The Evolution Of NBA Basketball: From The Past To The Present
Spanning almost 70 years, which equates to an impressive 69 seasons, the NBA has certainly stood the test of time. With this has come an evolution of rules, players, and styles. All of these factors contribute to a thrilling game, and one viewers across the globe adore!
A sport that first began its journey on Boston’s vacant ice hockey arenas, has altered dramatically over the years. The result? A different playing style entirely. The rise of the small ball came when hand and forearm checking were eliminated, and the three-point shot was introduced. These changes made basketball what it is today – a highly physical, big man’s game.
Read on to discover a handful of the major refinements the NBA has ensured over the years…
Contents
1.Scoring
Initially, one single point was awarded to teams who scored a successful goal and the same to teams who were the victims of three consecutive fouls. It wasn’t until 1894 that free throws were introduced. This meant that both a made free throw and a made field goal equated to one goal.
In 1896, the rules changed again, and a field goal increased to two points. Following on from this, the American Basketball League played with the three-point shot in 1961. FIBA later introduced this method into International basketball in 1967.
Ten years later, an NBA scores update was released and the National Basketball Association, which we all know as the NBA, adopted the three-point shot. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) followed suit in 1980.
2.Teams
When basketball first emerged as a sport, opposing teams could appoint as many players as they desired. This was a period of trial and error and those partaking quickly realized teams of 50-plus weren’t working out.
This number was later dropped to nine players per team, before being lowered again in 1897, to five players, which is now the mandatory number.
3.Player Subs
At one time, players weren’t allowed to re-enter a game at all. This rule was updated in 1920 to allow one exception, and again, in 1934 to allow two exceptions. Today, players can return to the court as many times as they desire.
4.The Ball
Perhaps one of the most important components of the game, we couldn’t write this article without discussing the infamous ball. The first games used soccer balls and it wasn’t until 1894 that the basketball was introduced.
The first ball to be released to the market was created by a bicycle manufacturing company. Spalding took over as the official ballmaker in the late 1890’s. One major flaw of these balls? The brown leather wasn’t able to maintain its shape, which made it hard to dribble with.
In 1929, a redesign operation was launched, with the new basketball boasting hidden laces and more bounce. The balls were also bigger yet lighter. This allowed players to get a better handle on the ball.
In 1942, another revamp took place, with a design that ensured molded basketballs were able to retain their size and shape. These replaced the stitch balls in their entirety.
Despite the 1967 American Basketball Association (ABA) adopting a red, white, and blue ball, today, both FIBA and WNBA play with a ball that boasts contrasting panels. The women’s ball measures 29 inches in circumference and the men’s, 30″.
5.Baskets
Another important part of the basketball set-up – baskets. Initially, the game utilized 18’’ square boxes or peach baskets, which were fitted to running track balconies. The downside of this? This set-up slowed the game down as a ladder had to be used to retrieve the ball after every goal.
In 1892, woven wire rims replaced the baskets and boxes. Only a year later, these were replaced again, with cast iron rims taking center stage. It wasn’t until 1912 that the nylon nets we see today were approved, which speeded up the game as a whole, making it more fast-paced for players and fans.
One thing that hasn’t changed over the years? The height of the basket, which remains at 10 feet.
6.Timings
The first basketball games ever played were based on two fifteen-minute halves. This was later increased by an additional five minutes. Unlike today, games didn’t go into overtime on a tie, it wasn’t until leagues emerged that this rule was reformed.
Then came sudden death, whereby the first team to score an additional point took the winning title. This was replaced with overtime periods in the 1960s. The aim? To allow each team a fair chance of a win.
7.Centre Jump
Many of today’s players are celebrated for the astounding, career-shaping heights they can reach. This means teams with an epic jumper often boast an advantage. Originally, a center jump took place after every goal, this however slowed the game down a great deal and often caused huge scuffles that even the referee would get caught up in.
Center jump is still used today, however, only in overtime and at the beginning of the game.
The Bottom Line
This 70-year-old institution, which was born from innovation, was first showcased in 1949. Today, it’s a game we all know and love.
Over the years, the NBA has been privy to a strong tradition of storied rivalries, game-changing plays, team dynasties, and personal sagas.
These traditions and changes have shaped the sport, with former players, coaches, and fans all playing a part in its journey, and despite the original 13 rules growing to over 100, the principle and spirit of the game remains the same today.
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