1. NBA BEGINNINGS

2. The Beginning The last major league to form June 1, 1946: the BAA was formed 11 teams, 60 games, 48 minutes long Didn’t have all the best players: Many played in another league College game was still more popular By year two, only seven teams Something had to change

3. The Beginning George Mikan first main player Played in the rival league first year Joined Minneapolis Lakers his second Other teams joined BAA, now back up to 12 for year three Name changed to NBA in 1948 17 teams in year four, with three divisions

4. The Beginning Teams were too spread out, the main teams people wanted to see didn’t come around enough Teams losing money due to low attendance and travel expense The bigger, rougher teams kept winning the titles, which bored the fans Only team that people sold out to see were the Lakers (and the Globetrotters as a pre- game event)

5. What about the rest?? For our major project for the NBA, we will be dividing up into groups of four and researching a decade in NBA history. We will start in the 1950’s and go through the 2000’s. First, I will divide you into six groups of four people. Is there anyone who would like to work alone on an alternate assignment? As many as 5 people can work alone, it would be equal work load. Next, what should we include??

6. I will tell you… You need to talk about: Highlights of the decade Major events on/off court/rival leagues Champions by year Biggest rivalries of the decade/results Famous players/highlights Coaches Teams formed/moved during your decade Other? What else do you want to know?

7. Details You will have 4 days to research: these should be GOOD! They are due on Wednesday, November 5th Everyone should participate at least a little bit in the presentation. ALL of you need to do some research, if you want to receive a grade for this

8. Who will do which decade? 1950-1959 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 2000-2009