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The BAA Gets Established
On June 6, 1946 The Basketball Association of America(BAA) was established by Walter Brown. The league consisted of 11 teams which played a 60 game season. -
BAA/NBL Merger
On August 3, 1949 the BAA and the National Basketball League(NBL) merged to form the NBA. This decision was made due to both leagues battling for views. -
The ABA/NBA Merger
After multiple failed attempts the NBA finally came to agreement on a merger with the ABA. This would result in the salaries of players being significantly increased and four additional teams, those being the Denver Nuggets, New York Nets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs be added to the league. -
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Get Drafted
In 1978 Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were drafted to the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers respectively. They were both a huge part in making the NBA a staple in pop culture with their iconic battles over the years. -
The 3-Point Line Gets Introduced
In 1979 the NBA added the 3-point shot. In its early stages it wasn't very popular among players and coaches but it later went on to become one of the most important parts of modern day basketball. -
Jordan Gets Drafted
On June 19, 1984 Michael Jordan was drafted with the 3rd overall pick to the Chicago Bulls. He instantly became one of the most captivating players to watch, showing tremendous athleticism that had been previously unseen prior to him entering the league. Jordan also played a huge part in making the league more popular among foreign countries. Jordan is highly regarded as the greatest to ever do it. -
Huge League Expansion
The NBA would have a large expansion which would add the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, Vancouver Grizzlies, and Orlando Magic to the league. -
Yao Ming Becomes The Highest Drafted Non-American Player
On June 26th, 2002 Yao Ming became the highest overall player drafted to the league that wasn't born in America. Ming, who was born in China, helped to strengthen the bond between the NBA and China. -
Lebron Gets Drafted
With the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Lebron James. Lebron was the most anticipated prospect to enter the draft since Jordan in 1984. With him entering the league the way the game was played changed drastically. The play style became much less physically and free throws became a more prominent factor to winning games. -
NBA Lockout
Owners of multiple NBA franchises started the lockout after the expiration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between owners and the league in 2005. The lockout lasted from July 1st to December 8th and shortend the season from 82 games to only 66. It also delayed the start of the 2011-2012 season. -
The GOAT Gets Drafted
On June 22, 2017 Frank Ntilikina was drafted to the New York Knicks with the 8th pick. Frankie Smokes is one of the best defenders in the league and he can clamp your favorite player up. -
China Bans Houston Rockets Games
China made this decision because of the GM of the Rockets expressing his support of the Hong Kong protests. Rockets games would no longer be broadcasted in China causing a significant loss in revenue for the team. -
Coronavirus Hits The League
On March 11, 2020 a player within the Utah Jazz organization tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. This would result in all remaining games during the season to be postponed indefinitely. -
The NBA "Bubble" Begins
In an effort to prevent the wide spread of the COVID-19 virus the NBA set up plans to create a "Bubble" where they could resume the remaining games of the season and begin the playoffs. The Bubble was to take place at Disney World Resorts in Orlando Florida. -
Players Demand Change
Players within the Milwaukee Bucks organization decided to protest playing in game 7 vs the Orlando Magic after a tragic shooting occurred just two days prior. The main purpose of this was to bring awareness to political issues and make viewers want to demand change.
