If You Don't Score At Least 75% On This Quiz, You're Not A Real Basketball Fan
- by Piyush Jain
- – on
- in Sports
One of the most pervasive things in American pop culture, besides Game of Thrones and Mean Girls, is of course, basketball! It is so popular that the National Basketball Association is considered the ‘premier men’s professional basketball league in the world!’ People do not only watch it, they buy merchandise, they collect memorabilia, they follow the seasons, and they even bet on the games! The National Basketball Association is not just a professional league anymore, nor simply a group of teams coming together to play: it is a force (of culture) to be reckoned with!
The NBA has garnered a lot of media hype and buzz over the past while, given that the pre-season has already begun. And definitely even more buzz and hype will be generated for the next weeks to come; the regular season starts on October 30. In the meantime, what better way to spend the time than by challenging yourself on how much you know about the NBA? A lot of people call themselves NBA fans. But what kind of fan are you? Are you a true NBA fanatic? Well, put your NBA knowledge to the test by taking this quiz! Surely only true NBA fans can get a 100% on this quiz.
Who is the shortest NBA player?
As with live there are short people and tall people. Even in the basketball association, they have their shortest and tallest members. And you won’t believe your eyes if the play in the same game - one noticeably taller and the other noticeably shorter than the other - or maybe it just looks really weird to have the tallest and shortest player side by side! But indeed, with the height of 5’3”, we have witnessed the shortest NBA player play for the Washington Bullets and the Charlotte Hornets too. He must be able to jump really high!
Who is the tallest NBA player?
If we have the shortest player, surely we must mention the tallest player to contrast him with. Even if people in basketball are generally tall (it’s sort of a requirement, really), there will always be the tallest of them all. In fact, the ‘smaller’ players often have an average of 6 feet in height. Meanwhile, most centers in the game are over 6’10”! The tallest NBA player, who has played for the Washington Bullets and the New Jersey Nets stands at 7’7”.
What was the name of the NBA when it was first created?
Just like the United Nations (which was the League of Nations before it was the UN), the NBA was not always the ‘NBA’. Founded in the year 1946, it had a bit of a different name than it has now. Moreover, it was major ice hockey arena owners who founded the league! This league was the first league to ‘attempt to play primarily in large arenas in major cities ’- all good thanks to the ice hockey arena owners, we suppose!
In which arena was the first game played in NBA history?
The National Basketball Association surely had a lot of firsts; the first in history to do this, or to have that player, or be like this and that. After its creation, the first game surely had to be played. Happening in Ontario, Canada, the first ever game played in the history of the NBA happened between a Canadian and an American team, in a very historic arena. Though initially built to be an ice hockey arena, it was repurposed for other uses like basketball. Even the ‘King’ himself performed here in the late fifties.
Which city had a team called ‘Steamrollers’?
We all know that the National Basketball Association came to be in 1946, and by then many teams were created, some merged, and of course, many faltered as well. One of these older teams was called ‘Steamrollers’, though they only lasted a total of three seasons, with a ‘cumulative record of 46-122’. They are described as holding the dubious record of the fewest games won in a season with six, in the 1947-1948 season. They are one of the original NBA franchises, back when NBA wasn’t called NBA yet!
Which American team played in the first ever game in NBA history?
We’ve heard that the NBA was created in 1946, and that its first ever game was played by a Canadian and an American team in one of the most iconic buildings/arenas in Ontario, Canada! This set off the start of the National Basketball Association, even if its beginnings were quite shaky. In its early stages, it was ‘not significantly better than in competing leagues’. Surely, this American team, which was part of the original leagues during the NBA’s creation, will be marked down in history!
Who made the first basket in the first ever game played in NBA history?
It ain’t a basketball game without the man who made the first basket! Besides the team for which he played, this man would be recorded in basketball history for many other reasons. Imagine being part of the history of the basketball association that is considered the most premier and most popular in the world! This player originally played for the Philadelphia Sphas until he moved to a new team, which then played the first NBA game. He was also named to the Converse All-American first team in 1941.
Who drafted Chris Webber?
Chris Webber is basketball legend; part of the University of Michigan’s ‘Fab Five’, he was in the team that reached the NCAA Men’s Division I as a freshmen and a sophomore - a promising start! He, later on, became a five-time NBA All Star, a five-time All-NBA Team member, and NBA Rookie of the Year! This guy is amazing! And everyone knows he played very well for the Golden State Warriors, but they didn’t draft him - so the real question is: who did draft him?!
Which ivy league school did Jeremy Lin graduate from?
Jeremy Lin is one talented and hardworking guy: during his scout for universities, he was offered no athletic scholarships, hence entered into an ivy league school - where he definitely made a name for himself! In fact, even during high school, he was already impressing people with his athletic prowess: he earned the ‘Northern California Player of the Year honors’ during his senior high school year. Though not automatically ‘flashy’, he was described as having the ‘instincts of a killer’ during a very competitive game!
What other sport did Dave DeBusschere play?
Dave DeBusschere may just be one of the most iconic and historic players of the NBA; in fact, he was named one of the 50 greatest players of the National Basketball Association! Even as a young lad he was already making history. He inspired the ‘White Shirted Legion, the tradition of wearing white while watching a game so that the fans were more visible to players, and also averaged 24 points in a game! But he also played professionally for another sport, unbeknownst to many.
What is Kobe Bryant’s middle name?
The name Kobe Bryant is almost synonymous with the NBA, or at least, it’s one of the first names that comes to mind when thinking about basketball. His assist game strong, he was actually dubbed ‘Magic Mamba’. He even scored 40 points during the season - for not once or twice, but eight times! He’s so legendary, he dubbed himself ‘Black Mamba’, likening himself to that of the snake, which has the ability to strike with 99% accuracy. Unfortunately, Mamba is not his middle name…
Which player originally trained to be a US Olympic Swimmer?
This basketball player did not start out as a basketball player; in fact, he was training to be part of the US Olympic swim team… but perhaps his choice to switch was the right one - as he had made history in basketball indeed! Holding a record of 5 NBA championships and heralded as a two-time NBA MVP, he was considered ‘the greatest power forward of all time’. And he was moved into the direction of basketball when Hurricane Hugo, unfortunately, destroyed the only Olympic-sized swimming pool he could train in.
Which NBA player apparently speared and killed a lion?
Apparently, this NBA player is not only good at throwing balls into hoops (or other player’s hands) - he’s also a pretty good hunter! In an interview with Regis and Kathie Lee in 1993, this basketball player claims that he literally speared a lion (eventually killing it) during his youth. He is also one of the tallest NBA players, having been measured by the Guinness World Records as 7 feet and 6 ¾ inches tall! He wasn’t only a talented, tall player, he was also a political activist.
What method to determine which team would select first in the NBA draft was used in March 1969?
The method now of determining the drawing process is through a ‘lottery,’ AKA the 2016 Draft Lottery. The teams will be assigned numbers (4-digit), and ping pong balls numbered 1-14 will be placed in the lottery machine. Simply, the team that has been assigned the 4-number combination will get first pick! But once, on March 16, 1969, a different method as to who gets to select first was used. And this led to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar playing for the Bucks instead of the Suns.
Besides 1960, on what other year were there games played on Christmas Eve?
Apparently, only twice in the NBA’s 71- year history have games been played on Christmas Eve! Though the NBA games seasons are usually long, covering months with around 82 games starting in October, with playoffs starting in middle or late April, and finally ending with the finals around June, it’s not very often that games were played during Christmas Eve itself. In fact, it’s only twice ever that games were played on that festive night: one in 1960, and another in…
Which team played in the Christmas Eve game of 1960?
We don’t know how it must feel like playing a game during the eve of Christmas, being watched by millions, surrounded by many instead of one’s family and close friends; but one thing is for sure: having a game on Christmas Eve just made the game even more festive and exciting than it already is! So in the Christmas Eve game in 1960, two teams battled it out on the court: one was the Boston Celtics, but the other, we can’t quite remember!
Who was the finals MVP in the 2010-11 NBA Season?
We may often hear the word ‘MVP’ thrown around here and there, shouted to our friends or idols who seemed to have done impressive feats; and indeed, MVP means the “Most Valuable Player” in basketball. One of the awards is actually called the ‘Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award’ where a panel of eleven cast votes on the player deemed, well, most valuable! The record ‘six-time’ winner is Michael Jordan, but he did not win the Finals MVP award in the year 2011 – so who did?
Who holds the record for ‘most steals’ in a playoff game?
What’s a steal you may ask? Well if you’re a true NBA fan we won’t need to explain it (it’s basically when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by his positive, aggressive action); but maybe not all National Basketball Association fans know who is holding the record of most steals (9 or more, to be exact) in a playoff game. Well, this player was an eleven-time NBA All-Star and the MVP in 2001; if you don’t recall his record, maybe you recall his name?
What does the previously called Seattle SuperSonics now play as?
Just like in the National Hockey League and the National Football League, basketball teams also relocate - and so their team names also change. Sometimes the old names just don’t work out, but sometimes it’s also necessary because they’ve changed locations! Now this particular team has played under the name of ‘Seattle SuperSonics” from 1967-2008, a whopping 41 years! That is, until they moved to another place. Sam Schulman was the owner of the team from its inception until the early 80s. Some of the retired numbers include 1 (Gus Williams) and 10 (Nate McMillan).
Two are tied at 5 titles: the Golden State Warriors and which other team?
Now, now, don’t get your panties in a bunch: we know that as of the moment, 5 teams have won more than 3 championships (and between them that’s actually 70% of the total titles)! The most (and most obvious) being the Boston Celtics with 17 titles, then the LA Lakers following closely behind with 16. With a huge jump (10 titles less) follows the Chicago Bulls. But two are tied at 5 titles: the Golden State Warriors and which other team?
Which player holds the most championship rings?
Essentially, championship rings are given to the members of the winning teams in North American professional sports leagues. For example, one player who played for 12 seasons won 10 titles! It’s also no surprise that most of these guys come from the Boston Celtics, as this is the team that has won the most championships in the NBA. Our guy here, holds the most championship rings played for 13 seasons and won 11 titles - he holds more rings than fingers!
What was Kobe Bryant’s old jersey number?
Kobe Bryant, the legendary player from the Los Angeles Lakers, did not always wear the jersey with the number 24. He had a different number on his jersey before 2008. He changed his number because he no longer had a contract with sportswear retailer Adidas, but they were still continuing to release shoes with his number on them. Not pleased with this fact, he decided to change his jersey number so that it would no longer be associated with him.
Who holds the 33-game winning streak?
Imagine winning the games one by one, taking it one step at a, growing closer to the championship with every win - in a 33-game streak! Certainly a Herculean feat, but one team managed to do just this. During the 1971-72 season, one hungry team won 33 consecutive games, with their first victory being against the Baltimore Bullets, but with their first defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks. But in any case, they still won in the championship! What a record to beat - their opponents better watch out!
Who was the model for the silhouette on the 25th anniversary logo?
The modern NBA has proven to be one of the most formidable sports leagues in the United States, and even the whole world. So to celebrate a victorious 25 years, the National Basketball Association unveiled a new logo (which was inspired by the Major League Baseball logo). Framed by gorgeous colors of red and blue, a silhouette is in the center dribbling a basketball on the logo. A player from the Los Angeles Lakers was used as the model for such the silhouette.
Who was paid the highest salary as of 2016 with over $33M?
Now, basketball is not only about the hoops, the fame, and the game - it’s also about money! With all their training and practicing and playing, it’s no surprise that players are paid big money. They don’t only rake in TV viewers; they also rake in ticket sales, investments, and brand endorsements. So it’s no wonder that basketball stars are celebrities in their own right. According to Hoops Hype, the highest paid NBA star ever (the article was in 2016) was paid $33,140,000 in actual salaries ($49,778,878 in adjusted salary)!
Which team has won both the Dunk Contest and Three-point Contest?
During the NBA All-Star Weekend the National Basketball Association holds a competition called the NBA Slam Dunk Contest (or Verizon Slam Dunk); meanwhile, on the Saturday before the annual All-Star Game, they hold the Three-point Contest. In the dunk game, the players play an exhibition-like game, showing off creative ways to dunk. Meanwhile in the three-point contest, participants attempt to make as many three-point baskets as possible from five different positions behind the 3-point arc. There is only one team who has members that hold both titles!
Who was known as ‘The Pink Panther’?
No, we are not talking about the comedy detective film with the suave and clumsy Inspector Jacques Clouseau (and Beyonce was somehow in it too?!), rather, we’re talking about the retired professional basketball player from Croatia. He’s one of the most successful and established European players, garnering the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1996. He actually played all 5 positions in court with prowess and demonstrated court vision. Moreover, he was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017!
Which Olympic medallist was drafted into the NBA?
Curiously, one of the greatest Olympic medallists was previously drafted by the NBA! In the 1984 NBA Draft, to be quite precise. And though he never actually played for the team (or in the NBA at all) that drafted him, they picked him anyway. This man had neither played basketball in high school or in college, and was even 208th overall pick in the draft. He was recommended because he was ‘the best athlete available’ and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls.
Who was the only woman ever to be drafted by the NBA?
If drafting a gold-medallist Olympian in 1984 was not strange enough (for NBA practices, we suppose), the NBA has also done another strange thing: draft a woman into the NBA, a men’s professional basketball league! In fact, this woman was the first and only woman officially drafted for the NBA. This woman was considered a pioneer of women’s basketball; she also has numerous awe-inspiring achievements, like winning the silver medal in the 1976 Olympic Games (the first ever women’s basketball tournament in the Games)!
Who holds the record of most technical fouls in a season?
Does it not feel strange or just downright bad to be known as the guy who holds the most technical fouls in a season in the NBA Games? Because you know they don’t give trophies for that! But lo and behold, one man actually holds such a record - and for 317 technical fouls at the close of the 2012-13 season. He played for numerous teams, such as the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Detroit Pistons (of which he became assistant coach). But we can’t forget how many technical fouls he made.
Besides the Celtics, what other team has never moved?
It’s a culture in the national sports leagues for teams to move around different locations, and for players to play in different teams throughout their careers. Along with a location changes, sometimes the move necessitates a re-do of the team name, perhaps as a re-branding. For example, as the Philadelphia Warriors, they were one of the original NBA founding member and they later became the Golden State Warriors. However, there are teams that are in the same place and carry the same name as they started with. Besides the Celtics, what other team has stayed put?
Who has the most rebounds?
In basketball, a rebound (also referred to as ‘board’) means when a player retrieves the ball ‘after a missed field goal or a free throw’. So this is important when the players are in the heat of the game and the points very much need to be racked up! Unlike the way we use the term ‘rebound’ as we use in love, it is not so bad in basketball. And the all-time record holder for most rebounds has it for a whopping 23,924!
What is the meaning of ‘T’ in Shawn T. Kemp?
Nicknamed ‘The Reign Man,’ American professional basketball player Shawn T. Kemp has quite a handful of interesting things about him. For instance, he played in the National Basketball Association for 14 seasons; in those seasons he was a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Second Team member! He played from 1989 to 1997 for the Seattle SuperSonics and finished his career in 2003 for the Orlando Magic. Another intriguing thing about him is his middle name - just what does that T mean? I mean, we’ve all wanted to find out what ‘S’ was for Harry S. Truman!
Which team has the longest losing streak?
If there is a record holder of the longest winning streak, we can bet there’s a team who holds the longest losing streak! It could be one and the same team, or perhaps not. In fact, this particular NBA team suffered a 26-game loss streak in the 2013-14 season. As if they were not content with such sad outcomes, they beat their own record (yes, it was the same team) in the next season! They suffered 28 consecutive losses in the 2014-15 season.
Which American player played for the Zheijang Cyclones?
If this guy does not sound like a myth, I don’t know what does. But he sure as heck is very real! Originally known as ‘Shammgod Wells’ (he used this name until he finished high school, at which point he went through the process to legally change his name), he played with the Washington Wizards and is now a coach for the Dallas Mavericks. But the more interesting thing about him is that he played most of his games abroad - from China to Poland to Saudi Arabia!