game is full of action and incredible athleticism, keeping fans engaged for life. And at the forefront of this global obsession is the NBA, the National Basketball Association.
Since its inception in 1946, the league has grown exponentially, becoming a cultural phenomenon and showcasing some of the greatest basketball players of all time.
The NBA continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times. The league has become more international, with players from all over the world making their mark on the game. The introduction of new rules and innovations like the three-point line and instant replay has also added new dimensions to the game. The NBA's popularity shows no signs of slowing down, as fans eagerly await each season to see their favourite teams and players battle it out on the court.
Let’s explore these historical markers in the NBA in more detail and see why basketball is so popular around the world!
A Brief History of the NBA
The NBA has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1946.
The idea of basketball began in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. Developed by physical education instructor James Naismith, “basket ball” was a way for his student-athletes to participate in a demanding physical activity with less chance of injury, unlike American football (which was played without effective helmets at the time). This new basket-based sport could also be played indoors, meaning the athletes could train and stay well-conditioned even through the long, cold New England winters.
The sport quickly caught on, and the first professional game was played in 1896 in Trenton, New Jersey, USA. Just two years after that, the first iteration of the National Basketball League (NBL) was formed. It was focused in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but also covered a few neighbouring states. This version of the NBL only lasted 6 years; getting something as complex as a sports league right the first time is a daunting task, so due to mismanagement and disorganization, the league disbanded in 1904.
In 1935, the Midwest Basketball Conference (MBC) was formed but changed its name in 1937 to the National Basketball League (no relation to the 1898 organization) in an effort to win more interest. In 1946, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was formed, and the two leagues became rivals for the attention of fans and sponsors. The NBL quickly lost out and was merged into the BAA in 1949. This new, combined league was renamed the National Basketball Association (NBA) and became the leader in professional basketball happenings in the country.
In 1976, the NBA merged again, this time absorbing the American Basketball Association (ABA) that had been formed in 1967.
In 1946, 11 teams were included in the BAA’s premiere season.
In 1949, 17 teams were included in the NBA’s premiere season.
While the BAA had the flash and reach, the 1937-formed NBL had better players. More teams in the NBL won in tournaments than BAA teams. When the two forces combined, they were able to have more basketball stars playing the game in both small and large venues across the nation, securing basketball as a fan-favourite game.
What Were the Original 8 NBA Teams?
When the BAA and the NBL merged, there were actually 17 teams in the NBA. Six were brought over from the NBL, ten were already with the BAA, and one team was created as an expansion team.
When people talk about the 8 original teams, they’re usually referring to 8 of the original 11 teams from the first season of the BAA. This is because the NBA considers its history to have started with the commencement of the BAA, so facts and figures from 1946-48 are considered as directly involved with NBA history.
Out of the original 11 teams, 8 folded before 1951 and 3 still live on today: the Celtics, Knicks, and Warriors.
Original 11 Teams in the BAA
Eastern Division
- Boston Celtics
- New York Knicks
- Philadelphia Warriors (now known as the Golden State Warriors following relocation in 1962).
- Providence Steamrollers
- Toronto Huskies
- Washington Capitols
Western Division
- Chicago Stags
- Cleveland Rebels
- Detroit Falcons
- Pittsburgh Ironmen
- St. Louis Bombers
NBA Teams Over the Years
The NBA has been home to some legendary teams, with dynasties forming throughout its history. The Boston Celtics dominated the league in the 1960s, winning an astonishing 11 championships in 13 seasons.
Led by coach Red Auerbach and stars like Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, the Celtics set a standard of excellence that few teams have been able to match.
In more recent years, teams like the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, and the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, have left their mark on NBA history with their championship runs.
The Evolution of Rules and Regulations
Each basketball association/league/conference has its own rules and regulations that slightly differ from one another, and the rules also change over time.
When the BAA was developed, they played exclusively in large arenas like the Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden, whereas other leagues at the time played in much smaller venues in smaller towns.
In 1936, the differences in officiating became more apparent when there was a game between the University of Kentucky (UK) and New York University (NYU) at Madison Square Garden in which the UK players kept getting penalized for playing in a way that was acceptable in the Midwest, but that the East had decided was not acceptable in the rules.
As a result, critics and spectators felt the game was unfair and didn’t allow the UK players to give their best shot, since they were blindsided by the East’s official rulings. NBL player Leroy "Cowboy" Edwards especially was seen as not being able to play at his full potential during the game.
One of the results of that game was the development of the 3-second rule.
In 1954, the NBA introduced the new rule that teams must shoot within 24 seconds of possession to prevent freezing. This cut down on the amount of inactivity on the court that some teams would intentionally create as a way to run down the clock, which made the game more boring to audiences and impacted attendance.
In 1979, the NBA introduced the three-point shot, to be taken from 7.24 metres, making it more possible for shorter players to have a hand in scoring points. Additionally, team fouls were limited to 7 instead of 8, the rules for 1+1 free throws were modified, and the ‘three for two’ rule was removed. The penalty for a coach’s technical foul was also increased to grant two free throws and possession of the ball for the other team.
In 1994, there were a multitude of big changes in the rules and regulations. Most notably, games could be played either as 2x20 minutes or 4x12 minutes, completely changing the travelling rule and making the alley-oop into an acceptable play.
In 2000, the format was changed to be 4x10 minutes per game.
The NBA is always looking for rules and regulations that need to be updated, added, or removed to help enhance the quality, integrity, and pace of the game.
Famous NBA Players & How They Changed the Game
Of course, perhaps the most interesting aspect of any sport is the players.
One of the most significant moments in NBA history came in 1984 when a young and talented player named Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. Jordan's arrival on the scene brought a new level of excitement and competitiveness to the league. His incredible skills and charismatic personality quickly made him a fan favourite, and he went on to become one of the most iconic basketball players in history. Jordan's success helped elevate the popularity of the NBA to new heights, inspiring a whole generation of aspiring athletes.
Other notable NBA basketball players throughout history include:
Wataru Misaka (1923-2019)
Born in Utah to Japanese-American parents, Misaka led the University of Utah to win the 1944 NCAA championships. He made history as the first person of Asian descent and the first non-white player in the BAA (the precursor to today's NBA) when he was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1947. Though his career with the Knicks was brief, his being on the team was a big step in history, even if nobody made a big deal about it at the time.
When asked about playing basketball during WWII while other Japanese-Americans were being sent to internment camps, he said:
It was a real strange experience to be free - not without prejudice, but free - and playing the game I loved in my home state, while others were being treated like criminals.
Wat Misaka
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
He joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969 and reshaped basketball with his iconic skyhook shot and unmatched scoring prowess with 38,387 career points.
Wilt Chamberlain
Acquired by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959, he secured his legacy with his unparalleled dominance, scoring an excellent 31,419 points in his career.
Magic Johnson
Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft, he amassed impressive career statistics, including 10,141 assists, 6,559 rebounds, and 17,707 points.
Larry Bird
Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, he left an impact on basketball with his remarkable scoring ability, exceptional skills, and a career total of 21,791 points.
Shaquille "Shaq" O’Neal
Drafted as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in 1992, O'Neal quickly became an NBA sensation, winning the Rookie of the Year award and leading his team to the 1995 NBA Finals. He achieved his greatest success with the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002 and earned Finals MVP awards for each victory. O'Neal also claimed a fourth NBA title with the Miami Heat in 2006.
The day I stopped worrying about stats is the day I started winning.
Shaquille O'Neal
Kobe Bryant
Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, he is remembered for his unparalleled work ethic, clutch performances, and scoring ability totalling 33,643 points.
Lebron James
Often heralded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Lebron began his illustrious career in 2003 when he was selected as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Draft. Quickly making his mark, James earned the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and has since become a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
I think, team first. It allows me to succeed, it allows my team to succeed.
LeBron James
The NBA remains the most significant professional basketball league in the world in terms of popularity, salaries, talent, and level of competition. The continued drive and dedication of the players, plus the leadership of managers and everyone else involved in maintaining a sports league, ensure that there will be even more basketball history made for future enthusiasts to obsess over.
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