If you’re a basketball fan, you probably already know a lot about the NBA. But did you know that there are some truly fascinating facts and trivia about this iconic league that you’ve probably never heard of? From incredible records and feats of athleticism to strange and surprising stories from the league’s history, there’s a lot to discover about the NBA that will leave you amazed and entertained.
In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into some of the most interesting facts about the NBA, covering everything from the league’s origins to its biggest stars and most memorable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who loves learning new things, you won’t want to miss these incredible NBA facts!
The Origins of the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in New York City. The league was created by a group of owners who were looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of basketball in the United States. The BAA initially consisted of 11 teams, but in 1949 it merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) and became the NBA as we know it today. The league has since grown to become one of the most popular and lucrative sports leagues in the world, with 30 teams across the United States and Canada.
Interesting Facts About NBA
Incredible Records and Feats of NBA Athletes
- Kareem Abdul Jabaar is the all-time leading scorer in the NBA with 38,387 points. After retiring, he became an author and historian and is one of the cultural ambassadors of the USA.
- Despite being the leading scorer, Kareem Abdul Jabaar only made one 3-point shot during his 20-year career.
- 7-foot tall American boys have a 17% chance of playing in the NBA.
- Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell had a personal rivalry between them. When Chamberlain became the first NBA player to earn a $100,000 salary in 1965, Russell demanded to raise his own salary to $100,001, and his demand was accepted.
- Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player ever to play in the NBA, blocked 39 shots throughout his career, including one from Patrick Ewing, who was 7 feet tall.
- Jeremy Lin scored 89 points, the most by any NBA player in its history.
- NBA player Randy Foye has Situs Inversus, a rare condition where a person’s internal organs are mirror images of a normal body.
- Amar’e Stoudemire is Jewish and speaks Hebrew during matches, so no one can understand him.
Surprising Stories from NBA History
- The creator of the NBA Jam video game was one of the biggest haters of the Chicago Bulls team and embedded a special code in the game so that the Chicago Bulls would miss the last-second shots.
- Kobe Bryant’s parents had to co-sign his contract when he was first drafted into the NBA because he was underage at the time.
- The team owners of Spirits of St. Louis, a professional basketball team, are still earning several million dollars every year even after their team stopped playing in 1976.
- The guy featured in the official NBA logo is Jerry West, who used to play for the Lakers.
- The NBA was originally called the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and was founded in 1946.
- The first NBA game was played in Toronto, Canada in 1946 between the Toronto Huskies and the New York Knicks.

Most Dominant Teams in NBA History
- The Boston Celtics have won the most NBA championships with a total of 17.
- The Miami Heat is the only NBA team to have gone undefeated in the playoffs, winning all 16 games in the 2006 NBA Playoffs.
Memorable Moments in NBA Playoffs
- In 1967, the first NBA All-Star Game was played in which the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference.
- Michael Jordan is the only NBA player to win the regular season MVP, Finals MVP, and All-Star Game MVP in the same year twice.
- Shaquille O’Neal, known for his size and strength, has made only one three-pointer in his entire NBA career.
- During the 1998 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan played with the flu and scored 38 points to help the Chicago Bulls win the championship.
- The NBA has had several famous team rivalries throughout its history, including the Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons.
- The highest-scoring game in NBA history was played in 1983 between the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets, with a final score of 186-184 in triple overtime.
The NBA has a rich and fascinating history filled with incredible players, moments, and milestones. From its early days as the BAA to the global phenomenon it is today, the NBA has become a major force in the world of sports and entertainment. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who loves learning new things, there’s always more to discover and appreciate about this amazing league. So keep exploring, keep supporting your favourite teams and players, and keep celebrating the NBA and all it has to offer!
We hope you enjoyed learning about these fascinating NBA facts and trivia! Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just getting started, there’s always more to discover about this amazing league and its incredible history.
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Also Read: Highest-Paid NBA Players
Who are the greatest NBA players of all time?
Some of the greatest NBA players of all time include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
What are some surprising stories from NBA history?
Some surprising stories from NBA history include the time when Shaquille O’Neal broke a backboard during a game, the time when Dennis Rodman kicked a cameraman, and the time when the league introduced a new basketball with a microchip inside.