Home | Soccer History | Tips | Coaching | Directory | Resources | Site Map 

History of the National Basketball Association

The Basketball Association of America (BAA) started the first basketball season in 1946. In 1949, the BAA agreed to merge with the National Basketball League to become the National Basketball Association (NBA). At the start, there were seventeen franchises in the nation. However, in 1950 the franchises were consolidated to eleven. In 1950, the NBA became integrated, accepting the first African American players. Chuck Cooper joined the Boston Celtics, Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton joined the New York Knicks and Earl Lloyd joined the Washington Capitols.

The Minneapolis Lakers won the first NBA Championship in 1950.The NBA was at its smallest in 1954 when it had only eight franchises, all eight of which remain today. These are the Knickerbockers, Celtics, Warriors, Lakers, Royals/Kings, Pistons, Hawks and Nationals/76ers. 1954 also saw the introduction of the 24-second shot clock to increase the tension of the game.

The NBA played with the six-team format until 1967 when it expanded by adding two teams. This expansion was in response to the founding of the American Basketball Association (ABA) in an attempt to tie up the best cities. The following year the Division Semifinals was changed to a best-of-seven playoff. Two additional teams were added each in 1975 and 1977. In 1976, the NBA reached a settlement with the ABA, which added four ABA franchises to the NBA, raising the total to 22.

The current sixteen-team tournament was not started until 1984. The First round was then changed to a best-of-five playoff, to accommodate the new teams. It wasn't until 2003 that first round became the best of seven we have today. During the last 2004 to 2005 season, the NBA underwent additional changes. There are now thirty NBA franchises and the division structure has been realigned. There are now three divisions with five teams each.

.Check out our NBA Betting Systems if you want to be a successful sports investor. We recommend you check out the Bodog Review to bet on the games.

By: Peter Portero



Soccer






Affordable Pitching Machines for Little League Organizations - The smaller youth baseball leagues need to consider finding as many tools of the sport that will allow the greatest opportunity for youngsters to learn properly and develop their skills as possible.

Wise Guys Love Seattle - Pittsburgh is a solid Super Bowl XL favorite, but Seattle appears to have strong pockets of support among Las Vegas' gaming elite.

Here Is An Easy To Use Baseball Bats Buying Guide - When choosing a baseball bat it helps to have some kind of rough baseball bats buying guide to help you find you way through the maze of products that are available on the market these days.

Cricket Batting Tips Foot Work - Recently I was asked, ?is ?foot work? really that important??.

Centennial Skateboard Park In Trouble Near Aurora Colorado - For some reason unknown to kids and adults alike who just want to get their skate on, someone has been vandalizing this spacious skatepark complete with benches and shade for adults to keep an eye on their children skateboarding and bicycling.

more...
© Copyright 2024 Fordham Sports Soccer. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized duplication in part or whole strictly prohibited by international copyright law.