Basketball, Listed presents an overall timeline of basketball history, broken into five parts, and timelines of the sport’s greatest dynasties.
Historical timelines
Part one of our timeline of basketball history incorporates the years 1891 through 1945, from the game’s invention to the barnstorming years, to early leagues, to the creation of the NBA (BAA).
Part two of our timeline of basketball history incorporates the years 1946 through 1969, including racial integration, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, George Mikan, and the Bill Russell Celtics.
Part three of our timeline of basketball history incorporates the years 1970 through 1989, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the rise and fall of the ABA, the modernization of March Madness, David Stern’s ascension, and the Magic-Bird rivalry.
Part four of our timeline of basketball history incorporates the years 1990 through 2009, with Michael Jordan’s Bulls dynasty, Shaq and Kobe, the WNBA forming, a devastating lockout, the “Dream Team,” and the “Redeem Team.”
Part five of our timeline of basketball history incorporates the years 2010 through today. It includes LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Giannis, Nikola Jokic, Caitlin Clark, the “Heatles,” the 73-win Warriors, and “The Bubble.”
Dynasty timelines
The rise and fall of Bill Russell and his Celtics dynasty, including the 37 teammates who helped him win 11 championships, from Red Auerbach’s hiring to Don Chaney’s retirement.
The rise and fall of Magic Johnson and his Lakers dynasty, including the 30 teammates who helped him win five championships, from the trade for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Jerry Buss’ death.
The rise and fall of Larry Bird and his Celtics dynasty, including the 21 teammates who helped him win five championships, from the drafting of Cedric Maxwell to Robert Parish’s departure to Charlotte.
The rise and fall of Isiah Thomas and his Pistons dynasty, including the 15 teammates who helped him win two championships, from Jack McCloskey becoming GM to Joe Dumars retiring.
The rise and fall of Michael Jordan and his Bulls dynasty, including the 30 teammates who helped him win six championships, from his selection in the 1984 draft to Scottie Pippen’s homecoming.
The rise and fall of Hakeem Olajuwon and his Rockets dynasty, including the 16 teammates who helped him win two championships, from Moses Malone’s departure to Rudy Tomjanovich’s retirement.
The rise and fall of Kobe Bryant and his Lakers dynasty, including the 31 teammates who helped him win five championships, from his selection in the 1996 draft to his 2016 retirement and 60-point outburst.
Basketball, Listed 