Most likely, when you think of the NBA, you picture iconic players, incredible dunks, and exciting games. Beneath the surface, though, some very amazing records often get buried in the mix. These hidden gems provide an enthralling glimpse into the league’s past. Come along as we reveal the best-kept secrets of the NBA, including ten incredible records you most likely were unaware of.
1. The Raptors Were Not Toronto’s First Basketball Team
Although several notable NBA scores were recorded under the Toronto Raptors, they weren’t the first basketball team to come to Canada. That honor belongs to the Toronto Huskies, one of the founding members of the NBA in 1946. However, the Huskies could not make a lasting impression on Canadian basketball fans, breaking up after just one season; they went 22-38 for that season and missed out on making it into the playoffs.
It was clear from this that Canada wasn’t a very strong market for basketball in those days, so as much as they tried, it was not meant to be for the Huskies.
2. Shaquille O’Neal Made a Hit Rap Song
One thinks of Shaquille O’Neal first when discussing basketball legends. Aside from being a fantastic basketball player, O’Neal worked in music. His rap song “(I Know I Got) Skillz” peaked at the top ten in 1993.
Shaquille’s confidence and swagger after winning an NBA championship were emphasized in the song. It became a classic fast, and fans of his rap career and athletic accomplishments still remember it.
3. Bean is Kobe Bryant’s Middle Name
Bean is an uncommon middle name for Kobe Bryant. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, an NBA player, gave his kid the unusual middle name. Even though it’s funny, Joe might have had his reasons.
Even though there isn’t any apparent reason for this decision, people can conjecture and form informed opinions. The basketball player and loving family man have always cherished the memories of special times spent with his father. So, we don’t think the name is weird to him.
4. A Senator Came from the New York Knicks
Former Democratic presidential candidate and three-term senator from New Jersey Bill Bradley started his basketball career as a power forward for the New York Knicks. During his time with the team, he was named to the All-Star team and won two championships. Before going into politics, Bradley was an advisor to President Carter’s Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Bradley’s career trajectory was influenced by his professional basketball experience, which instilled in him a discipline and dedication that ultimately paved the way for his prosperous political career.
5. John Stockton Has the Most Career Steals
In the NBA, steals are a crucial defensive metric, and John Stockton is the all-time leader in steals. He recorded an unbelievable 3,265 steals throughout his extraordinary career, demonstrating his incredible ability to read the game, anticipate passes, and disrupt the opposition’s offensive. One of Stockton’s most distinctive career traits is his defensive prowess.
6. The Three-Point Started from the ABA
Nowadays, the three-point shot is a crucial component of the game of basketball since it can lead to thrilling comebacks in close games or determine the winner in the last seconds. But it wasn’t always a part of the NBA (National Basketball Association). The American Basketball Association (ABA), which joined with the NBA in 1976, created this beloved shot.
This brilliant play brought pizazz to the action below the rim, drawing in more spectators. According to studies, the ABA’s 3-point arc varied from 22 to 24 feet depending on how deep they were from various court zones.
7. Larry Brown Was Once a College Ball Coach
Larry Brown is a skilled basketball instructor. Brown had succeeded in college, but his many NBA outings made him most famous. In the early 1980s, he made his first foray into collegiate basketball as head coach of UCLA.
The team had a fantastic season under his direction, making it all the way to the national title game before Louisville upset them.
8. Stephen Curry Has the Highest Career Free Throw Percentage
Despite being primarily recognized for his three-point shooting, Stephen Curry holds the record for the highest career free-throw percentage in the history of the NBA. His incredible 90.6% free-throw accuracy rate reveals his versatility as a basketball player. It shows he has what it takes to succeed at the game’s foundation and long-range shooting.
9. Muggsy Bogues Was a First-Round Pick
At 5’3″, Muggsy Bogues is the shortest player in the NBA. Even though he only scored 8.3 points per game on average during his four years at Wake Forest, the Washington Bullets selected him in the first round of the 1987 draft with the 12th overall pick. He developed into an excellent defensive guard over the course of his 14-year career and was a proficient passer who averaged about 6.6 assists per contest.
10. Nat Hickey Was the Oldest Rookie
Though the NBA is usually considered a place for up-and-coming talent, history was made by one anomaly. The league’s oldest rookie was Nat Hickey, whose name is not as well-known as some other greats. In 1948, Hickey made his NBA debut at 45 years old, defying the traditional wisdom that rookies should be young. His amazing ascent to the NBA when many players had long ago retired is a testament to his tenacity and passion for the sport.
Conclusion
These lost records shed light on the fascinating and complex history of the NBA. These numbers and accomplishments, which include lasting legacies and feisty players, highlight the depth and richness of the game. They remind us that behind the surface of the NBA are countless untold tales and amazing records just waiting to be found, acknowledged, and honored by fellow basketball enthusiasts like you.
