NBA Teams

The champion NBA Team for the 2022/23 season is the Denver Nuggets (Western Conference Champions) who defeated the Miami Heat (Eastern Conference Champions) in the NBA Finals 4-1

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the world’s marquee men’s professional basketball leagueNBA Teams taking place in North America since 1946. There are currently 30 NBA teams fighting it out each season for the coveted NBA Championship title. Twenty-nine of the NBA clubs are based in North America and one from Canada, the Toronto Raptors the sole team outside of the USA. This is up from the 11 inaugural NBA teams with club expansions and relocations bringing up the number to its current figure.

The 30 NBA teams are divided into two conferences that consist of three divisions – five clubs in each.

NBA Teams – Eastern Conference Divisions

  • Atlantic
  • Central
  • Southeast

NBA Teams – Western Conference Divisions

  • Northwest
  • Pacific
  • Southwest

There are five foundation NBA teams still playing in the current competition with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks from the Eastern Conference; and the Golden State Warriors from the Western Conference.

The youngest NBL club is the New Orleans Pelicans who joined the league only in 2002.

The Boston Celtics are the most successful club in NBA history having won 17 League Championships to date, most recently in 2008. The Los Angeles Lakers follow having been crowned NBA Champions 16 times with their first in 1949 and latest in 2010. The LA Lakers have also finished the season’s NBA Championship runners-up 15 times, the most of any other club.

Below is a comprehensive look at all 30 NBA teams (alphabetically) in the current league compete with their conference and division, foundation year, venue, team colours, current head coach, championship titles won, notable NBA rivals and retired numbers.

2023/24 NBA Championship Odds

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks haven’t won the NBA Championship since their first and to date, sole title in 1958 giving them the second-longest drought in the competition behind only the Sacramento Kings. Their biggest Eastern Conference rivalry is with the Boston Celtics, which interestingly is the NBA’s equal most successful club with 17 Championship titles.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Southeast
  • City: Atlanta, GA
  • Arena (Capacity): State Farm Arena (16,600)
  • Foundation Year: 1946 (joined 1949)
  • Club History: Tri-Cities Blackhawks (1946-1951); Milwaukee Hawks (1951-1955); St. Louis Hawks (1955-1968); Atlanta Hawks (1968-present)
  • Team Colours: Torch Red, Volt Green, Georgia Granite Grey, White
  • Head Coach: Nate McMillan
  • Mascot: Harry the Hawk
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Charlotte Hornets
  • NBA Championships Won: 1 (1958)
  • Conference Titles: 0
  • Division Titles: 12 (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1968, 1970, 1980, 1987, 1994, 2015, 2021)
  • Retired Numbers: 6 (9, 21, 23,44, 55, 59)
  • Legendary Players: Dominique Wilkins, Bob Pettit, Lou Hudson

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics boast 17 NBA Championship wins, the equal most of any club in the league’s history. They are one of eight teams to last the NBA’s first decade. There’s a strong Irish history in the club and its players honoured by their mascot Lucky the Leprechaun. The club also has 23 retired numbers, the most of any American sport’s franchise.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Atlantic
  • City: Boston, MA
  • Arena (Capacity): TD Garden (19,156)
  • Foundation Year: 1946
  • Club History: Boston Celtics (1946-present)
  • Team Colours: Green, White, Black, Gold Brown
  • Head Coach: Joe Mazzulla (interim); Ime Udoka (suspended)
  • Mascot: Lucky the Leprechaun
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers
  • NBA Championships Won: 17 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008)
  • Conference Titles: 10  (1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 2008, 2010, 2022)
  • Division Titles: 33 (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2022, 2023)
  • Retired Numbers: 23 (00, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, LOSCY)
  • Legendary Players: Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are one of two New York-based NBA teams in the comp along with the New York Knicks, who are one of Brooklyn’s major NBA rivals along with the Boston Celtics. Games played between the two NY clubs are often dubbed “Clash of the Boroughs”. Their current mascot Brooklyn Knight was created in 2012 and is superhero brainchild of Marvel Entertainment.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Atlantic
  • City: New York, NY
  • Arena (Capacity): Barclays Center (17,732)
  • Foundation Year: 1967 (joined 1976)
  • Club History: New Jersey Americans (1967-1968), New York Nets (1968-2012), Brooklyn Nets (2012-present)
  • Team Colours: Black, White, Dark Grey
  • Head Coach: Jacque Vaughn
  • Mascot: Brooklyn Knight
  • Notable NBA Rivals: New York Knicks
  • NBA Championships Won: ABA: 2 (1974, 1976); NBA: 0
  • Conference Titles: 2 (2002, 2003)
  • Division Titles: 5 – ABA: 1 (1974); NBA: 4 (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006)
  • Retired Numbers: 6 (3, 5, 23, 25, 32, 52)
  • Legendary Players: Buck Williams, Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets is best known as the club owned by the NBA’s most iconic player in history, Michael Jordan, the former champion gaining controlling interest of the team in 2010. Despite the fame of their owner, Charlotte are yet to win a NBA Championship, Conference or Division title. They are one of the younger clubs however founded in 1988.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Southeast
  • City: Charlotte, NC
  • Arena (Capacity): Spectrum Center (19,077)
  • Foundation Year: 1988
  • Club History: Charlotte Bobcats (2004-2014); Charlotte Hornets (1988-2002; 2014-present)
  • Team Colours: Dark Purple, Teal, Grey, White
  • Head Coach: Steve Clifford
  • Mascot: Hugo the Hornet
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Atlanta Hawks
  • NBA Championships Won: 0
  • Conference Titles: 0
  • Division Titles: 0
  • Retired Numbers: 1 (13)
  • Legendary Players: Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton, Emeka Okafor

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are the former club of the legendary Michael Jordan who played for them from 1984–1993 and 1995–1998. Jordan led the club to their six championship titles from 1991 – 1998 along with fellow NBA Hall of Famers Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson. The Bulls are the only club in history to never lose an NBA Finals series.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Central
  • City: Chicago, IL
  • Arena (Capacity): United Center (20,917)
  • Foundation Year: 1966
  • Club History: Chicago Bulls (1966-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Black, White
  • Head Coach: Billy Donovan
  • Mascot: Benny the Bull
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Detroit Pistons
  • NBA Championships Won: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
  • Conference Titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
  • Division Titles: 9 – Midwest: 1 (1975); Central: 8 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2011, 2012)
  • Retired Numbers: 4 (4, 10, 23, 33)
  • Legendary Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Jerry Sloan

Cleveland Cavaliers

Known as the Cavs, Cleveland have been graced with many of the game’s greatest players including Shaquille O’Neal. They were also the club of the first deaf player in the NBA when Lance Allred played for them from 2007-2008. Their current mascot Moondog is in honour of Cleveland radio DJ Alan Freed who was one of the first to popularize the term “rock and roll”.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Central
  • City: Cleveland, OH
  • Arena (Capacity): Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (19,432)
  • Foundation Year: 1970
  • Club History: Cleveland Cavaliers (1970-present)
  • Team Colours: Wine, Gold, Navy Blue, White
  • Head Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff
  • Mascot: Moon Dog, Sir CC
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Chicago Bulls
  • NBA Championships Won: 1 (2016)
  • Conference Titles: 5 (2007, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
  • Division Titles: 7 (1976, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
  • Retired Numbers: 7 (7, 11, 22, 25, 34, 42, 43)
  • Legendary Players: LeBron James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Austin Carr

Dallas Mavericks

Known as the Mavs, Dallas are a Texan-based team and in 2016 were the ninth most valuable franchise in the NBA. They held the longest consecutive sell-out game streak from 2001-2013, the most of any North American major league sporting club. Currently three former Mavericks players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame including the colourful and controversial Dennis Rodman.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Southwest
  • City: Dallas, TX
  • Arena (Capacity): American Airlines Center (19,200)
  • Foundation Year: 1980
  • Club History: Dallas Mavericks (1980-present)
  • Team Colours: Light Blue, Navy Blue, Silver, Black, White
  • Head Coach: Jason Kidd
  • Mascot: Champ, Mavs Man
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Houston Rockets
  • NBA Championships Won: 1 (2011)
  • Conference Titles: 2 (2006, 2011)
  • Division Titles: 4 (1987, 2007, 2010, 2021)
  • Retired Numbers: 4 (12, 15, 22, 41)
  • Legendary Players: Dirk Nowitzki, Rolando Blackman, Mark Aquirre

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets started as the Denver Larks in 1967 as a franchise in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before moving to the NBA in 1976. Hall of Famer Alex English holds the current highest points scored (regular season) for the club with 21,645 during his time with the club. English played for Denver from 1980 – 1990 before his move to the Mavericks and then an international club in Italy. The Nuggets enjoyed their first ever NBA Finals Championship success in the 2022/23 season defeating the Miami Heat 4-1.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Northwest
  • City: Denver, CO
  • Arena (Capacity): Ball Arena (18,000)
  • Foundation Year: 1967 (Joined 1976)
  • Club History: Denver Rockets (1967-1974), Denver Nuggets (1974-present)
  • Team Colours: Midnight Blue, Sunshine Yellow, Flatirons Red, Skyline Blue
  • Head Coach: Michael Malone
  • Mascot: Rocky the Mountain Lion
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Utah Jazz
  • NBA Championships Won: 1 (2023)
  • Conference Titles: 1 (2023)
  • Division Titles: 12 – ABA: 2 (1970, 1975) | NBA: 9 (1977, 1978, 1985, 1988, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2020) (1977, 1978, 1985, 1988, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2020, 2023)
  • Retired Numbers: 7 (2, 12, 33, 40, 44, 55, 432)
  • Legendary Players: Alex English, Dan Issel, Carmelo Anthony

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have won three Championships to date and their current mascot Hooper is a horse symbolising the horsepower of the club. He replaced their old mascot Sir Sam A Lot in 1996. Isiah Thomas played with the club from 1981-1994 before moving on to coach the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. He boasts a host of records for Detroit including most minutes played (35,516), field-goal attempts (15,904) and assists (9,061).

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Central
  • City: Auburn Hills, MI
  • Arena (Capacity): The Palace of Auburn Hills (21,231)
  • Foundation Year: 1941 (Joined 1948)
  • Club History: Fort Wayen Zollner Pistons (1941-1948); Fort Wayne Pistons (1949-1957), Detroit Pistons (1957-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, White
  • Head Coach: Dwane Casey
  • Mascot: Hooper
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Chicago Bulls
  • NBA Championships Won: 5 NBL: 2 (1944, 1945)
    NBA: 3 (1989, 1990, 2004)
  • Conference Titles: 7 – Western: 2 (1955, 1956); Eastern: 5 (1988, 1989, 1990, 2004, 2005)
  • Division Titles: 15 NBL: 4 (1943, 1944, 1945, 1946)
    NBA: 11 (1955, 1956, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
  • Retired Numbers: 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 15, 16, 21, 32, 40)
  • Legendary Players: Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are called Golden State as it is the nickname of their home city California and they are themselves nicknamed the “Dubs”. The latest of their five NBA Championships was over the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. The club holds the NBA record for best regular season (73-9) and most combined wins (88) for both the regular and postseason matches played.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Southeast
  • City: Oakland, CA
  • Arena (Capacity): Oracle Arena (19,596)
  • Foundation Year: 1946
  • Club History: Philadelphia Warriors (1946-1962); San Francisco Warriors (1962-1970); Golden State Warriors (1971-present)
  • Team Colours: Royal Blue, California Golden Yellow, Slate, White
  • Head Coach: : Steve Kerr
  • Mascot: N/A
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Boston Celtics
  • NBA Championships Won: 7 (1947, 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
  • Conference Titles: 7 (1975, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022)
  • Division Titles: 12 (1948, 1951, 1956, 1964, 1967, 1975, 1976, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
  • Retired Numbers: 6 (13, 14, 16, 17, 24, 42)
  • Legendary Players: Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Chris Mullin

Houston Rockets

The Rockets have been improving steadily since their awful first season in 1967 when winning just 15 games. They have claimed two Championships going back-to-back in 1994-95, but more recently won their fifth Division title in 2015. Currently 11 Basketball Hall of Famers come from the club including Scottie Pippen, who was also one of the greats that won six NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls before his move to the Rockets.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Southwest
  • City: Houston, TX
  • Arena (Capacity): Toyota Center (18,055)
  • Foundation Year: 1967
  • Club History: San Diego Rockets (1967-1971); Houston Rockets (1971-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Silver, Black, White
  • Head Coach: Stephen Silas
  • Mascot: Clutch the Bear
  • Notable NBA Rivals: San Antonio Spurs
  • NBA Championships Won: 2 (1994, 1995)
  • Conference Titles: 4 (1981, 1986, 1994, 1995)
  • Division Titles: 8 (1977, 1986, 1993, 1994, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020)
  • Retired Numbers: 7 (11, 22, 23, 24, 34, 45)
  • Legendary Players: Hakeem Olajuwon, Calvin Murphy, Rudy Tomjanovich

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are named in honour of Indiana’s well-known history with both the Indianapolis 500s pace cars and harness racing industry. All three of their Championships to date were won as members of the American Basketball Association (ABA) before their move to the NBA in 1976. One of their most famous rivalries is with the Chicago Bulls, which hit a peak in the 1990s when the great Michael Jordan (Bulls) and Reggie Miller (Pacers) faced off.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Central
  • City: Indianapolis, IN
  • Arena (Capacity): Bankers Life Fieldhouse (18,165)
  • Foundation Year: 1967 (Joined 1976)
  • Club History: Indiana Pacers (1967-present)
  • Team Colours: Navy Blue, Gold, Silver, White
  • Head Coach: Rick Carlisle
  • Mascot: Boomer
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Detroit Pistons
  • NBA Championships Won: 3 ABA: 3 (197019721973)
    NBA: 0
  • Conference Titles: 1 (2000)
  • Division Titles: 9 ABA: 3 (1969, 1970, 1971)
    NBA: 6 (1995, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2013, 2014)
  • Retired Numbers: 5 (30, 31, 34, 35, 529)
  • Legendary Players: Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, Vern Fleming

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are one of two NBA teams based in Los Angeles along with the Lakers, who are one of the club’s major rivals. They are yet to win a Championship title but went back-to-back with Division titles in 2013 and 2014. The club is owned by former CEO of Microsoft Steve Ballmer.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Pacific
  • City: Los Angeles, CA
  • Arena (Capacity): Staples Center (19,060)
  • Foundation Year: 1970
  • Club History: Buffalo Braves (1970-1978); San Diego Clippers (1978-1984); Los Angeles Clippers (1984-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Blue, Black, Silver, White
  • Head Coach: Tyronn Lue
  • Mascot: Chuck the Condor
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers
  • NBA Championships Won: 0
  • Conference Titles: 0
  • Division Titles: 2 (2013, 2014)
  • Retired Numbers: None
  • Legendary Players: Randy Smith, Eric Piatkowski, Bob McAdoo

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are the oldest of two clubs from Los Angeles playing in the NBA and share their home stadium of the Staples Center with the Los Angeles Clippers. They are one of the game’s most successful teams boasting 16 NBA Championships, the latest achieved in 2010. They are also the second most valuable franchise in the competition. A host of Hall of Famers have played for the club including Wilt Chamberlain and the Lakers hold the NBA record of longest winning streak – 33 games from November 5, 1971 – January 7, 1972.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Pacific
  • City: Los Angeles, CA
  • Arena (Capacity): Staples Center (19,060)
  • Foundation Year: 1947 (Joined 1948)
  • Club History: Minneapolis Lakers (1947-1960); Los Angeles Lakers (1960-present)
  • Team Colours: Gold, Purple, Black, White
  • Head Coach: Frank Vogel
  • Mascot: N/A
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Boston Celtics
  • NBA Championships Won: 17 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020)
  • Conference Titles: 19 (1972, 1973, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2020)
  • Division Titles: 33 (1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2020)
  • Retired Numbers: 13 (8, 13, 16, 22, 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 42, 44, 52, 99)
  • Legendary Players: Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are one of the youngest NBA clubs found in 1995, the same year as the Toronto Raptors. The team is the only major pro-sporting league team in North America based in the city of Memphis and were formerly known as the Vancouver Grizzlies. Former coach Hubie Brown is currently the club’s only Hall of Fame inductee and they are yet to win a Championship, Conference or Division title.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Southwest
  • City: Memphis, TN
  • Arena (Capacity): FedEX Forum (18,119)
  • Foundation Year: 1995
  • Club History: Vancouver Grizzlies (1995-2001); Memphis Grizzlies (2001-present)
  • Team Colours: Memphis Midnight Blue, Beale Street Blue, Smoke Blue, Gold
  • Head Coach: Taylor Jenkins
  • Mascot: Grizz
  • Notable NBA Rivals: New Orleans Pelicans
  • NBA Championships Won: 0
  • Conference Titles: 0
  • Division Titles: 2 (2022, 2023)
  • Retired Numbers: 1 (50)
  • Legendary Players: Pau Gasol, Rudy Gay, Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat formed as an expansion team in 1988 and have won three Championships (2006, 2012, 2013). They hold the record for best finish in an NBA season (41) games: 38 – 3 in the 2012-13 season. On the other hand they were on the wrong side of the NBA’s largest ever losing margin (68) when defeated 148 – 80 by the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 17, 1991. The Heat played in the 2022/23 NBA Finals going down 4-1 to the Denver Nuggets.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Southeast
  • City: Miami, FL
  • Arena (Capacity): American Airlines Arena (19,600)
  • Foundation Year: 1988
  • Club History: Miami Heat (1988-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Yellow, Black, White
  • Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra
  • Mascot: Burnie
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Boston Celtics
  • NBA Championships Won: 3 (2006, 2012, 2013)
  • Conference Titles: 7 (2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2023)
  • Division Titles: 16 (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023)
  • Retired Numbers: 6 (1, 3, 10, 23, 32, 33)
  • Legendary Players: Dwayne Wade, Udonis Haslem, Glen Rice

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are one of the lease valuable NBA franchises and hold just the one Championship title won in 1971. Plenty of notable stars of the game have played for the Bucks however including Australia’s Andrew Bogut. During the 1970-71 season the club set the still-standing NBA record of largest average margin of victory (17.5 points).

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Central
  • City: Milwaukee, WI
  • Arena (Capacity): BMO Harris Bradley Center (18,717)
  • Foundation Year: 1968
  • Club History: Milwaukee Bucks (1968-present)
  • Team Colours: Good Land Green, Cream City Cream
  • Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer
  • Mascot: Bango the Buck, Bang the Buck Jnr.
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Chicago Bulls
  • NBA Championships Won: 2 (1971, 2021)
  • Conference Titles: 3 (1971, 1974, 2021)
  • Division Titles: 18  (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986,  2001, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
  • Retired Numbers: 9 (1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 32, 33)
  • Legendary Players: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Glenn Robinson, Junior Bridgeman

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves are owned by billionaire and former member of the Minnesota Senate Glen Taylor. They are yet to win a Championship but took out the Division title in 2004 after qualifying for the NBA Playoffs eight times on the trot from 1997 – 2004 following the acquisition of Kevin Garnett in the 1995 NBA draft. They traded Garnett to the Boston Celtics in 2007, but he returned to the club in 2015.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Northwest
  • City: Minneapolis, MN
  • Arena (Capacity): Target Center (19,356)
  • Foundation Year: 1989
  • Club History: Minnesota Timberwolves (1989-present)
  • Team Colours: Blue, Silver, Black, White
  • Head Coach: Chris Finch
  • Mascot: Crunch The Wolf
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Denver Nuggets
  • NBA Championships Won: 0
  • Conference Titles: 0
  • Division Titles: 1 (2004)
  • Retired Numbers: 1 (2)
  • Legendary Players: Kevin Garnett, Sam Mitchell, Doug West

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans are the youngest of all NBA teams having been founded in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets. They have been known as the Pelicans since 2013 and their biggest rivalry is with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pelicans are owned by Tom Benson who also owns the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Southwest
  • City: New Orleans, LA
  • Arena (Capacity): Smoothie King Center (16,867)
  • Foundation Year: 2002
  • Club History: New Orleans Hornets (2002-2005; 2007-2013); New Orleans / Oklahoma City Hornets (2005-2007); New Orleans Pelicans (2013-present)
  • Team Colours: Navy, Gold, Red, White
  • Head Coach: TBD
  • Mascot: Pierre the Pelican
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Memphis Grizzlies
  • NBA Championships Won: 0
  • Conference Titles: 0
  • Division Titles: 1 (2008)
  • Retired Numbers: 1 (7)
  • Legendary Players: Chris Paul

New York Knicks

The Knicks are one of two New York-based NBA teams along with the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks were founded in 1946 and have never gone by another club name. Playing home games at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks are one of only two teams along with the Boston Celtics still located in their original city. They have won two Championships, but none since 1973. Despite this they are the most valuable NBA franchise estimated to be worth around $3 billion in 2016.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Atlantic
  • City: New York, NY
  • Arena (Capacity): Madison Square Garden (19,812)
  • Foundation Year: 1946
  • Club History: New York Knicks (1946-present)
  • Team Colours: Blue, Orange, Silver, Black, White
  • Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau
  • Mascot: N/A
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Brooklyn Nets
  • NBA Championships Won: 2 (1970, 1973)
  • Conference Titles: 4 (1972, 1973, 1994, 1999)
  • Division Titles: 8 (1953, 1954, 1970, 1971, 1989, 1993, 1994, 2013)
  • Retired Numbers: 9 (10, 12, 15, 15, 19, 22, 24, 33, 613)
  • Legendary Players: Patrick Ewing, Richie Guerin, Walt Frazier

Oklahoma City Thunder

City Thunder were founded in 1967 as the Seattle SuperSonics before being renamed in 2008. They are Oklahoma’s only major pro-North American sports league team and their only Championship to date was won in 1979. They won their Division title for the 11th time in 2016 and have had three games when two players scored 40+ points in a single match, which happened twice in 2012 and also in their 2015 match on October 30 against Orlando Magic when Russell Westbrook scored 48 points and Kevin Durant 43.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Northwest
  • City: Oaklahoma City, OK
  • Arena (Capacity): Chesapeake Energy Arena (18,203)
  • Foundation Year: 1967
  • Club History: Seattle SuperSonics (1967-2008); Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-present)
  • Team Colours: Blue, Sunset, Yellow, Dark Blue
  • Head Coach: Mark Daigeneault
  • Mascot: Rumble the Bison
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Portland Trailblazers
  • NBA Championships Won: 1 (1979)
  • Conference Titles: 4 (1978, 1979, 1996, 2012)
  • Division Titles: 11 (1979, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016)
  • Retired Numbers: 7 (1, 10, 19, 24, 32, 43, Microphone)
  • Legendary Players: Gary Payton, Fred Brown, Rashard Lewis

Orlando Magic

The Florida-based Orlando Magic were founded in 1989 and are most famous for having had the legendary Shaquille O’Neal on the team from 1992-1996. Despite not having won a Championship they are one of the most successful expansion teams looking at their winning percentage, second only to the Miami Heat. Along with O’Neal the two other Hall of Fame players for Magic are Dominique Wilkins and Patrick Ewing.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Southeast
  • City: Orlando, FL
  • Arena (Capacity): Amway Center (18,846)
  • Foundation Year: 1989
  • Club History: Orlando Magic (1989-presnet)
  • Team Colours: Blue, Black, Silver, White
  • Head Coach: Jamahl Mosley
  • Mascot: Stuff the Magic Dragon
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers
  • NBA Championships Won: 0
  • Conference Titles: 2 (1995, 2009)
  • Division Titles: 6 (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019)
  • Retired Numbers: 1 (6)
  • Legendary Players: Nick Anderson, Dwight Howard, Anfernee Hardaway

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers were founded in 1946 as the Syracuse Nationals become gaining their current club name in 1963. They have won three Championships, most recently in 1983, and are one of the oldest teams in the league. Plenty of basketball superstars have played for the club including Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley and Billy Cunningham. Philadelphia hold the unwanted NBA record of most losses in a season with 73 for the 1972-73 season.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Atlantic
  • City: Philadelphia, PA
  • Arena (Capacity): Wells Fargo Center (20,328)
  • Foundation Year: 1946 (Joined 1949)
  • Club History: Syracuse Nationals (1946-1963); Philadelphia 76ers (1963-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Blue, White
  • Head Coach: Doc Rivers
  • Mascot: Franklin
  • Notable NBA Rivals: New York Knicks
  • NBA Championships Won: 3 (1955, 1967, 1983)
  • Conference Titles: 5 (1977, 1980, 1982, 1983, 2001)
  • Division Titles: 12 (1950, 1952, 1955, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1977, 1978, 1983, 1990, 2001, 2021)
  • Retired Numbers: 10 (3, 4, 6, 10, 13, 15, 24, 32, 34)
  • Legendary Players: Hal Greer, Allen Iverson, Julius Erving

Phoenix Suns

Founded in 1968 the Phoenix Suns have never gone by any other name and are the only team in the Western Conference Pacific Division located outside of California. The Suns may not have won a Championship but they boast one of the NBA’s best all-time winning percentages. The mascot Go the Gorilla was accidently discovered and adopted in 1980. Six former Suns players have been inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame including Dennis Johnson. The team holds plenty of NBA game records including most points scored in a half (107) when they played the Denver Nuggets on November 10, 1990. They also co-hold the record of most points in a regulation game (173) along with the Boston Celtics.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Pacfic
  • City: Phoenix, AZ
  • Arena (Capacity): Talking Stick Resort Arena (18,055)
  • Foundation Year: 1968
  • Club History: Phoenix Suns (1968-present)
  • Team Colours: Orange, Purple, Black, Grey, White
  • Head Coach: Monty Williams
  • Mascot: Go the Gorilla
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Go the Gorilla
  • NBA Championships Won: 0
  • Conference Titles: 3 (1976, 1993, 2021)
  • Division Titles: 8 (1981, 1993, 1995, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2021, 2002)
  • Retired Numbers: 6 (5, 6, 7, 33, 42, 44)
  • Legendary Players: Alvan Adams, Walter Davis, Shawn Marion

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers, often called simply the Blazers, and were hugely popular in the early years of their existence. They sold out 814 consecutive home games from 1977 – 1995, a record surpassed only by the Boston Red Sox in American major professional sports. The sole Championship title was won in 1977 and six Hall of Fame players have been part of the club including Scottie Pippen. Their most decorated player is Bill Walton.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Northwest
  • City: Portland, OR
  • Arena (Capacity): Moda Center (19,441)
  • Foundation Year: 1970
  • Club History: Portland Trail Blazers (1970-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Black, Silver, White
  • Head Coach: Chauncey Billups
  • Mascot: Blaze the Trail Cat
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Oklahoma City Thunder
  • NBA Championships Won: 1 (1977)
  • Conference Titles: 3 (1977, 1990, 1992)
  • Division Titles: 6 (1978, 1991, 1992, 1999, 2015, 2018)
  • Retired Numbers: 12 (1, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22, 30, 30, 32, 36, 45, 77)
  • Legendary Players: Clyde Drexler, Clifford Robinson, Terry Porter

Sacramento Kings

The Kings were founded in 1948 as the Rochester Royals and have gone by a number of different names including their current club name from 1985. They are the NBA’s oldest franchise, but have won just the one Championship back in 1951. An impressive 14 Hall of Fame players have played for the club over the years including Jo Jo White and Nate Archibald. They hold the record for one of the largest NBA comebacks when down 79-44 to the Chicago Bulls on December 21, 2009 before coming back to win 102-98.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Pacific
  • City: Sacramento, CA
  • Arena (Capacity): 1923 (Joined 1948)
  • Foundation Year: 1946
  • Club History: Rochester Royals (1948-1957); Cincinnati Royals (1957-1972); Kansas City-Omaha Kings (1972-1975); Kansas City Kings (1975-1985); Sacramento Kings (1985-present)
  • Team Colours: Purple, Slate Grey, Black, White
  • Head Coach: Luke Walton
  • Mascot: Slamson the Lion
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Los Angeles Lakers
  • NBA Championships Won: 2 NBL: 1 (1946), NBA: 1 (1951)
  • Conference Titles: 0
  • Division Titles: 6 (1949, 1952, 1979, 2002, 2003, 2023)
  • Retired Numbers: 11 (1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 21, 27, 44)
  • Legendary Players: Oscar Robertson, Jack Twyman, Mitch Richmond

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs joined the NBA in 1976 after their 1967 foundation with the ABA as the Dallas Chaparrals. They have won five NBA Championships, the fourth most in the game’s history, and in 2016 won their 21st Division title. Since entering the NBA they have missed out on the Playoffs only four times, none since drafting Tim Duncan in 1997. The co-hold the best home season record (40-1 in the 2015-16 season) along with the Boston Celtics (1985-86 season). They have had eight Hall of Fame players come through the roster including Dennis Rodman.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Southwest
  • City: San Antonio, TX
  • Arena (Capacity): AT&T Center (18,581)
  • Foundation Year: 1967 (Joined 1976)
  • Club History: Dallas Chaparrals (1967-1970, 1971-1973); Texas Chaparrals (1970-1971); San Antonio Spurs (1973-present)
  • Team Colours: Black, Silver, White
  • Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
  • Mascot: The Coyote
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Houston Rockets
  • NBA Championships Won: 5 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
  • Conference Titles: 6 (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2014)
  • Division Titles: 22 (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
  • Retired Numbers: 10 (00, 6, 9, 12, 13, 20, 21, 32, 44, 50)
  • Legendary Players: Tim Duncan, David Robinson, George Gervin

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are one of the newest NBA teams founded in 1995 and have already won 4 Division titles including three on the trot from 2014-16. They are the only remaining NBA team located outside of North America, the Canadian-based team playing in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic division, after the Vancouver Grizzlies relocated to Memphis in 2001.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Atlantic
  • City: Toronto, ON
  • Arena (Capacity): Air Canada Centre (19,800)
  • Foundation Year: 1995
  • Club History: Toronto Raptors (1995-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Black, Silver, White
  • Head Coach: Nick Nurse
  • Mascot: The Raptor, Stripes
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Boston Celtics
  • NBA Championships Won: 1 (2019)
  • Conference Titles: 1
  • Division Titles: 7 (2007, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)
  • Retired Numbers: N/A
  • Legendary Players: Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, Morris Peterson

Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz were founded in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz before their move to Salt Lake City in 1979. They hold the NBA record of largest comeback when overcoming a 36 point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 107-103 on November 17, 1996 after trailing 34-70 in the first half.

  • Conference: Western Conference
  • Division: Northwest
  • City: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Arena (Capacity): Vivint Smart Home Arena (19,911)
  • Foundation Year: 1974
  • Club History: New Orleans Jazz (1974-1979); Utah Jazz (1979-present)
  • Team Colours: Navy, Dark Yellow, Dark Green, White
  • Head Coach: Quin Snyder
  • Mascot: Jazz Bear
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Houston Rockets
  • NBA Championships Won: 0
  • Conference Titles: 2 (1997, 1998)
  • Division Titles: 11 (1984, 1989, 1992, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2017, 2021, 2022)
  • Retired Numbers: 10 (1, 4, 7, 9, 12, 14, 32, 35, 53, 1223)
  • Legendary Players: John Stockton, Karl Malone, Darrell Griffith

Washington Wizards

The Wizards were founded in 1961 as the Chicago Packers and have gone by many names including their current title since 1997. Their other most recent name was the Washington Bullets, but owner Abe Pollin said the high rate of gun crimes in the USA made the title inappropriate. Retired Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan was a minority owner of the team from January 2000 until his return to the game playing for the Wizards from 2001-2003. Jordan was later fired by Pollin. The club is now owned by Theodore John Leoniss.

  • Conference: Eastern Conference
  • Division: Southeast
  • City: Washington, D.C.
  • Arena (Capacity): Verizon Center (20,356)
  • Foundation Year: 1961
  • Club History: Chicago Packers (1961-1962); Chicago Zephyrs (1962-1963); Baltimore Bullets (1963-1973); Capital Bullets (1973-1974); Washington Bullets (1974-1997); Washington Wizards (1997-present)
  • Team Colours: Red, Navy Blue, Silver, White
  • Head Coach: Wes Unseld Jr
  • Mascot: G-Wiz, G-Man
  • Notable NBA Rivals: Philadelphia 76ers
  • NBA Championships Won: 1 (1978)
  • Conference Titles: 4 (1971, 1975, 1978, 1979)
  • Division Titles: 8 (1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1979, 2017)
  • Retired Numbers: 5 (10, 11, 25, 41, 45)
  • Legendary Players: Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes, Gus Johnson