NBA
Today, the NBA is one of the most popular sports in America, but that wasn’t always the case. The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1949, a result of a merger of competing organizations Basketball Association of America (BAA) and National Basketball League (NBL). At that time, the new league was comprised of 17 teams, 11 from the BAA and six from the NBL. The games were slower than the ones we watch today, though. The addition of the 24-second clock in 1954 sped up the game, added additional points to the board and drew in a new audience as the NBA was struggling to retain fans and teams.
Today, the NBA is comprised of 30 teams, including 29 in the United States and the Toronto Raptors, divided into two conferences of three divisions each having five teams. The NBA didn’t implement a three-point line until 1979. Today, with superstar player Steph Curry holding the record for the most three-point shots in a season, it may be hard for young NBA fans to imagine a time when it wasn’t a major part of the game. The 80s and 90s saw the popularity of superstar players, most notably Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, and growing interest in the industry.
Stay up to date on news involving superstar players, rookies and coaches with FanBuzz. Our writers keep up with breaking news involving drafts, trades, injuries, schedules and interesting news off the court so that you’re in the know regarding your favorite teams (and rivals).
NBA
Isiah Thomas Married a Secret Service Agent’s Daughter
Nowadays, thanks to The Last Dance, Isiah Thomas may be more recognized as Michael Jordan's longstanding rival than an NBA…
NBA
Kobe Bryant’s Final Game Was The Perfect Farewell
The Black Mamba struck a final time on April 13, 2016. With five NBA Championships, two Finals MVPs, one regular-season…
NBA
Karl-Anthony Towns Lost His Mom & 6 Other Relatives to COVID-19
Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns took to Instagram. The 25-year-old looked distraught; his mind focused elsewhere. It was March 24,…
NBA
What Happened to Sebastian Telfair and Where is He Now?
I remember the Sports Illustrated cover vividly. The bright smile, the baggy jersey, and a 6-foot point guard named Sebastian…
NBA
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Height Made Him the King of the Court
In the old days of the NBA, the game revolved around the center. Get the ball down low and let…
NBA
What Happened to Brandon Roy and Where is He Now?
The Garfield High School boys basketball team meets in the locker room for the pregame rundown. They go over matchups…
NBA
Serge Ibaka’s Dating History Includes a Famous Singer
Tall, dark, handsome, polyglot, chef, fashion icon. Enough about me, let's talk about Serge Ibaka. The Congolese-Spanish professional basketball player…
NBA
Which Cities Should the NBA Expand To?
The National Basketball Association is an exclusive club. It's got everything: high-level basketball, some of the globe's best athletes, world-class…
NBA
Inside Rick Fox’s Staggering Hollywood Love Life
They call George Clooney the silver fox. The man has seemingly had that distinguished shine in his hair since he…
NBA
Swin Cash’s NBA Front Office Job is Perfect for Retired Stars
Swin Cash is a winner. She's done it in college, the WNBA, and on the international stage. The New Orleans…
NBA
How Much Do NBA Referees Make?
NBA referees can be some of the most hated or loved people on the basketball court. If the call is…
NBA
The 10 Best NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winners, Ranked
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is the high-flying staple of NBA All-Star Weekend. Saturday night becomes a stage for the…
NBA
Charles Barkley’s Vintage Dinner Table Prank is Nonstop Laughter
Charles Barkley probably could have been a comedian if he never played basketball. Whether he's making an absolute fool of…
NBA
Kevin Durant’s Net Worth: How KD Built His Staggering Fortune
I was having a discussion with a friend the other day about which basketball player's physical tools are the most…
NBA
What Does Kyrie Irving’s Dating History Look Like?
Kyrie Irving isn't afraid to shoot his shot. In the biggest moments, the elite basketball player wants the rock in…
NBA
The Wild Catfish Saga of Chris “Birdman” Andersen
Former NBA star Chris “Birdman” Andersen earned his nickname through a spiked mohawk, dunks, tattoos, and a lengthy wingspan. In…
NBA
Who Are Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Girlfriend & Kid?
No. 34 in your program; No. 1 in your heart. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo holds that spot for many NBA…
NBA
Jalen Rose Found His Soulmate With ESPN’s ‘First Take’ Host
Jalen Rose and Molly Qerim have a great thing going. Individually, they are both stars. Together, they are an ESPN…
NBA
The Wild Catfish Saga of Chris “Birdman” Andersen
Former NBA star Chris “Birdman” Andersen earned his nickname through a spiked mohawk, dunks, tattoos, and a lengthy wingspan. In…
College Basketball
The Most Popular Sport in All 50 States
No matter where you live in the United States, American sports are a part of every community. Although some prefer…
National
Frank Caliendo’s Sports Impressions Are All Belly-Laughing Funny
Frank Caliendo has a gift, and it cannot be duplicated. Other comedians have tried and some have succeeded, especially during…
NBA
Luka Doncic’s Mom is The Real MVP of His Basketball Journey
Kevin Durant had NBA fans racing to their phones to call their moms after delivering his 2014 MVP speech. The…
NBA
Allen Iverson’s Net Worth: How “The Answer” Secured a Huge Lifetime Deal
Allen Iverson is one of the most dynamic players in National Basketball Association history. His ball-handling skills put defenders on skates,…
NBA
What Happened to Brandon Roy and Where is He Now?
The Garfield High School boys basketball team meets in the locker room for the pregame rundown. They go over matchups…
NBA
Kobe Bryant’s Final Game Was The Perfect Farewell
The Black Mamba struck a final time on April 13, 2016. With five NBA Championships, two Finals MVPs, one regular-season…
NBA
Magic Johnson’s Net Worth: How Rich is the NBA Icon Today?
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is one of the greatest players in NBA history. Among the pantheon of basketball legends, Johnson…
NBA
Kawhi Leonard’s Net Worth: How “The Claw” Quietly Kept His Fortune
All professional athletes make a lot of money these days, but none more than in the NBA. And of that…
