Only A Real Fan Can Match The Logos To The NBA Team
- by Chris Roberts
- – on
- in Sports
Despite the sport of basketball being created toward the end of the 19th century, the National Basketball Association (NBA) wasn't established until 1946. It was actually called the Basketball Association of America at that time, but adopted the NBA moniker three seasons later after merging with the National Basketball League. The first game was played on November 1 between the New York Knickerbockers (now the Knicks) and the Toronto Huskies, which is a surprise to even most hardcore fans. The Huskies lasted only one season and the league was comprised solely of American-based teams for the next 50 years, following which the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies entered as expansion teams.
However, as with every other professional sports league, there has been significant growth in other markets during that same time. Teams have come in and failed within a few years (see Vancouver), while other smaller-market franchises have thrived. By 1950, there was only 11 teams in the NBA, but there is now 30 with expansion rumors regarding Seattle, among other markets. It's a possibility the league expands to 32 teams in the not-so-distant future and that would certainly make it hard for the casual fan to know every team in the league. If you're a true fan of the league, however, you'll have no trouble identifying these 35 NBA logos.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Eastern Conference team doesn't have a decorated history, but they have consistently been one of the better teams in their conference for the past four seasons, regularly finishing atop the weak Atlantic Division. The team was named after a popular film that was released around the same time it was announced the market would be receiving an expansion franchise. Their star players throughout the years have included Vince Carter, Chris Bosh, and most recently, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Western Conference team started out in 1974 in New Orleans, but lasted only five seasons in the Louisiana city before relocating to the city where they have remained every since. They didn't make the playoffs while in New Orleans and it took another five years for them to make the playoffs in their current city, but they became a powerhouse in the 1990s, despite not winning an NBA Finals - but that's largely because of Michael Jordan. When you think of this team, you immediately think of Karl Malone and John Stockton.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This team participated in the first ever NBA game, has won NBA championships in 1970 and 1973, and had a decent run during the 1990s, but has mostly been a disaster since the start of the 21st century plagued by names like Isiah Thomas, Latrell Sprewell, and more recently, Phil Jackson, whose triangle offense that worked so well decades ago failed horribly for this team. In total, the team has eight conference titles and five division titles. They're the oldest team in the league.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Current players on this team include Victor Oladipo, Cory Joseph, and Myles Turner. The team plays in the Eastern Conference and has been a consistent playoff contender over the course of the past decade, particularly with sharp-shooting Paul George on its roster, although they have yet to win a championship in the NBA; they do, however, have three ABA championships, which they won in consecutive years from 1969 to 1971. In addition to George, past players of note include Danny Granger, Reggie Miller, and Jermaine O'Neal.
Which NBA team has this logo?
One of the most successful franchises in NBA history, this team has a remarkable 17 NBA championships spanning from 1957 to 2008; in fact, from 1957 to 1969, it won 11 championships, led by an impressive core consisting to Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, John Halicek, and others. Following that era, the team achieved success with the help of Hall of Famer Larry Bird. Recent greats to play for the team include Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Isaiah Thomas, and "White Mamba" Brian Scalabrine.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Founded in 1970, this franchise was an utter disaster for much of its existence until the arrival of hometown hero LeBron James, who failed to lead the team to a championship in his first stint, but returned after a successful run in Miami and helped the team overcome a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. Before James arrived, the team's most prominent players included Bobby Smith, Larry Nance, Brad Daugherty, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas - it really wasn't fun being a fan of this team.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Eastern Conference team was founded in 1968 and it won its first and only championship three years later in 1971. That team was led by all-time great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was actually known by his birth name Lew Alcindor at the time (he converted to Islam the following season and changed his name). The team struggled after Abdul-Jabbar left in 1976, but returned to relevancy in the late 1990s with the big three of Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, and Glenn Robinson. The team's current star, Giannis Antetetokounmpo, is regarded as one of the league's best players.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Fans of this Eastern Conference team have been trusting the process for a number of years now and it's finally paying off with the emergence of young stars Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and others, leading the team to what could be its first playoff berth since 2012. Other prominent players to recently play for the team include Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley, Elton Brand, and Andre Iguodala. Before them, it was Julius "Dr. J" Erving and Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain who helped lead the team to two of its three NBA championships.
Which NBA team has this logo?
New NBA fans won't have much of an issue identifying this team as they've been the most successful team as of late, winning two of the last three NBA titles and poised to win again in 2018 and perhaps even beyond then. There's no team that has as much star power as this team - Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, to name a few. Before their emergence in recent years, the team was mostly irrelevant for a 40-year period, prior to which it won three championships (1975, 1956, and 1947).
Which NBA team has this logo?
James Harden, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tracy McGrady, and Moses Malone are only a few of the legends to have played for this Western Conference team. It was founded in San Diego in 1967, but relocated in 1971 and won its first conference championship a decade later. Further success took longer to achieve, but the team won back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, the latter of which they did so as a sixth seed and became the first team in NBA history to do so.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Western Conference franchise was founded in 1967, but spent the first 31 years of its existence in Seattle as the SuperSonics, which had a plethora of all-time great players including Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton. Since moving to its current home in 2008, the team has been a consistent championship contender, but has failed to win the ultimate prize; it came close in 2016 as it squandered a 3-1 lead over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Eastern Conference team has been a consistently-good team for a number of years as of late with superstars John Wall and Bradley Beal, but it hasn't won a championship since 1978. It does, however, have four conference titles and seven division titles. The team was founded in 1961 as the Chicago Packers and later played as the Chicago Zephyrs, and Baltimore Bullets before moving to its current city in 1973. In addition to Wall and Beal as well as past All-Stars like Gilbert Arenas, Michael Jordan played for the team from 2001 to 2003.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Founded in 1946 as the Buffalo Bisons, this team later played as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, Milwaukee Hawks, and St. Louis Hawks before moving to its current city in 1968. It won a championship in 1958 while in St. Louis, but has yet to bring a title back to its current city, although it won a Division Title in 2015. Beyond that, the team hasn't been all that successful in recent years, save for a promising 2014-15 team that went a perfect 17-0 in January. That team featured Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, Al Horford, Kyle Korver, and DeMarre Carroll.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Eastern Conference team was once one of the most exciting teams in the league, but that was back before The Big Aristotle was more than an NBA on TNT analyst and was busy dunking on half the league. Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway were two of the more prominent players to play for this team, but its alumni also include Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, and Grant Hill. The team was founded in 1989 and, although it hasn't won a championship, it won conference titles in 1995 and 2009 as well as five division titles from 1995 to 2010.
Which NBA team has this logo?
One of the most successful franchises in all of professional sports over the past few decades, this Western Conference team won five championships from 1999 to 2014. Power forward Tim Duncan was present for all of them, but other superstars such as David Robinson, Manu Ginobli, Robert Horry, and Tony Parker played an instrumental role in its success. Led by head coach Gregg Popovich and All-Star Kawhi Leonard, the team is still a championship contender year in and year out.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Founded in 2002 as the Hornets, this team is the most recent NBA franchise to undergo a name change as it did so in 2013 to better reflect its home city's culture. The franchise has had its fair share of All-Star players, including Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, and Demarcus Cousins, but it has yet to win a conference championship and only has one division title (2008). The team has been to the playoffs six times since entering the league, but only once in the past six years.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This team was originally part of the ABA and was named the Rockets before switching to its current name in 1974. Despite its decorated history, it has yet to win a championship or even a conference championship, although it has 10 division titles spanning from 1970 to 2010. It has employed legendary players such as Alex English, Dikembe Mutombo, and Carmelo Anthony. It hasn't made the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, but prior to that it qualified in 10 straight seasons only to lose in the first round in nine of those 10 years.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Founded in 1989, this Western Conference franchise plays out of the Target Center and is owned by Glen Taylor. Its current general manager is Scott Layden and its head coach is Tom Thibodeau, while its core group of players includes Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, and Karl-Anthony Towns. That group is hoping to guide the team to its first NBA and/or conference championship; as of now, it only has one division title (2004). Other prominent players to previously play for the team include a pair of Kevins - Garnett and Love.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Western Conference franchise has made the playoffs in seven of the past nine seasons, but failed to advance beyond the second round. Founded in 1971, it didn't produce a winning season until 1976-77 with Bill Walton leading the team. Since Walton left, it has been led by All-Stars such as Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Arvydas Sabonis, Damon Stoudemire, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Damian Lillard. The team won a championship in 1977 and won additional conference titles in 1990 and 1992.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This team's origins dates way back to 1923, when it was based in Rochester and dubbed the Seagrams. It was later known was the Rochester pros, Rochester Royals, Cincinnati Royals, and Kansas City-Omaha Kings, before it moved to its current home in 1985. It won a championship in 1951 as the Rochester Royals, but has only won three division titles since then (1979, 2002, and 2003) and success doesn't appear to be on the horizon as its regarded as one of the most poorly-run franchises in the NBA.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Western Conference team was founded in 1980 and it quickly became a consistent playoff contender, although it didn't win its first division title until 1987. As competitive as it was early on, the team enjoyed its highest level of success in the 21st century as it won conference championships in both 2006 and 2011 and won its first NBA championship in 2011 after defeating the LeBron James-led Miami Heat. The team is owned by billionaire Mark Cuban and its best players of all-time include Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This franchise is still in the league, but it's now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder. Before relocating in 2008, it played in this city for over 40 years and had an array of impressive alumni, including Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Gus Williams, and Dennis Johnson. It won its first and only championship in 1979 and earned conference championships in 1978, 1979, and 1996. It has also won six division titles from 1979 to 2005. Kevin Durant played here for one season before it relocated to OKC.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This Western Conference franchise hasn't made the playoffs since 2010, but was regular season powerhouse in the years prior. Led by head coach Mike D'Antoni and a run-and-gun offense facilitated by Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire, the team reached the Western Conference Finals in three of six years from 2004 to 2010, but lost each time. Nash was a two-time MVP while with the team, while its past great players include Jason Kidd, Shawn Mario, Antonio McDyess, Charles Barkley, Jeff Hornacek, and Larry Nance.
Which NBA team has this logo?
One of the most recognizable faces on this team, Blake Griffin, was recently traded to the Detroit Pistons, signalling a significant franchise shift. Without Griffin, its core group of players includes Patrick Beverly, Deandre Jordan, and Lou Williams. While it remains competitive, it's nowhere near the team it once was; it finished with over 50 wins in each of the past five seasons, however it failed to reach beyond the second round in a crowded Western Conference. Other great players to play for the team include Chris Paul, Elton Brand, Bob McAdoo, and Cory Maggette.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This franchise presently plays out of Memphis, but was founded in a different city in 1995. Although there was great optimism, the team was a massive failure, mostly due to the poor play on the court. Most markets can support a struggling team for a few years, but this team failed to win more than 23 games in six seasons before relocating. Sure enough, in its third season in Memphis, it won an impressive 50 games. One has to wonder if it had a winning season in its founding city were it still be there today?
Which NBA team has this logo?
Founded in 1967 in New Jersey, this franchise was first known as the Americans but played only one season under that moniker before switching to its current name. Its most successful era was in the early 1970s, when it won a pair of championships under head coach Kevin Loughery and with All-Star Julius "Dr. J" Erving. It has since featured All-Stars players like Vince Carter, Stephon Marbury, Jason Kidd, and Deron Williams, as well as Kim Kardashian's ex-husband Kris Humphries.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Since relocating to its current city from Vancouver in 2001, this Western Conference franchise has made the playoffs in 10 of 16 seasons, including in each of the past seven seasons, although that streak is going to be snapped this year as it currently has a record of 18-36. Its most successful year came in 2012-13, when it reached the Western Conference Finals following a franchise-record 56-win season. It boasts an impressive group of alumni, including Pau and Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Shane Battier, and Mike Conley Jr.
Which NBA team has this logo?
You're definitely not a basketball fan if you can't name this team, which has, along with the Boston Celtics, been one of the league's most successful franchises. Founded in 1948 in Minnesota, it won five NBA championships in its first six years of existence and relocated to its current city in 1960, where it attracted future Hall of Famers such as Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant. It has 16 championships, including four in the 21st century.
Which NBA team has this logo?
This franchise was founded in 1988 as its current name but adopted the Bobcats moniker from 2004 to 2014 before making the switch back. Its owned by Michael Jordan, who actually briefly played for the team when it was the Bobcats and subsequently purchased it in 2009. Despite being in the league since 1988, it has yet to win a division title, let alone a conference title or NBA championship. Its best players throughout history include Kemba Walker, Gerald Wallace, Mugsy Bogues, Del Curry, and Glen Rice - so you can see why they haven't had much success.
Which NBA team has this logo?
If you've been paying attenion along the way, you should know that this team now plays in Sacramento, but it played out of this city from 1972 to 1985, during which time it reached one Western Conference Finals and a pair of Western Conference Semi-Finals. Its best players during those years included Mike Woodson, LaSalle "Tank" Thompson, and Eddie Johnson, while its coaches were Bob Cousy, Phil Johnson, and Cotton Fitzsimmons. As Sacramento, it hasn't made the playoffs in 11 seasons and definitely isn't going to this year either.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Founded in 1941 out of Fort Wayne, this Eastern Conference franchise has struggled as of late, but was a powerhouse in the early 2000s and won a championship in 2004 with a well-rounded roster that included Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton, and Chancey Billups. It previously won championships in 1989 and 1990 as well as seven conference championships and nine division titles. Its list of all-time great players includes Bill Laimbeer, Bon Lanier, Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas, and Grant Hill.
Which NBA team has this logo?
LeBron James (and Chris Bosh) famously took his talents to this team prior to the start of the 2010-11 season and promised not one, not two, not three, but a boatload of championships. The team failed to deliver on that promise in its first season, but won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. The team also won a championship in 2006 with the deadly duo of Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal. It was founded in 1988 and, in addition to the aforementioned players, has featured All-Stars Tim Hardaway, Glen Rice, Alonzo Mourning, and Eddie Jones.
Which NBA team has this logo?
The Los Angeles Clippers were actually founded in 1970 as this team, which lost in three consecutive Eastern Conference Semi-Finals from 1973 to 1976. Its best player during those years was Bob McAdoo but, as successful as the team was during that time, it recorded a 27-55 record in 1977-78 which, coupled with financial issues, forced ownership to move the team to San Diego, where it adopted the Clippers moniker. It wasn't until the 1984-85 season in which it moved to Los Angeles.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Founded in 1966, this Eastern Conference team has, for the most part, consistently been a playoff contender, but has only had championship success during the 1990s, when it was led by Michael Jordan and a dominant supporting cast that included Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, among others. Coached by Phil Jackson, the team won three consecutive championships on two separate occasions for a total of six titles in eight years. It also established an NBA-record 72 wins during the 1995-96 season, although that has since been broken by the Golden State Warriors.
Which NBA team has this logo?
Believe it or not, the Philadelphia 76ers franchise spent its first 14 seasons in a different city and they were actually quite successful. Founded in 1949, the team won an NBA championship in 1955 with coach Al Cervi and Hall of Fame center Dolph Schayes, who was also a 12-time NBA All-Star. It also lost in two NBA Finals during its time in this city and made the playoffs in each of its 14 seasons, but it was moved to Philadelphia by new owners Ike Richman and Irv Kosloff, who purchased the team from previous owner Danny Biasone.