The Strange and Clustered Timeline of NBA Franchises

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EDIT: @11:58 HEAT TIMELINE BEGINS IN 1988 NOT 1976
The NBA has seen a lot of changes since its beginning in 1946. In this video, we go over all the different franchises and cities the NBA has had.
Legacy of Hoops is a channel dedicated to exploring the NBA, its history and current state. If you're a fan of the NBA, and basketball in general, subscribe so that you dont miss a video
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[@leaguestories1568]

Check out www.leaguestories.com !!

[@duragdoggo2440]

League Stories cool I will

[@JadeWolf27]

hate to break it to ya but it was the NBA that ditched the Supersonics and the city of Seattle

[@BenchOnaQUEST]

Great video!! Just a quick note, which you forgot to mention: In 2014 (when the New Orleans team was renamed the Pelicans, and the Bobcats were renamed the Charlotte Hornets), the revived Hornets franchise acquired the official history and records of the original Hornets (spanning from 1988 to 2002).

[@flibbidyx2]

The Hornets-Pelicans connection is a little convoluted and involves one more thing you left out. When the New Orleans franchise changed their name to the Pelicans, they actually made a deal with the Charlotte franchise (with the NBA's blessing) to not only allow them to become the Charlotte Hornets, but to reclaim the history of the original 1988-2002 Charlotte Hornets. As such, the current Charlotte Hornets franchise is now considered an extension of the original Charlotte Hornets franchise founded in 1988. The Pelicans, meanwhile, only lay claim to the New Orleans (and OKC)-era history, going back to 2002.

[@christophersuswal9544]

That's interesting. In the NFL nobody really thinks about that with the Cleveland Browns/ Baltimore Ravens. Everytime people bring up the history of the Browns these days, they'll bring up the past era of the team up until 1995, which technically would just be the history of the Ravens. Anything these Browns do now should just be traced to their return in 1999

[@flibbidyx2]

@@christophersuswal9544 The only thing is - when the Ravens went to Baltimore, they made an agreement to leave the Browns' history behind. While they took the players and management with them, as far as official NFL records are concerned, they were an expansion team. When the new Browns team came along a few years later, they were given the rights to claim all the history of the previous Browns team.

[@khaitranngoc4176]

The eventual SuperSonics expansion shall go weird I guess...

[@davidthompson5766]

They should put all pro sports teams in LA

[@ogtrybe1233]

Interesting... Knowing the Jazz belonged to New Orleans before sold to Utah...

[@thatoneguy6444]

The NBA really needs to give Seattle the Supersonics back as a Expansion team, I need it back

[@thewgb602]

Ya but they would need to add another East team to even it out? Any ideas for an eastern team?

[@jerrymelgoza4358]

@@thewgb602 Just make either Timberwolves, Grizzlies, or Pelicans an eastern team.

[@octopus8420]

@@jerrymelgoza4358 It still would be 31 teams?

[@KevinRajapaksa]

Bring Seattle Back and give Kansas City a team to even out

[@thatoneguy6444]

I'm still trying to figure out how I expansion draft would work, like every team get to keep 10 players and release the rest into the draft? Idk

[@lukascubes9132]

Imagine a team called the swamp dragons

[@meep7895]

you should watch dom2k's 2023 nba sim

[@lukascubes9132]

@@meep7895 probably later

[@domimimi42]

Best I've ever heard is the "Phoenix Cactus Giants" which was a suggested name before they became the Suns... xD

[@TRJ2241987]

One of the final choices for the Pelicans franchise was the "Mosquitoes"

[@lukascubes9132]

@@TRJ2241987 imagine that lol

[@orlandofields1973]

Before Minneapolis got a team, there called the Detroit Gems. Just a fun fact

[@seandaniels7938]

Dope picture and name 💯🤙🏽

[@scizorbullet8185]

And their logo was what is now the pistons logo

[@righteous.marxist]

Detroit > the rest of the NBA

[@GodLovesYou531]

i know

[@aaronwatkins8973]

He said Minneanapolis!

[@theDavidChannel1]

I had no idea the Rockets name came from San Diego. Houston Rockets always made sense since that's where the NASA space program takes off from.

[@JacksonBlackmon]

I was surprised to learn that the Pistons weren’t originally from Detroit since that’s another name that fits the city really well

[@Truckdriverplays]

NASA takes off in Florida not Houston.

[@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam]

I worked with old men from General Dynamics, who built missiles. The Rockets were named in the spirit of General Dynamics.

[@JacksonBlackmon]

@@Truckdriverplays Mission control is in Houston

[@Truckdriverplays]

@@JacksonBlackmon mission control and where they take off from is 2 different things and 2 different locations

[@jimmymcinerney1950]

I really like how you organized each team's history. It makes it easier to follow.

[@morrissmith5338]

I didn't know about some of the older relocations, but the Rockets one stuck out to me. I'd always assumed their nickname was to honor the massive NASA operation in Houston, but since they already had the nickname in San Diego it just happens to be a funny coincidence.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

General Dynamics and it's Convair division (originally an independent company) were big in the rocket industry for a long time - big enough to be one of the 3 original contractors for studies outside of NASA that led to the Apollo program (GE and the Glen Martin company being the others) and eventual builder of the Saturn V 3'd stage. I don't count the Cruise Missile, it was quite a bit later and not a rocket - but among other things

[@MrEshah]

Cruise missiles are rockets too, just equipped with a guidance system

[@RaidPerspective]

Expansion to Europe would be insane. Imagine the plane flights

[@cookiesmack6442]

That would be too much, but I want see a NBA in Mexico that would be cool.

[@GAYWEEDDAD420]

Mexico would be so awesome

[@cookiesmack6442]

@@GAYWEEDDAD420 yea if Canada have one than Mexico can also have one

[@hellionus]

i.e. NBA-Euroleague merger.

[@Sharas27]

@@hellionus euroleague is too far away from nba level

[@krsgfr]

In the ABA, the Denver team was called the Denver Rockets, but the name was changed to the Nuggets when they switched to the NBA because of the Houston Rockets

[@gregsells8549]

The Denver Rockets actually switched to Nuggets before joining the NBA. The old name came from the trucking company that started the team.

[@krsgfr]

@@gregsells8549 ....changed in anticipation of joining the NBA, due to the Houston Rockets

[@daxledbetter393]

As a Thunder fan give Seattle an expansion team that way OKC and Seattle will have a big rivalry

[@kingmo8789]

And possibly Portland too.

[@apisangunathilagarajah8877]

memphis and vancouver also

[@riyadinho6795]

vancouver get an expansion too so there can be a rivalry there

[@anthonyanderson9303]

@@riyadinho6795 Basketball didn't work in Vancouver the first time. It's more of a hockey and CFL town.

[@riyadinho6795]

@@anthonyanderson9303 what about giving montreal a team then? idk i think canada should get a 2nd team

[@EnjoySackLunch]

Even as a lifelong nba fan, this was very informative and intriguing. Also was not expecting a Dyatlov cameo, but it scores high marks in my book. Thanks!

[@porourangi10]

What about the Flint Tropics?

[@CreightonRabs]

Not sure if this had been mentioned, but the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite relocating from Seattle, are technically considered an expansion team. The SuperSonics records and history remained in Seattle; everything post-2008 in OKC is independent of the Sonics' history. That's the way it should be with franchise relocations, in my honest opinion.

[@joshuamathisen5526]

The sonics records and history actual do belong to OKC Thunder. Trophy’s and banners were left in a museum as part of a lawsuit from the city of Seattle but technically OKC owns all the records and what not. I think the nba will negotiate some sort of deal or buyout of the Sonics history when seattle inevitably gets its franchise back.

[@hia5235]

Facts. OKC Thunder is in no way connected to Sonics history!

[@drodrig1]

​@@hia5235but kd played for the sonics and thunder

[@keanuismyfather7477]

Before watching this video I hope you mention how weird the whole Bobcats/Hornets / Hornets/Pelicans thing is. It annoys me sometimes. It’s kinda like the Ravens/Browns situation but more complicated.

[@Kill_bit]

The ravens browns is kind of forgiving compared to that

[@keanuismyfather7477]

@@Kill_bit yes indeed

[@mets137781]

A couple of things. 1. The NBL was originally an industrial league that consisted of factory teams mostly (In fact the Akron Wingfoots, Goodyear's factory team won the first title and they sponsored the Cavs since). It organically grew over the years with other local teams through the Great lakes/midwest area joining. The Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons were a factory team of the Zollner Piston company. During this period in the 40s there was also a world tournament that functioned a bit like the FA Cup in Football as well. 2. The Indianapolis Olympians are interesting case because they essentially shut down due to game fixing scandal at the college level that most of the players had been caught up in. 3. The Celtics/Clippers swap happened essentially because the owner Irv Levin wanted to move Boston closer to his home in SD, but NBA said absolutely not. So the swap was arranged with John Y Brown, the former owner of Kentucky's ABA team, who had picked up the Braves/Clippers as he found they were cheaper to buy than to move Kentucky (One of the most stable and successful franchises) into the NBA. With the Braves being less 10 years old and didn't have the 13 titles the Celtics did so the NBA didn't care what happened.

[@LOUISVILLECARDINALS]

I really wish they would give us back the Kentucky colonels we big on sports in Louisville

[@tastyjay]

The whole idea of the 'factory teams' era is so fascinating to me. It happened in baseball too (and football as well, I'm sure).

[@mets137781]

@@tastyjay Here's the really interesting part, the industrial teams didn't go away, they actually spun off into their own league the NIBL which last until 63 and nabl which kept going into the 70s en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Alliance_of_Basketball_Leagues

[@petercena9497]

Along with the Pacers, the Kentucky Colonels identified the ABA more than any other franchise.

[@brendonjames1597]

2:09 historys first broken ankles 😂😭

[@SEVIIN67]

Mans faked a pass to the fallen and proceeded to splash one, ballerina style. What a Savage.

[@d.j.407]

7:23 Incorrect, the Washington Bullets changed their name to the Washington Wizards in 1997 not 1995.

[@akidwhoiswackooncracko8389]

Tomato tomato what's the difference

[@noorcahya639]

@@akidwhoiswackooncracko8389 just correcting

[@differenteyes1302]

@@akidwhoiswackooncracko8389 about 2 years

[@Americancountryball142]

Wow, a two year difference🫤

[@Lord_Horker]

This was sick but that pronunciation of Minneapolis killed me lmao

[@michalsklabinski276]

Very informative and well rehearsed/ structured video! Keep it up!

[@hkytown1]

Cool video, just what I was looking for. Sharp, brief, entertaining, and informative. Thanks man.

[@FAlynn92]

The map in the beginning made me realize how badly the NBA needs to do a realignment and/or dissolve east and west. OKC is still in the Northwest division despite Oklahoma being directly above texas. Pacific: Blazers, Kings, Warriors, Lakers, Clippers, Suns Southwest: Thunder, Spurs, Jazz, Nuggets, Mavs, Rockets Southeast: Heat, Pelicans, Magic, Hawks, Hornets, Grizzlies Central: Bulls, Pacers, T-wolves, Pistons, Cavs, Bucks Atlantic: Nets, Knicks, Sixers, Celtics, Raptors, Wizards

[@rossmckechnie1210]

Great video mate, I’ve always wondered about why teams randomly appear or relocate, just never enough to actually look it up but when KZbin recommended me this all my questions were answered! Stellar work

[@Krillinish2]

The weird thing not mentioned about the new Charlotte Hornets, is that all the franchise history and stats of the old Charlotte Hornets transferred to the new Charlotte Hornets. The Pelicans maintained the history and stats of the NO/OKC Hornets. It’s just odd that you can magically transfer history to a different franchise.

[@Vox24]

The odd thing is to transfer a team. The Hornets identity is within Charlotte and I find it natural to think of their team playing there.

[@p-mashack]

Similar with the Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens. The Browns retained their history four years after the team left for Baltimore.

[@MattJacques]

Excellent vid - and so awesome to see all those old logos and how they evolved!

[@IceyRif]

Seeing Seattle move broke my heart

[@morgantull4011]

It’s a shame the flint tropics didn’t join the nba in the merger, Jackie Moon was a great player/owner/coach and really pushed them in their final season prior to the merger inventing the allyoop in their final game. You’d go to see the tropics play but you’d stay to see Jackie moon fight a bear.

[@hazzyp9147]

Great video, really insightful and well done👍

[@okcalphi]

The reason the "packers" were in Chicago is because Chicago used to have a huge meat packing industry. 6:34

[@victoran.5365]

But still, really dumb to name the team like that

[@ojzil3631]

nah its because the owner was packing meat

[@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam]

@@ojzil3631 so am I.

[@itzflame9893]

@@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam 🧢

[@hamhockbeans]

Meat and cheese ok now we need some bread.

[@gonzaloacuna9197]

Very good video mate. I knew a few, but you explained it all here. Thx!

[@Sn0reSnoreDan]

Very interesting video. I liked how you portrayed the history of the NBA. One thing I would've loved to see would've been a complete histogram of the league and mergers and the folding of the teams. Now that I think of it, seems like a lot of work. Interesting video nonetheless ☺️

[@dolayrjdkekekelorkdjsi946]

Love this video bro keep up the great work

[@onunka16]

Great video. Final got a good explanation on the Hornets/Pelicans/Bobcats history

[@stephaniemarinoff8863]

Enjoyed your presentation of the history of teams

[@danielstojanovski7869]

Good stuff!!

[@leaguestories1568]

Daniel Stojanovski thanks g!

[@kevinsolis8713]

Excellent recap abouth nba's history bro !!

[@Rodanguirus]

As a sports history buff, the NBA's erasure of the NBL annoys me. It was first, it was integrated, it had some of the game's biggest stars of the time, its teams proved competitive with BAA teams (as seen in the World Professional Basketball Tournament played annually throughout the 1940s, and in the first few seasons of the merged NBA), and some of the NBA's staple teams come from there (Lakers, Pistons, 76ers, Hawks, Kings), and a significant portion of their history is just ignored in most official materials.

[@maddo1069]

I can imagine the next two expansion teams being Seattle and Mexico City, the latter being a view to expanding the league further overseas. I know the Euroleague have their own thing going rn but imagine Real Madrid, Barcelona, Galatasaray or Fenerbache in the NBA - all places with strong basketball followings albeit through footballing roots

[@octopus8420]

You have to understand that the Euro League is an international league + knockout in-season tournament on top of the their respective league

[@paquinraino8180]

No if there is some expansions it would be (in order): Seattle, Las Vegas (who should have one for years), Montreal, Kansas City, Tampa Bay/maybe San Diego (but I doubt it as they can't keep a franchise) then Mexico

[@cardboardgamer1]

Can’t wait to see a Mexico City vs Toronto finals if that happens

[@maddo1069]

Wow two years ago I really didn't watch Euroleague 🤣🤣🤣

[@nzthrills533]

Great vid. Very informative

[@sirchess2526]

Well explained. I enjoyed this video. Pretty entertaining

[@AdamMcGowen2890]

Just found your channel. I love it!

[@RobertJones-ic2vo]

Great detailed video! Great channel! Keep hustling bud

[@tiagolacerdamuller4719]

Thanks, this video was really helpful for a brazilian to understand this whole thing of reallocate teams, here the teams aren´t franchises, just clubs, so they remain in the same place always.

[@lilroach3235]

dude i wish more people knew about your channel this is some good content

[@stephenmuise6408]

That was a sweet recap. Thanks

[@moisesalmonte8271]

Great Vídeo Man

[@xzenorogue3152]

That was amazing👍🏼

[@LaPotraBellaca]

Great video

[@combatkiller7881]

Nice work, maaaate!

[@jahnnlopez9957]

Thank you for your project investigation! Impressive

[@lyr7rad]

The Hawks started out in 1946 as the Buffao Bisons. After 38 days the franchise was moved to Moline, Illinois, and renamed the Tri-Cities Blackhawks.

[@MrAce-lm8es]

The 1988 - 89 NBA Season was a highlight for me. Seeing Charlotte and Miami was a sigh of fresh air.

[@bastegeronimo47]

Very Informative

[@tpro4853]

Ahhh yes, an accurate account, properly separating teams by franchise, like the Pelicans and Hornets. Thank you and well done!

[@7JM8QHTBKC9L]

excellent concise presentation on the nba 🏀

[@randomsam7648]

Great Video!!! I Liked!!!

[@scoxgod3112]

good content, congratz

[@clarencebeeks2787]

Well done!

[@Opochtli]

Subscribed!

[@nicholasholmes9260]

Bullets didn't officially become the Wizards until 1997-98. Great video though.

[@tbutler595]

Yeah I thought the samething too

[@JosefGooch]

Great explanation! I'm trying to figure out where they got their start like were they independent and liked what the leagues were doing so they jumped in? Were the leagues at first a NPO?

[@llcooltoys4447]

For reference, in 5:45, you pronounce Davenport D- AH- VENPORT. The a is like the a in yeah. Coming from a local who lives very close to there, and has been there many times. Edit: Moline is also Mo- Lean.

[@ChristineCAlb1]

This is my kind of sports show. Maybe do a short documentary on each team next time?

[@michaelpecarichhealth2366]

The newer logos may be more streamlined, although the old(er) logos had more character.

[@LaPotraBellaca]

I never heard of some of these teams

[@graydonhummel706]

Very good video 😊😊😊

[@bigboy5176]

I see you keep up the grind I bet you will hit 10 million befor you even know it keep up the grind

[@Couldntcomeupwitone]

Instant subscription

[@ayno6891]

this deserves more views

[@lukascubes9132]

NBA teams and their names such as Denver McNuggets Golden Steak Warriors Indiana Steakers Houston Hot Pockets Miami Eat Phoenix Sundaes Chicago Rolls New York Twix Washington Blizzards Los Angeles Cakers Sacramento Burger Kings Philedelphia 70 Snickers Oklahoma City Hunger Toronto Twizzlers Detroit Pizzatons

[@SHINdanny]

Oklahoma City Hunger :DDD

[@juggercrawler]

Philadelphia 70 Snickers😂

[@hamhockbeans]

@@juggercrawler yummy 😋

[@davidwesley2525]

Portland Pizza pies Seattle Star Bucks San Diego Sunfish Pittsburgh Pasta Baltimore Burritos Boise Burgers Mississippi Mud Pies Columbus chowder Tucson Tacos Oakland Ocra Boston Baked Beans Buffalo. Hot wings St. Louis Spare Ribs Cincinnati Calamari Tampa Torillas Las Vegas Vegi Burgers Fresno Flap Jacks Honolulu Honey Green Bay Green Beans Fort Worth Fried Rice Omaha Omlettes Louisville Lasagna Providence Pancakes El Paso. Eggplant Brownsville Brownies 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@slowdtunez2438]

Did you say Minnianapolis?

[@mahmoodhassan3767]

great vid dont know y u dont have at least 1k subs

[@noahs4127]

Pittsburgh needs a basketball team. Seattle should get back the SuperSonics and play at Climate Pledge Arena. Las Vegas needs an nba team as well

[@internationalblackcommunit7260]

Nice bro this video roles

[@jimbolia1234]

Was the Hawks owned at one point by Ted Turner, the person that owned Turner Broadcasting System or TBS?

[@cullendavis5482]

what are your sources? im doing a project for school and it would really help if you could provide some because im using your video for info

[@ventus_pl8275]

Also before Minneapolis Lakers became Lakers they were known.. or well not really known as Detroit Gems, a team that bankrupted and got sold to form Lakers later

[@hawaiiansrule]

I’m from San Diego and having 2 different teams in the 70’s and 80’s makes me sad bc we’re still waiting for an nba team now!

[@MrAce-lm8es]

The Washington Bullets final year was 1996 - 97. It was during that offseasons where they became the Washington Wizards. 1997 - Current.

[@michaelklein6244]

Cool overview but you should add a whole sheet which shows all the teams and their names in the end as an overview. That would be awesome

[@hawkwing9849]

Awesome!

[@295g295]

6:58 - Was the team in *Baltimore* named after the BATA Bullets shoes? Bata Bullets were made at Belcamp Maryland.

[@user-dl6lu6nc4l]

this channel is good i like the narrator voice

[@herasucks]

10:54 So glad the Knicks are now the laughing stock of NY while the Nets have a chance to rule the East with KD and Kyrie.

[@lastongfuel9555]

Fr

[@riversider2506]

I have a strong feeling its gonna be the *KNICKS vs. LAKERS* tho 🙆‍♂️🤷‍♂️.... Remember this comment🤞.

[@spencertaylor6910]

That didn’t age too well...

[@hamhockbeans]

@@riversider2506 Nope

[@vinnydepasquale3207]

So far the big three haven’t done anything it’s been a disaster there either always heard on one of them is crying about something I don’t think they’re going to gel together enough to win a championship sorry buddy

[@alvint4485]

What editing software do you use

[@maksoodabbas8734]

Benny the Butcher - crown for kings at the end 🔥

[@5kilogramsofricin]

5:42 that pronunciation of Davenport killed me

[@mutated__donkey5840]

8:25 damn 1968 really predicted the 2021 finals

[@MantexTV1616]

I came for this comment

[@marvelfreefree4651]

The NBL is the Australian National Basketball League

[@shortroundshthead2135]

Brilliant

[@KinkyBillyMays]

The og Magic’s and timberwolves logos look better than their logos today.

[@TheyCallMeSledge]

The T-Wolves new logo is decent but I always hated the recent logo of the Magic ever since it was revealed in 2008, which is a shame because the original Magic logo is my all-time favorite NBA logo.

[@ericveneto1593]

Had NO IDEA the T-wolves could've been born in 1980!

[@adamwhitney8526]

The Hawks actually started in Bufffalo as the Bisons. They moved to then Tri-Cities, now Quad Cities, mid season during their inagual year.

[@adampuccinosr8492]

Great job! Now do the other 3 major sports in the USA, and then put them out in their championship series or game

[@LockeDemosthenes2]

There's tons of rumors floating around that the NBA is planning to expand to 32 teams, most likely adding teams to Seattle and Las Vegas (just like the NHL recently did). It probably won't happen until the 2024-2025 season at the earliest though. Also, I don't think adding teams to Mexico and Europe would work both for logistical reasons and because I don't think they'd have a big enough fan base in either place, especially compared to how huge soccer is. However, I think the Raptors have proven that Canada is more than able to support an NBA team, and I'd love to see either expansion or relocated teams in Vancouver and Montreal.

[@masondasaintsfan1454]

When your city (Sheboygan) had an NBA Team 😳 they recently destroyed the arena

[@jaejae9077]

Is it a small city?

[@brandonw6139]

@@jaejae9077 depends on how you view it but only 50k people so very small in American standards

[@bluetarantulaproductions6179]

I remember attending a Vancouver Grizzlies vs Toronto Raptors charity off season game when I was a kid back in the early to mid 90's.

[@mattatack2the25]

Now the NBA is highly interested in adding an expansion team in Las Vegas and in Seattle.

[@finnian_omeara]

4:37 The Chief Anderson Meat Packers?!?! Lmao I died

[@adandemobilegamer]

Great history