If you’re literally just looking for the answer to the question – How many NBA teams are there? – then the answer is 30.
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For those of you looking for a bit more info – in this Jump Hub article, we’ll list the NBA teams that currently ply their trade in the NBA championship and give a brief description of their accolades and achievements.
There are currently 15 NBA teams in the Western Conference, and 15 in the Eastern Conference.
In the past, there have been many variations. Some seasons saw as few as 8 teams competing, but those days are long gone.
The NBA has reached levels of popularity that nobody ever saw coming. It has turned into a truly global phenomenon and this has allowed it to expand and add new franchises over the years. Some have fallen by the wayside and disappeared or relocated due to a lack of fan support or finances.
CURRENT TEAMS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER THEN:
ATLANTA HAWKS
Year founded:
1946
Former names:
Buffalo Bisons (1946)
Tri-Citi Blackhawks (1946-51)
Milwaukee Hawks (1951-55)
St. Louis Hawks (1955-68)
Atlanta Hawks (1968-Present)
Location and arena name:
Atlanta, Georgia – State Farm Arena
Hall of Famers:
24 (20 players, 4 coaches)
Championships:
1 (1958)
The Atlanta Hawks joined the NBA from the NBL in 1949 when that league and the BAA merged. In the 1950s and early 60s, they were a force to be reckoned with but that dominance diminished as the years passed.
There are currently signs that the Atlanta Hawks are trying hard to rebuild and regain some of their former prowess. Time will tell if they can achieve great strides, but at the time of writing, they are sitting 10th from 15 in the Eastern Conference. They have a lot of work to do if they are to bring success to the State Farm Arena.
BOSTON CELTICS
Year founded:
1946
Former names:
Boston Celtics
Location and arena name:
Boston, Massachusetts – TD Garden
Hall of Famers:
38 (34 players, 4 coaches)
Championships:
17 (1957, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’66, ’68, ’69, ’74, ’76, ’81, ’84, ’86, 2008)
The Boston Celtics are the most successful franchise in NBA history.
They dominated the 1960s totally – winning 10 straight championships.
Since the 1980s, fortunes have waned somewhat for the Boston Celtics. Their last NBA Championship came in 2008 and before that, it was all the way back in 1986. They currently sit 7th from 15 in the Eastern. However, they are a side with huge potential and it would be dangerous to write them off just yet.
BROOKLYN NETS
Year founded:
1967
Former names:
New Jersey Americans (1967-68)
New York Nets (1968-1977)
New Jersey Nets (1977-2012)
Brooklyn Nets (2012-Present)
Location and arena name:
Brooklyn, New York – Barclays Center
Hall of Famers:
16 (10 players, 6 coaches)
Championships:
None
When the league merged with the ABA in the mid-1970s, the Brooklyn Nets were one of the strongest teams to join. They have never managed to match that strength to this day.
Although they have shown promise and put together a strong desire to win within the team culture, the Brooklyn Nets still sit 12th from 15 in the Eastern at the time of writing.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Year founded:
1988
Former names:
Charlotte Hornets (1988-2002, 2014-Present)
Charlotte Bobcats (2004-14)
Location and arena:
Charlotte, North Carolina – Spectrum Center
Hall of Famers:
4 (3 players, 1 coach)
Championships:
None
The Charlotte Hornets are one of the only team franchises that have never made it to the NBA Finals, having never won a division or conference title.
The original Charlotte Hornets franchise was established in 1988 but the owner relocated them to become the New Orleans Hornets in 2002. The Charlotte Bobcats sprang up in their place and were eventually allowed to name themselves as the Charlotte Hornets again in 2013 when New Orleans became the New Orleans Pelicans. All their former team records were also bestowed upon them.
They sit 9th from 15 in the Eastern at the time of writing and still have a long way to go if they are ever going to make it to those Finals.
CHICAGO BULLS
Year founded:
1966
Former names:
Chicago Bulls
Location and arena:
Chicago, Illinois – United Center
Hall of Famers:
13 (9 players, 4 coaches)
Championships:
6 (1991, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’98)
Throughout most of their history, the Chicago Bulls weren’t a particularly dangerous team.
It’s always potentially disrespectful to cite one individual as being the catalyst for a total change in fortune. But in this case, it happens to be true. Michael Jordan appeared in 1984 and the Chicago Bulls changed forever.
With Jordan ripping it up on the court, the team became one of the most popular franchises in the world. To this day, theirs is one of the most recognisable names in NBA history. This season sees 24 years since they brought their last NBA Championship back to the United Center and it is long overdue. At 3rd from 15 in the Eastern Conference, they are still in the running this season. Watch this space…
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Year founded:
1970
Former names:
Cleveland Cavaliers
Location and arena:
Cleveland, Ohio – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Hall of Famers:
7 (4 players, 3 coaches)
Championships:
1 (2016)
The Cleveland Cavaliers joined the NBA in 1970 as an expansion team. They were consistently in the mix in the Eastern, but failed time and again to make the Finals.
In 2003 things took a drastic turn for the better. The Cleveland Cavaliers picked LeBron James in the NBA Draft and he dragged them kicking and screaming all the way to the Finals in 2007. James led them to the Finals in 2007 before leaving for the Heat. They were not triumphant that time.
He came back in 2014 and took them to 4 straight Finals, winning Fortunes were boosted again James was in his second spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this period they found themselves in 4 back-to-back Finals. The franchise’s only title was in 2016 when they took down the Golden State Warriors for the win.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Year founded:
1980
Former names:
Dallas Mavericks
Location and arena:
Dallas, Texas – American Airlines Arena
Hall of Famers:
7 (5 players, 2 coaches)
Championships:
1 (2011)
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a most unexpected upset in 2011 and won their first-ever title. Currently sitting 5th from 15 in the Western Conference, they are still hanging in with a chance.
They are not lacking in talent and will remain close contenders in the future if they can retain their young stars and push forwards in terms of recruitment. The crowd at the American Airlines Arena is waiting with bated breath.
DENVER NUGGETS
Year founded:
1967
Former names:
Denver Larks (1967)
Denver Rockets (1967-76)
Denver Nuggets (1976-Present)
Location and arena:
Denver, Colorado – Pepsi Center
Hall of Famers:
12 (9 players, 3 coaches)
Championships:
None
Since the Denver Nuggets joined the NBA in 1976 from the ABA (where they were the Rockets) they have seen moderate levels of success and are yet to win their first championship.
Currently 6th from 15 in the Western Conference, the Nuggets have had been consistently thwarted by more powerful franchises. Their time to shine is taking a long time in coming.
DETROIT PISTONS
Year founded:
1941
Former names:
Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (1941-48)
Fort Wayne Pistons (1948-57)
Detroit Pistons (1975-Present)
Location and arena:
Detroit, Michigan – Little Caesars Arena
Hall of Famers:
22 (20 players, 2 coaches)
Championships:
3 (1989, 1990, 2004)
Sitting dead last in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have got an awful lot of work to do. They have a reputation for having the backing of some of the most loyal fans in the NBA. And they’d need to be.
The Detroit Pistons fall from grace started after they gave the Chicago Bulls of the 90s some of their toughest opposition. They have lacked any real competitive prowess for over a decade or so.
The so-called ‘rebuilding’ process seems to be never-ending and they have to change something if they are to ever glimpse success again.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Year founded:
1946
Former names:
Philadelphia Warriors (1946-62)
San Francisco Warriors (1962-71)
Golden State Warriors (1971-Present)
Location and arena:
San Francisco, California – Chase Center
Hall of Famers: 24
(19 players, 5 coaches)
Championships:
6 (1947, ’56, ’75, 2015, ’17, ’18)
The Golden State Warriors’ most successful period was from 2015-19 when they took 3 NBA Championship titles from 5 straight Finals appearances. Prior to that, they had been in the wilderness since 1975. The Golden State Warriors are now a side to be reckoned with and one that teams underestimate at their peril.
Sitting 2nd from 15 in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors are, once again in solid contention.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
Year founded:
1967
Former names:
San Diego Rockets (1967-71)
Houston Rockets (1971-Present)
Location and arena:
Houston, Texas – Toyota Center
Hall of Famers:
14 (12 players, 2 coaches)
Championships:
2 (1994, 1995)
The Houston Rockets were founded in San Diego but kept the name Rockets when they relocated to Houston. This makes sense, as there can be few places on Earth more heavily associated with rockets than the home of NASA.
The Houston Rockets lost their first two Finals appearances and haven’t found much success in the playoffs full stop.
Of course, there are teams that would love to boast 2 NBA Finals wins as they do. But the last is approaching 30 years ago now and the Houston Rockets’ fans desperately need another boost. From 15th position in the Western Conference, it would seem unlikely that they are to get it anytime soon…
INDIANA PACERS
Year founded:
1967
Former names:
Indiana Pacers
Location and arena:
Indianapolis, Indiana – Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Hall of Famers:
8 (5 players, 3 coaches)
Championships:
None
The Indiana Pacers joined the NBA in 1976 and had some decent, teams in the 1990s. They were almost triumphant against the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Indiana Pacers have otherwise seen plenty of ups and downs and can consistently be relied upon to make the Playoffs.
Having said that, they currently languish at 13th from 15 in the Eastern, so that may not be totally accurate for long…
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Year founded:
1970
Former names:
Buffalo Braves (1970-78)
San Diego Clippers (1978-84)
Los Angeles Clippers (1984-Present)
Location and arena:
Los Angeles, California – Staples Center
Hall of Famers:
10 (7 players, 3 coaches)
Championships:
None
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently sitting one place above the Lakers in the Western Conference. Having lived in their shadow for so long that must be a strange sensation. Traditionally the Los Angeles Clippers have been thought of as one of the less-impressive teams in the National Basketball Association. They have never made it to the Finals and have had very little success to speak of.
The 2019/20 season was one of their worst efforts and the way that they rebound and assert themselves will be a big statement of their intentions and how they value themselves as a Franchise. As they share the Staples Center with the Los Angeles Lakers that sense of rivalry is surely heightened.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Year founded:
1947
Former names:
Minneapolis Lakers (1947–1960)
Los Angeles Lakers (1960-Present)
Location and arena:
Los Angeles, California – Staples Center
Hall of Famers:
30 (26 players, 4 coaches)
Championships:
17 (1949, ’50, ’52, ’53, ’54, ’72, ’80, ’82, ’85, ’87, ’88, 2000, ’01, ’02, ’09, ’10, ‘20)
The Los Angeles Lakers were a dominant, difficult to handle team from their very beginnings.
In the 1960s, when the Boston Celtics were all-conquering, it was the Lakers who met them 6 times in the Finals. They lost them all.
Of modern NBA teams, the Los Angeles Lakers are the most successful. They are the second team on this list that owe that success in no small part to LeBron James.
The fans at the Staples Center have been spoiled (not by the Clippers we might add)
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Year founded:
1995
Former names:
Vancouver Grizzlies (1995 -01)
Memphis Grizzlies (2001-Present)
Location and arena:
Memphis, Tennessee – FedExForum
Hall of Famers:
1 (1 player)
Championships:
None
The Memphis Grizzlies were created as an expansion team that was supposed to draw Canadian fans towards the arena. This did not really happen, in part due to their lacklustre performances and the love of all things hockey.
They relocated to Memphis in 2001 where they reside now. They have been a lower-tier team for a long while but, at the time of writing, find themselves 3rd from 15 in the Western Conference. and are yet to make their first-ever Finals appearance.
MIAMI HEAT
Year founded:
1988
Former names:
Miami Heat
Location and arena:
Miami, Florida – American Airlines Arena
Hall of Famers:
5 (4 players, 1 coach)
Championships:
3 (2006, 2012, 2013)
The Miami Heat entered the league in 1988-89 as an expansion team but only really began to operate at a higher level in the mid-1990s.
In 2003 things began to come around and by 2006 they clinched their first National Basketball Association Championship. They were back to do the same in 2012 and then again in 2013. A Finals appearance against the Lakers wasn’t to see their 4th title but the Miami Heat have cemented their place in NBA history.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Year founded:
1968
Former names:
Milwaukee Bucks
Location and arena:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Fiserv Forum
Hall of Famers:
14 (13 players, 1 coach)
Championships:
1(1971)
The Milwaukee Bucks struggled desperately in the early days of the franchise but held on and turned things around. They became a strong side that won the NBA Championship in 1971. Since then, fortunes have abandoned them somewhat.
But all is not lost. In Giannis Antetokounmpo they have one of the best NBA players in recent memory. They have a chance at getting back to the Finals for the first time since 1974. 2nd from 15 in the Eastern isn’t a bad place to find themselves for a shot at the title this season.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Year founded:
1989
Former names:
Minnesota Timberwolves
Location and arena:
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Target Center
Hall of Famers:
None
Championships:
None
The Minnesota Timberwolves joined the NBA in 1989 and became an overnight success among the fans. That situation was not reflected in their on-field performances and has done a virtual 180º in recent times.
They are still slowly but surely putting together a competitive squad but it must feel to the fans like they have been rebuilding nonstop since then.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Year founded:
2002
Former names:
New Orleans Hornets (2002-05, 2007-13)
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (2005-07)
New Orleans Pelicans (2013-Present)
Location and arena:
New Orleans, Louisiana – Smoothie King Center
Hall of Famers:
None
Championships:
None
Originally just a rebranded, relocated version of the Charlotte Hornets, the New Orleans Hornets decided to start from scratch in 2013. They duly became the New Orleans Pelicans.
They have endeared themselves to local fans and even had some players who went on to become Hall of Famers.
But their financial situation meant they couldn’t keep hold of them and they have struggled for any semblance of success.
They currently sit 10th from 15 in the Western Conference and do not look likely to cause many ripples in the latter stages of this season.
The Smoothie King Center crew will have to hang on a little longer…
NEW YORK KNICKS
Year founded:
1946
Former names:
New York Knicks
Location and arena:
New York City, New York – Madison Square Garden
Hall of Famers:
29 (22 players, 7 coaches)
Championships:
2 (1970, 1973)
The New York Knickerbockers were one of the original founding teams in the early days of professional; basketball and were constant contenders for the title. Be that as it may, no title came and it wasn’t until 1970 that they took their first. It was closely followed by their second (and last) in 1973.
The New York Knicks haven’t been seen in the National Basketball Association Finals since 1999 and even the Playoffs have eluded them since 2013. Considering the size and loyalty of their fan base, they must do more to bring some much-needed success to Madison Square Garden.
At 12th from 15 NBA Eastern Conference teams, it doesn’t seem likely that this will be their big turnaround season.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Year founded:
1967
Former names:
Seattle Supersonics (1967-2008)
Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-Present)
Location and arena:
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Chesapeake Energy Arena
Hall of Famers:
13 (12 players, 1 coach)
Championships:
1 (1979)
Fans of the popular Seattle Supersonics were left broken-hearted as their franchise upped sticks and moved to Oklahoma City following a lawsuit in 2008. The team became breaking the Oklahoma Thunder and that was that.
The Oklahoma Thunder did make an appearance in the Finals in 2012 but were not triumphant against the Miami Heat. They have not returned.
Being one place from bottom in the Western is not the best place from which to mount a valiant charge but you never know… (you do)
ORLANDO MAGIC
Year founded:
1989
Former names:
Orlando Magic
Location and arena:
Orlando, Florida – Amway Center
Hall of Famers:
6 (5 players, 1 coach)
Championships:
None
Orlando Magic joined the NBA in 1989 and have been to the Finals twice. They came up empty-handed both times.
Shaquille O’Neal brought great attention to the side but was not able to drag them all the way to the top.
14th from 15 in the Eastern doesn’t bode well for them making this the season when they turn it all around…
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Year founded:
1946
Former names:
Syracuse Nationals (1946-63)
Philadelphia 76ers (1963-Present)
Location and arena:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Wells Fargo Center
Hall of Famers:
21 (17 players, 4 coaches)
Championships:
3 (1955, ’67, ’83)
The Philadelphia 76ers originally played in upstate New York in Syracuse. It was decided that they would relocate to Philadelphia when the Warriors moved to San Francisco.
Diehard basketball fans came in their droves and they continue to have one of the strongest fanbases in the NBA.
Although they can look back fondly on former NBA titles, 2001 was the last time they made the Finals so those fans must be having their patience sorely tested by now…
At 5th from 15 in the Eastern, they are not in the worst position but do need to push on and find a few extra gears.
PHOENIX SUNS
Year founded:
1968
Former names:
Phoenix Suns
Location and arena:
Phoenix, Arizona – Talking Stick Resort Arena
Hall of Famers:
13 (11 players, 2 coaches)
Championships:
None
The Phoenix Suns were genuine contenders back in the 1990s and mid-2000s but never managed to get up a head of steam that took them all the way to the title. They haven’t been in the Finals since 2003 and have been consistently underperforming for years.
However, The Phoenix Suns are currently sitting at the top of the Western and are perfectly situated to turn their fortunes around. Time will tell if they can hold their nerve and put together a title-winning run for the loyal folks at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Year founded:
1970
Former names:
Portland Trail Blazers
Location and arena:
Portland, Oregon – Moda Center
Hall of Famers:
9 (6 players, 3 coaches)
Championships:
1 (1977)
The Portland Trail Blazers have been a somewhat successful franchise throughout the years. Their one NBA title coming in the late 1970s, they are way beyond due a return. Although, they haven’t been to the Finals of the NBA since they made 2 appearances in 1990 and ’92.
They are currently sitting 11th from 15 in the Western. Not looking good for this being their big comeback season at this point…
SACRAMENTO KINGS
Year founded:
1923
Former names:
Rochester Seagrams (1923-42)
Rochester Eber Seagrams (1942-43)
Rochester Pros (1943-45)
Rochester Royals (1945-57)
Cincinnati Royals (1957-72)
Kansas City-Omaha Kings (1972-75)
Kansas City Kings (1975-85)
Sacramento Kings (1985-Present)
Location and arena:
Sacramento, California – Golden 1 Center
Hall of Famers:
18 (16 players, 2 coaches)
Championships:
1 (1951)
The Sacramento Kings have been going under that moniker since 1985 but before that, they went through 7 different relocations and associated re-brandings. After all that, they still have only one NBA Championship from 1951 in their trophy cabinet to show for it.
The Sacramento Kings haven’t been so far as the Playoffs since 2006.
At the time of writing, the Sacramento Kings sit 12th of 15 in the Western and still show no real signs of moving in the right direction.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Year founded:
1967
Former names:
Dallas Chaparrals (1967-70, 1971-73)
Texas Chaparrals (1970-71)
San Antonio Gunslingers (1973)
San Antonio Spurs (1973-Present)
Location and arena:
San Antonio, Texas – AT&T Center
Hall of Famers:
10 (8 players, 2 coaches)
Championships:
5 (1999, 2003, ’05, ’07, ’14)
The Dallas/Texas Chaparrals were a successful franchise on the court that struggled financially off it and could not continue. They moved Southwards in Texas to San Antonio and tried to salvage the situation.
The San Antonio Spurs slowly became one of the strongest teams of the 2000s. They made 6 Finals and came home with the spoils 5 times.
Fortune isn’t shining on them quite as brightly these days and they currently find themselves 13th from 15 in the Western. Quite the fall from grace.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Year founded:
1995
Former names:
Toronto Raptors
Location and arena:
Toronto, Canada – Scotiabank Arena
Hall of Famers:
3 (2 players, 1 coach)
Championships:
1 (2019)
The Toronto Raptors have struggled to compete for most of their history but made crucial administrative changes that altered everything.
The Toronto Raptors are now a consistently hard-to-beat, scrappy team that can challenge even the best sides on their day. They went against all the odds and took the whole Championship by storm, winning it in 2019. Pushing on from here will be the true test of their mettle.
Sitting 6th from 15 in the Eastern at this time, they are still in with a shout and must keep up the pressure if they can.
UTAH JAZZ
Year founded:
1974
Former names:
New Orleans Jazz (1974-79)
Utah Jazz (1979-Present)
Location and arena:
Salt Lake City, Utah – Vivint Smart Home Arena
Hall of Famers:
9 (8 players, 1 coach)
Championships:
None
The Utah Jazz kept the second part of their name from their days in New Orleans after relocating. In the late 1990s they were an excellent side but, not unlike every other tea,, could not get the best over Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls. They are still lacking that all-important title victory but are consistently good enough to give it a decent shot.
Nicely placed in the 4th spot of the Western at time of writing, this could be their year. Time will tell.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Year founded:
1961
Former names:
Chicago Packers (1961-62)
Chicago Zephyrs (1962-63)
Baltimore Bullets (1963-73)
Capital Bullets (1973-74)
Washington Bullets (1974-97)
Washington Wizards (1997-Present)
Location and arena:
Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena
Hall of Famers:
17 (14 players, 3 coaches)
Championships:
1 (1978)
The Chicago Packers were the first modern expansion team in NBA history. They couldn’t play on a big arena due to the existence of the Chicago Majors, thus they decided to relocate to Baltimore following a couple of years in the Windy City.
The team eventually relocate to Baltimore and changed their name from Bullets due to the violent associations that the name brought with it. had acquired over the years. The Washington Wizards are average as best and haven’t made it to the Finals of the NBA since 1979.
Currently 11th from 15 in the Eastern, they show no inclination to push harder and seem destined to live where all the least-impressive NBA teams reside.
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FORMER NBA TEAMS THAT NO LONGER EXIST:
Anderson Packers
Baltimore Bullets (original franchise)
BAA Buffalo
Chicago Stags
Cleveland Rebels
Denver Nuggets (original franchise)
Detroit Falcons
BAA Indianapolis
Indianapolis Jets
Indianapolis Olympians
Pittsburgh Ironmen
Providence Steamrollers
Sheboygan Redskins
St. Louis Bombers
Toronto Huskies
Washington Capitols
Waterloo Hawks
