Ten Moments that Changed the NBA Forever: Part 1

This is post two of the Groundskeeper NBA preview. Last post we explored some of the aesthetic changes that have taken place over time. In this post we will take a look at Moments 1-3 of our Ten Moments that Changed the NBA Forever. It is hard to put this list in any specific order. Although due to my obsessive compulsive nature I was forced to try. So here it is, the Groundskeeper Ten:

1. Bill Russell and the Celtics Wed

The list of NBA laureates is short. It is a class that contains the likes of Jordan, Chamberlain, Johnson and Bird. It is a short list of the most complete and accomplished games to ever set foot on the hardwood. And there at the top sits the iconic 11 ring winner Bill Russell. The Celtics may be the most storied franchise in basketball, but they would have never gotten there without Russell.

And Russell, might have been an Atlanta Hawk.

In April of 1956 the Boston Celtics orchestrated a trade that went on to change the game of basketball forever. Bill Russell is remembered for many things; although, perhaps his most significant contribution to the game is the least heralded: The 24 second shot clock.

The NBA had been mulling over the idea of a shot clock for quite a few years previous to Russell. However, the advent of the Celtics fast break offense, fueled largely by Russell's insatiable hunger for the board and his tenacious shot blocking, put them over the edge.

The shot clock is the cause for many a heartache and many a celebration in today's modern game. Pacers great and NBA analyst Reggie Miller once stated that his most potent offensive weapon was "the shot clock". Because of it the game will never be the same. Forever live the buzzer beater, and when you witness it, be sure to pay homage to William "Bill" Russell.

2.The Magical 1980 NBA Finals (Game 6)

The Lakers led the series at three games to the 76ers two. The Dr. of Dunk Julius Erving of the Philadelphia 76ers and the sky hooking phenom 7'2 Center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers had been headlining the series. By even contemporary standards the NBA could hardly have asked for a more star studded program. However, enthusiasm for the league was in decline. The stars of the 60's and 70's were at the twilight of their careers and fresh talent had yet to emerge.

In Game 5 Abdul-Jabbar suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for the brunt of the game. In the 4th quarter of the game he limped back onto the floor and helped lead the Lakers to the win that put them a game away from wearing the NBA crown. As it turns out though, the ankle injury proved to be too severe, and Jabbar would have to sit for game 6.

The Johnson and Bird era had been building its foundation on the courts of the NCAA. When Magic Johnson stepped on the floor to fill in for the injured Jabbar in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, the era emerged beyond the college game and into the pro arena. Johnson's 42 point, 15 rebound, and seven assist "Magical" performance captured America's attention. The NBA was back.

3. Dare to Dream: The Greatest Team Ever Assembled

College players were tasked with carrying the mantle for the United States in Olympic and World basketball tournaments, up until 1992 that is. In the 1988 Summer Olympics the United States and their team of undergrads finished third. The following year FIBA announced that it would open up Olympic competition to professional players. The USA Basketball team enthusiastically seized the opportunity and the 1992 Dream Team was born.

10 year old kids could not have dreamed this up. Led by his Airness Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls at shooting guard; the team also featured his teammate SF Scottie Pippen, as well as SF Larry Bird (Boston Celtics), PG Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers), PF Karl Malone (Utah Jazz), PG John Stockton (Utah Jazz), PF Charles Barkley (Phoenix Suns), C Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks), SG Clyde Drexler (Portland Trailblazers), C David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs), SF Chris Mullin (Golden State Warriors), and a lone collegiate athlete PF Christian Laettner (Duke).

With the exceptions of Mullin and Laettner all of the aforementioned players are members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as well as members of the NBA's 50th anniversary 50 greatest players of all time list.

The 1992 Dream Team went on to win Gold in the Summer Olympics. They defeated their opponents by a margin of 43.8 points a game, led by Charles Barkley with 18 points a game. The positive impressions created by the Dream Team were not limited to the American spectator. International perception of basketball and the NBA specifically was transformed. The style and swagger of the NBA game permeated world round. The 1992 Dream Team helped the NBA transcend American borders, and catapulted it up into the stars for all the world to see.


Tomorrow we will examine Moments 4-7 of our Ten Moments that Changed the NBA Forever.