History of the NBA

First NBA Game

Nov 1, 1946

First official game of the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The New York Knickerbockers played the Toronto Huskies. Ticket prices ranged from $.75 to $2.50. If you happened to be taller than Toronto’s 6’ 8” George Nostrand, you were granted free admission. More than 7,000 fans watched the game.

Red Auerbach Hired

Sep 21, 1950

Red was hired to be the coach of the Boston Celtics and went on to win 9 NBA tites. Considered the most succesful coach in NBA history.

First NBA All-Star Game

Mar 12, 1951

The first NBA All-Star game was held in Boston.

African American Players Join

Oct 10, 1951

The first African American players were allowed into the NBA. They were Chuck Cooper, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, and Earl Lloyd.

24 Second Shot Clock Added

Oct 30, 1954

The 24-second shot clock made its debut. As a result, NBA teams showed a 13.6-point increase in their team scoring averages that season.

Wilt Chamberlain Scores 100

Mar 2, 1962

Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game, most scored in one game in NBA history.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Feb 17, 1968

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame officially opened.

Bull Russell's Final Season

Mar 5, 1969

Bill Russell from the Boston Celtics plays his last season as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Russel owns the record for most NBA titles with 11 rings.

First Player Straight from High School

Aug 20, 1974

Moses Malone became the first professional player to sign with the NBA straight out of high school.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are Drafted

Nov 4, 1978

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson came into the NBA. They would soon be pronounced the 2 best gaurds in the game. Both setting records for their individual franchises.

3 Point Feild Goal Added.

Oct 9, 1979

3-point field goal introduced was introduced to the NBA. It was deemed to be 23 feet 9 inches.

NBA Expansion

Oct 12, 1987

NBA expanded by adding new teams in to it’s league. ( Charlotte, NC and Miami, FL.)

International Play

Apr 8, 1989

NBA players were granted permission to be able to play in international events like the Olympics.

NBA Playes Off Shores

Nov 2, 1990

NBA became the first major U.S. sports league to play a regular season game outside North America. The Jazz and the Suns played the first ever NBA Japan games.

Bulls Win Best Record in NBA History

Apr 25, 1996

Your very own Chicago Bulls Finished with a 72-10 record, best record in NBA history.

First Internation Played Drafted as #1 Pick

Jun 26, 2006

Yao Ming was the first player drafted from an international league as the NBA’s number one draft pick.

Lebron Finally Wins

Jun 21, 2012

Lebron James wins his first NBA title. With 49 out of the 50 states voting in preference for him to loose.
(More people tuned it to watch Lebron Pick his next team over the Super Bowl that year.)