The 10 Greatest NBA Franchises

Written by Ben Pogany

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1)  Celtics-Founded in 1946. 17 championships, 21 conference championships, and 33 hall of famers.
Defining Voice: Tom Heinsohn
Defining Coach: Red Auerbach
Legends: Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Paul Pierce
2)  Lakers-Founded in 1946. Formerly the Detroit Gems and then the Minneapolis Lakers (Hence the name Lakers from the "Land of 10,000 Lakes.") 16 championships, 31 conference titles, and 18 hall-of famers.
Defining Voice: Chick Hearn
Defining Coach: Phil Jackson
Legends: Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant
3)  Bulls-Founded in 1966. 6 championships and 6 conference titles.
Defining Voice: Johnny Kerr
Defining Coach: Phil Jackson
Legends: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Bob Love, Jerry Sloan, Derrick Rose
4)  Pistons-Founded in 1941 as the Fort Wayne Pistons. 5 championships and 7 conference titles.
Defining Voice: George Blaha
Defining Coach: Chuck Daly
Legends: Isiah Thomas, Bob Lanier, Dennis Rodman, Joe Dumars, Dave Bing
5)  Spurs-Founded in 1967 as the Dallas Chaparrals (Chaparral refers to a type of shrubland).  Became Texas Chaparrals in 1970 before taking present name in 1973. 4 championships and 4 conference titles.
Defining Voice: Terry Stembridge
Defining Coach: Gregg Popovich
Legends: Tim Duncan, George Gervin, David Robinson, Avery Johnson, Sean Elliott
6)  76ers-Founded in 1939 as the Syracuse Reds before changing their name to the Nationals in 1946.  They took their present title in 1963, after the year the Declaration of Independance was signed.  3 championships and 9 conference titles.
Defining Voice: Marc Zumoff
Defining Coach: Billy Cunningham
Legends: Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson, Maurice Cheeks, Hal Greer
7)  Warriors-Founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors before moving to San Francisco in 1962.  Took their present name in 1971. 3 championships and 6 conference titles.
Defining Voice: Tim Roye
Defining Coach: Al Attles
Legends: Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Chris Mullin, Nate Thurmond, Tom Meschery
8)  Knicks-Founded in 1946. 2 championships and 8 conference titles.  One of only two teams present at the NBA's founding to remain in its original city, the other being the Celtics. Knicks is short for knickerbockers, referring to a men's trouser popular in New York City in the early 20th century.
Defining Voice: Marv Albert
Defining Coach: Red Holzman
Legends: Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Patrick Ewing, Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere
9)  Rockets-Founded in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets before moving to Houston in 1971. 2 championships and 4 conference titles.
Defining Voice: Bill Worrell
Defining Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich
Legends: Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, Clyde Drexler, Calvin Murphy, Rudy Tomjanovich
10)  Hawks-Founded in 1946 as the Buffalo Bisons. Became Tri-Cities Blackhawks, then the Hawks of Milwaukee, St. Louis, and finally Atlanta in 1968.  1 championship and 4conference titles.
Defining Voice: Bob Rathburn
Defining Coach: Richie Guerin
Legends: Dominique Wilkins, Bob Petit, Jason Collier, Lou Hudson, Cliff Hagan