While the National Basketball League and the NBA were born from the same idea, the NBA has its own history. Its early years were filled with slow, grueling games with little more than forty points. The majority of the best players only averaged about fifteen points per game, making it more akin to a child’s game of keep-away. In 1949, the NBA merged with the NBL, giving birth to the league we know today. But the NBA’s financial troubles remained for several years, even as former NBL teams were purchased by other NBA teams.
The league’s golden age began in the 1980s. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics went on to become NBA champions. Then came the era of the Chicago Bulls and their legendary star, Michael Jordan. However, the 1980s were a time of tension and cold war politics. Although most NBA teams flourished, some struggled to survive. During this time, the Utah Jazz was the closest to bankruptcy.
The NBA’s current organization is very different from its past years. Teams now compete in three divisions and two conferences. The Western Division was riddled with rumors of relocating, while the Pacific Division had three teams in it. The NBA began looking for other ways to expand its brand and attract new fans. The following season, the league’s season begins. This article will highlight a few notable changes that have taken place during the last few years.
In 1891, James Naismith invented the game. He wanted a game that would keep students active. The early teams had no coaches, so they relied on their athletic prowess and their brains to score. James Naismith didn’t believe basketball required coaching and instead believed that it could be played by anyone, regardless of skill level. In the modern era, it has become a worldwide phenomenon. If you’re wondering how the NBA is different from its roots, consider these facts.
The NBA’s history is filled with great highlights. The 1980s were one of its best decades, with five new teams joining the league, including the Phoenix Suns. These expansions added new cities and fans to the NBA roster, as did the Magic-Bird rivalry. In addition to these highlights, the NBA was also a success in the American pop culture. Its success stemmed from its ability to attract fans to its arenas.
The NBA’s salary cap is an important part of its financial structure, which sets a salary limit for each team. Teams with low revenue will be forced to pay their stars more to stay competitive. Revenue sharing is another significant source of income for the league, but is not included as basketball-related income. These players generate the majority of the league’s revenue, and the salary cap enables teams to exceed the cap limit without incurring penalties.
The NBA’s regular season is broken up by the annual All-Star Game. The top vote-getters in each conference choose the captains, and coaches vote on the remaining 14 All-Stars. The top vote-getter in each conference gets the first pick, while the other 14 players select their own teams from the player pool. During the game, the player with the best performance wins the Game MVP award. However, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the NBA and its games.