The NBA has a long and rich history. It originated in 1946 with 11 teams, and through a sequence of team expansions, reductions and relocations consists of 30 teams today.
The regular season in the NBA is played from mid-October to early April. Each team plays 82 games (41 on the road and 41 at home) to earn the right to make the postseason and compete for a chance to win an NBA championship. The first eight teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs. The top two teams from each conference advance to the NBA Finals to face off for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
A number of awards are given out each year, including Coach of the Year and Most Valuable Player Award. Other notable awards are Sixth Man of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Injuries in the NBA
During basketball’s early years, the game was still a young and untested sport. As a result, a number of injuries were common. These injuries typically occurred in the knee and ankle. In fact, according to a study conducted by Henry et al, over 94% of injuries to players involved these areas.
In addition to the knee and ankle, other common injuries include stress fractures of the feet and lower legs. These injuries are particularly serious and can lead to long-term complications.
As a result, many professional players are known to take their footwork seriously. Their bodies are put through a lot of stress as they run and jump on the court, with centers – typically the tallest players on the floor – taking the brunt of their punishment.
These players often miss a significant amount of time due to their injuries. The average NBA player will miss anywhere from four to nine games per season.
A player who is injured can become a distraction on the court and can jeopardize his chances of playing in the playoffs. He can also end up with a long-term injury, such as a broken bone or a torn ligament.
In order to help prevent injuries, the NBA requires that all players undergo medical screening before they can play in the league. They must also attend training camps and preseason exhibition games.
The summer break between the two seasons allows for the NBA to hold the annual All-Star Game. This is a major event that attracts a large audience to NBA arenas.
Training camp occurs in late September and is a crucial time for teams to prepare for the rigors of the NBA season. It also gives coaches an opportunity to evaluate players and scout their strengths and weaknesses. The team roster is made up of 12 active players and a three-man inactive list, although teams may trade or sign players with less than two years of experience to fill their roster.
The league also conducts an annual draft. The selection process includes a draft lottery, in which the 14 teams who do not make the playoffs are chosen by ping-pong balls drawn randomly. The first three picks are awarded in order of lowest to highest regular-season finish, with the order reversing based on trades and other circumstances.