As I sit here watching the Golden State Warriors dominate another playoff game, I can't help but wonder—when did this incredible basketball spectacle we call the NBA actually begin? The journey of professional basketball in America has such a fascinating backstory that even many die-hard fans don't fully appreciate. Let me take you through some of the most common questions about the NBA's origins, and I'll share why understanding this history completely changed how I view the modern game.
So first question: When exactly did the NBA begin its journey? Most people would be surprised to learn that the NBA's official formation happened on June 6, 1946—and here's something even more interesting, it wasn't even called the NBA initially! The league started as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before merging with the National Basketball League in 1949 to become what we now know as the NBA. I remember digging through old sports archives and being shocked to discover that the first game featured the New York Knicks against the Toronto Huskies, with the Knicks winning 68-66. That's a far cry from today's 100+ point games!
Now you might be wondering: What was basketball like in those early days compared to now? Honestly, it was almost a different sport entirely. The pace was slower, the rules were constantly evolving, and players had regular jobs outside basketball. The 24-second shot clock wouldn't be introduced until 1954—imagine games without that pressure! This makes me think about that quote from Kammeraad: "It was a fair game." Early NBA games had that same raw, unpredictable quality where anything could happen, much like the back-and-forth battles we still see today.
Here's something I've always been curious about: Who were the founding teams and what happened to them? The original BAA had 11 teams, but only three survive today in their original cities: the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors (though they've moved from Philadelphia). The others either folded or relocated—the Pittsburgh Ironmen lasted just one season! This volatility reminds me of Kammeraad's reflection that "it could have went both ways." The early league's survival was never guaranteed, with franchises coming and going like characters in a drama series.
What about the first superstar? That honor goes to George Mikan, the 6'10" center who dominated the early years. He was such a force that the league actually widened the lane from 6 to 12 feet specifically to counter his dominance! Watching old footage, I'm always struck by how his legacy echoes in today's game. When Kammeraad noted how "we fought back as a team," I imagine Mikan's Lakers embodying that same collective resilience despite having the era's most dominant player.
How did the NBA survive those rocky early years? This is where the story gets really compelling. The merger with the NBL brought in smaller market teams and crucial stability. Then the 1950s introduced African American players like Earl Lloyd, breaking color barriers. The league's ability to adapt reminds me of that tournament mentality Kammeraad described—"getting the 2-1 back to put us back to getting into extra time." The NBA constantly reinvented itself to survive and thrive.
Why does understanding these origins matter today? For me, knowing the league's humble beginnings makes modern achievements even more impressive. When I see Steph Curry break three-point records, I appreciate how far the game has evolved from those early days of set shots and slower pace. The foundation laid in 1946 created the platform for today's global phenomenon. As Kammeraad perfectly captured, "This is unfortunate that you have to end the tournament"—but for the NBA, the tournament never ended, it just kept growing.
Finally, what's the most surprising thing about when the NBA began its journey? Personally, I'm always amazed that the league started just one year after World War II ended. Amid global reconstruction, a group of arena owners decided to create something new. That first season averaged about 3,000 fans per game—compare that to today's 18,000 averages! The journey from those uncertain beginnings to becoming a $10 billion global enterprise is the greatest sports story rarely told in its full dramatic detail.
Reflecting on when the NBA began its journey gives me newfound appreciation for every buzzer-beater and championship run. The league's ability to overcome early struggles, adapt, and grow mirrors the very spirit of competition that Kammeraad described—where chances are taken, momentum swings, and ultimately, the game continues evolving. Next time you watch a game, remember that every crossover dribble and three-pointer stands on the shoulders of that 1946 beginning.