Naismith's 13 Original Rules
Canadian Dr. James Naismith created the game of basketball from 13 original rules and while those rules have been modified over time, the essential principles remain constant.
Ian Naismith: The Best Sportsman That I Ever Knew
Current NBA rules
History of basketball in Canada

The First Game
Toronto, Canada was the site of the league's very first game on Nov. 1, 1946, with the Huskies hosting the New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens. The contest drew 7,090, a good crowd considering that virtually every youngster in Canada grew up playing hockey and basketball was hardly a well-known sport at the time.

The 24-Second Clock Revived the Game
With professional basketball suffering in the early 1950's, one rule change transformed it from a dull, stalling game to an exciting, offensive showcase.
Syracuse Nats win first title of shot-clock era

Remember the Rens
Which team won 112 games in one season while losing only seven? Only the greatest team you've never heard of.

The Commissioners
Like most pro sports leagues, the NBA is a confederation of separate organizations that compete yet must also cooperate. No such organization can exist, let alone thrive as the league has for more than 50 years, without outstanding leadership at the top.