National Basketball Association History

NBA History

Period: Jan 1, 1891 to Dec 31, 2006

A timeline of the NBA's history. Resources: http://hoopedia.nba.com/index.php?title=NBA_Key_Milestones
http://www.nba.com/features/ball_timeline_060228.html

Basketball is Invented

Dec 1, 1891

Dr James Naismith invents the game of basketball, using baskets and a soccer ball.

Spalding Creates First Basketball

Jan 1, 1894

James asks A.G. Spalding and Brothers to develop the first basketball.

First Official Game

Jan 1, 1896

First professional game is played located in Trenton, New Jersey.

Maurice Founds NBA

Jun 6, 1946

The Basketball Association of America, the forerunner of NBA, is founded in New York, leading by the first president, Maurice Podoloff.

Special Game

Nov 1, 1946

A game between the Toronto Huskies and New York Knicks, the final score being 68-66 having the Knicks victory, where any person taller than 6'8 got in for free.

NBA Ups the Teams

Aug 3, 1949

The NBA finally becomes a 17-team league which then acquires the name, "National Basketball Association."

East Wins the All-Star Game

Mar 2, 1951

To be believed, the first All-Star game is won by the Eastern Conference against the Westernd Conference 111-94.

Change in Rules

Jan 1, 1954

The NBA altnernates the ruling system with a 24-second shot clock and the penalty shots.

Hall of Fame Opens

Feb 17, 1968

“The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opens in Springfield, Mass., on the Springfield College campus, where the game was invented by Dr. James Naismith.” (Hoopedia, 1/21/13)

First Ever Slam Dunk Competition

Jan 1, 1976

During the half time of the All-Star game, the first ever Slam Dunk Competition took place which Julius Erving became the victor. This unfortunately, did not start the year round Slam Dunk Competition.

Official Ball Announced

Jan 1, 1983

Spalding’s basketballs became the official ball of the NBA.

Start of the Slam Dunk Competitions

Jan 1, 1984

This is when the Slam Dunk Competition became official and became year round as a tradition, of the NBA.

NBA Partner

Jan 23, 1989

“The NBA becomes a member of ABA/USA, the nation’s representative in FIBA. ABA/USA changes its name to USA Basketball.” (Hoopedia, 1/21/13)

NBA Partners with NBC

Nov 9, 1989

NBA and NBC join together under a four year agreement of $600 million contract letting NBC broadcast all NBA sponsored events.

First Olympic Game

Aug 8, 1992

“In Barcelona, Spain, the USA Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, nicknamed the Dream Team, defeats Croatia 117-85 for the gold medal. This is the first time NBA players are allowed to compete in the Olympics.” (Hoopedia, 1/21/13)

50th Anniversary

Nov 1, 1996

The National Basketball Association celebrates their 50th anniversary.

Guiness Record

Jan 1, 2006

At NBA All-Star, Joseph Odiahambo dribbles the Spalding NeverFlat basketball for over 26 hours setting a Guinness World Record.