History and Background of Iconic NBA Basketball Teams

The History of NBA Basketball Teams

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1946 and originally consisted of 11 teams. Over the years, the league has expanded to 30 teams across the United States and Canada. Some of the most iconic NBA basketball teams have decades of history behind them.

The Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are one of the NBA's original franchises and have won a record 17 NBA championships, with their first title coming in 1957 led by Bob Cousy and Bill Russell. The Celtics dominated the 1960s, winning 8 straight championships from 1959 to 1966 powered by stars like John Havlicek and Dave Cowens. The Celtics remain one of the most storied franchises in the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers originated in Minneapolis in 1947 and moved to Los Angeles in 1960. Led by Hall of Famers like Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson over the decades, the Lakers have captured 17 NBA titles, including 5 in Minneapolis and 12 in Los Angeles. They remain an elite franchise today with superstar players like LeBron James.

The Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls joined the NBA in 1966 and languished as an average team for over two decades until Michael Jordan arrived in 1984. Jordan led the Bulls to two sets of three-peats in the 1990s (1991-93 and 1996-98). The Bulls won six titles in eight years during Jordan's tenure, cementing themselves as an iconic NBA franchise.

Small Market NBA Teams

While teams like the Lakers, Celtics and Bulls play in major markets like Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago, some elite NBA basketball teams have found success in smaller markets thanks to great management, coaching and superstar players.

The San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs joined the NBA in 1976 in the modest market of San Antonio, Texas. After some down years in the 1980s, they drafted David Robinson in 1987. The arrival of Tim Duncan in 1997 catapulted the Spurs into a dynasty, winning 5 titles between 1999 and 2014 with a team-first playing style. The Spurs remain a model small market franchise.

The Milwaukee Bucks

Based in one of the smallest markets in the NBA, few expected the Bucks to rise to prominence. But with the selection of Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in the 1969 draft, the Bucks became an instant contender, winning their lone NBA title in 1971. Today, behind two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have returned to elite status, winning the 2021 championship.

Recent Expansion Teams

As the popularity of the NBA grew over the decades, the league kept expanding, especially in the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. Many new NBA basketball teams were added during this era.

The Toronto Raptors

In 1995, the NBA expanded into Canada with the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies. While the Grizzlies later moved to Memphis, the Raptors have become an iconic Canadian franchise. Led by superstars like Vince Carter, Chris Bosh and current player Kyle Lowry, they've made 8 straight playoff appearances. In 2019, the Raptors won their first NBA championship.

The Phoenix Suns

After the NBA expanded to Phoenix in 1968, the Suns suffered many playoff heartbreaks despite stars like Charles Barkley and Steve Nash winning MVP awards. But today behind Devin Booker and Chris Paul, the Suns are an elite team, making the 2021 Finals and owning the best record in 2022, bringing hope they may soon capture their first ever championship.

FAQs

Which NBA team has won the most championships?

The Boston Celtics have won 17 NBA championships, the most in league history.

How many teams currently play in the NBA?

There are 30 teams in the NBA as of 2023. The league has expanded over time, with the most recent expansion teams being the Charlotte Bobcats (2004) and New Orleans Pelicans (2002).

What player won the most NBA MVP awards?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has won a record 6 NBA MVP awards during his legendary career.

Which NBA team has the longest active playoff appearance streak?

The San Antonio Spurs have made the playoffs for 22 consecutive seasons as of 2023, the longest active streak in the NBA.