The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the most famous Basketball league in the world. Players and spectators travel from all over the world to experience the action. Many people debate which team is the best or the most popular, but there is no denying which are the oldest teams in the league.
The Basketball Association of America (BAA) was created in 1946; the same year the Boston Celtics were founded and although there were other leagues at the time, including the National and American, both dwindled when the BAA grew in popularity. Three years later, the last remaining six teams of the National League joined the BAA to form what is now known as the NBA.
Many of the original teams are still playing ball in the NBA, but the majority have either changed their name or the city in which they play. Only two teams remain–the Boston Celtics and the New York Knickerbockers (or New York Knicks, as they’re better known) –who still play in the same city, under the same original name.
The history of the Boston Celtics
The Celtics play at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts and have done since 1995. In their rich history, they have seen many successes, including 17 NBA Championship titles – making them the most successful NBA team.
The Celts have also won 21 East Conference titles. Conference titles are awarded tothe best Eastern and Western teams in the league; once a winner of each coast is revealed, the two play each other for the NBA title.
Arguably the best player in their history is Bill Russell who played for the East Coast side during the 1950s and ’60s. His accomplishments included 11 NBA titles, 12 NBA All-Star appearances and five MVP awards. An iconic center, notable for his rebounding abilities, so much so, that the Celtics retired his jersey, number 6, when he retired in 1969.
The history of the New York Knickerbockers
With a mouthful of a name, the New York Knickerbockers are often referred to as the Knicks instead. Their home ground is Madison Square Garden, a famous arena that has hosted musical legends such as Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Madonna, as well as other sports including boxing and ice hockey.
The Knicks have made a history of their own across the NBA, having won the Championship title in 1967 and 1975 and the East Conference title eight times. Their lack of titles hasn’t affected the popularity of the team.
The Knicks were announced as the most valuable NBA franchise by Forbes in 2019, at $4 billion. They also hold the record for the most sell-out games in a single season of 741. If you’re planning on attending a Knicks game, you might want to get your tickets well in advance.
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Both teams carry a rich history.Although the Celtics are more successful than the Knicks, both have incredible fan bases, seeing millions of people enter their arenas each year. The NBA betting odds are in favor of the Los Angeles Clippers being victorious this season, but these historic teams can celebrate knowing they’ve already achieved an impressive feat of lasting all these years in their original settings.