Establishment: The NBA was founded on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949, becoming the NBA.
First Game: The first official NBA game was played on November 1, 1946, between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies.
Growth and Expansion
Early Stars: Players like George Mikan and Bill Russell helped popularize the league in the 1950s and 1960s.
Merger with ABA: The NBA merged with the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1976, bringing stars like Julius Erving and the three-point line into the league.
Iconic Moments
The Celtics Dynasty: The Boston Celtics dominated the 1950s and 1960s, winning 11 championships in 13 years under coach Red Auerbach.
The Jordan Era: Michael Jordan, one of the greatest players in history, led the Chicago Bulls to six championships in the 1990s.
Modern Era
Globalization: The NBA expanded its reach internationally in the 1990s and 2000s, with stars like Dirk Nowitzki and Yao Ming boosting global interest.
Warriors Dominance: The Golden State Warriors emerged as a powerhouse in the 2010s, winning multiple championships with a focus on three-point shooting and ball movement.
Recent Developments
Player Movement: The rise of player empowerment has changed team dynamics, with stars frequently changing teams, especially in free agency.
Social Justice and Activism: The NBA has taken a prominent stance on social justice issues, especially highlighted during the 2020 bubble season.
