NBA Historical Replay from 1949

[Honny118]

This historical replay report is greatly inspired from the famous Tiger Fan's multi-sports dynasty report, and many thanks to La Tulipe's contribution to the historical roster files.

In this universe, I consider myself as the commissioner of the new-born league in 1949, which means I will not managed any teams and will merely act as a side viewer and a reporter to record what happened around the league. Given the constraints of DDS:CB, it is not possible to mirror all actual features of the real league, such as the number of teams, team background, league alignment... but all real NBA players will join the league via annual drafts. Other features which are not in line with the actual world will be introduced in due course.

Without further ado, let's back to 1949...

[Honny118]

October 4, 1949
NEW PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE FORMED TODAY

The National Basketball Association, or the NBA in short-form, is formed today by way of a merger of the BAA and the NBL. 16 teams are divided into 2 conferences, with a 8-team single division at each side. Each team has to play 58 regular season games which will be tipped off from October 31, 1949, where top 4 teams from each conference advance to the playoffs stage to determine the champion of the year.

More details will be released in due course.

[Honny118]

October 5, 1949
ABA DRAFT TODAY

The draft of the American Basketball Association (ABA), which serves as the official developmental league of the newly-formed NBA, will be held later today. The ABA consists of 12 teams, each of which is affilitated with at least one NBA team to form the "farm system" of the league through assignment of young players under 25 or with no more than 3 years pro to the respective ABA teams. As of today, 8 players have been assigned to the ABA already.

NBA's first free agent signing

The St. Louis Bombers today signed 5'11" guard Earl Shannon to a 1-year contract. Shannon, 28, is a 3-year pro from Rhode Island with solid passing and handling skills and great quickness. He is expected to contribute as the Bombers' starting SG.

[Honny118]

October 5, 1949
BOVEN GONE FIRST IN THE 1949 ABA DRAFT

SF Don Boven is selected by the Miami Floridians as the 1st pick overall of the 1949 ABA Draft. Boven, a rookie out of Western Michigan, is well-known for his scoring aggressiveness and outstanding physical condition. PF Bud Palmer gone second to the Dallas Chaparrals and C Harry Boykoff was picked third by the Kentucky Colonels.

A total of 120 players were selected by the 12 ABA teams in snake order today, which will become the first ever batch of "farm players" to the 16 NBA teams. They will try to polish themselves through regular competitive league games started from November 24, 1949 and only time will tell whether any of them will eventually earn a place in the NBA.

Roundup of 1949 ABA Draft

1st round

1. Miami Floridians - SF Don Boven
2. Dallas Chaparrals - PF Bud Palmer
3. Kentucky Colonels - C Harry Boykoff
4. Houston Mavericks - SG Red Wallace
5. Memphis Pros - PF Mike Bloom
6. New Orleans Buccaneers - PF Dick Mehen
7. Carolina Cougars - PF Coulby Gunther
8. San Antonio Spurs - C Hank Beenders
9. Utah Stars - PF Irv Torgoff
10. San Diego Conquistadors - SG Bulbs Ehlers
11. Virigina Squires - PG Leo Kubiak
12. Pittsburgh Condors - SF Gene Stump

Other players worth mention

2nd round: PG Ernie Calverley (Pittsburgh), SF Hal Tidrick (Virginia), SG Mel Riebe (Utah), PF Howie Dallmar (San Antonio), PF Gale Bishop (Kentucky)

3rd round: SF Jack Smiley (Dallas), PG Angelo Musi (Kentucky), SF John Abramovic (Houston)

4th round: SF Al Brightman (Kentucky), SG Wayne See (Dallas)

5th round: PF Ray Kuka (San Diego)

6th round: PG Jack Garfinkel (Kentucky)

7th round: PF Jack Dwan (Memphis)

[Honny118]

October 30, 1949
BOMBERS KEEP BUSY BY SIGNING ANOTHER FREE AGENT

The St. Louis Bombers show its ambition today by bringing in another free agent today. 6'4" PF Coulby Gunther, who was picked by the Carolina Cougars in the 1949 ABA Draft earlier this month, was signed to a 1-year contract today. The 26 years old post-player probably will start for the Bombers this season. The Bombers also assigned PC D.C. Wilcutt and PF Mac Otten to the affiliated New Orleans Bucs.

Coming up is the preview of the 1949-1950 NBA season. Stay tuned!

[Honny118]

October 30, 1949
EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW

1. Washington Capitols

Starters: PG Freddie Scolari, SG Chick Reiser, SF Bob Feerick, PF Bones McKinney, C Don Otten

Key subs: C Chick Halbert, SG Dick O'Keefe, PF Chuck Gilmar

Probably the most popular division title contender. The 6'6" McKinney and 6"10 Otten form one of the most quality inside power of the league in terms of scoring, rebounding and size. Feerick is the floor leader and another scoring threat for the Capitols though his range might further improve, whilst Scolari provides good vision and passing skills to create scoring chances. Halbert is able to provide second-string scoring and tireless defence from the bench.

2. St. Louis Bombers

Starters: PG Johnny Logan, SG Earl Shannon, SF Ariel Maughan, PF Coulby Gunther, C Ed Macauley

Key subs: C Red Rocha, PG Belus Smawley

Macauley provides excellent defence and rebounding in the middle, not to mention his low-post scoring. Logan runs the floor with lethal quickness, who is at his best while anchoring fast breaks. The starting lineup is further strengthened by the addition of Shannon and Gunther as free agent signings. Red Rocha is a solid backup with excellent shooting skills and good rebounding.

3. Syracuse Nationals

Starters: PG Al Cervi, SG Billy Gabor, SF Johnny Macknowski, PF Dolph Schayes, C George Ratkovicz

Key subs: PF Alex Hannum, C Ed Peterson, SG Paul Seymour

The Nationals are led by Schayes, a definite all-star calibre player who can scores, rebounds and play tough defence every night, and the experienced floor genral Cervi who has excellent vision and passing skills. Gabor might contribute more to the team should he can improve his consistency for perimeter shooting. Syracuse also has a deep bench with scoring help from Hannum and Seymour, as well as Peterson's defensive assistance. Syracuse should fight against St. Louis for the second place in the conference.

4. Baltimore Bullets

Starters: PG Joe Dolhon, SG Paul Hoffman, SF Whitey Von Nieda, PF Walt Budko, C Ed Sadowski

Key subs: PF Blackie Towery, PG Buddy Jeannette, SF Tommy Byrnes

This season should be a productive one for Budko given his great scoring and rebounding abilities and under the guidance of 6-year veteran Sadowski. Hoffman and Dolhon has good ball handling skills, yet their shooting are quite inconsistent which might hurt the team should Budko was cold. Should be at the verge of clinching a playoff spot.

5. New York Knicks

Starters: PG Dick McGuire, SG Carl Braun, SF Vince Boryla, PF Harry Gallatin, C Connie Simmons

Key subs: SF Ernie Vandeweghe

Braun is the most capable scorer of the team, yet must improve his shot selection. McGuire is a pass-first playmaker and a good vocal leader on the floor. Boryla and Gallatin are typical blue collars who are responsible for the 5dirty works in the painted areas. Ernie Vandeweghe is an underrated swingman with good shooting range and passing skills. Defence appears to be a big question for the Knicks to tackle.

6. Boston Celtics

Starters: PG Sonny Hertzberg, SG Howie Shannon, SF Ed Leede, PF Brady Walker, C Bob Kinney

Key subs: SF George Kaftan, C John Mahnken, PF Bob Doll, SF Tony Lavelli, PG Johnny Ezersky

Boston now has many average team players, who might contribute as a whole to a certain extent which should keep them away from the last place, yet lacking a prominent scoring force or a genuine leader on the floor might hinder how far the Celtics can advance. Should they are able to package a couple of players for a brighter star, they might earn a place in the playoffs run along with Baltimore and New York.

7. Atlanta Blackhawks

Starters: PG Murray Wier, SG Gene Vance, SF Dike Eddleman, PF Mike Todorovich, C Jack Nichols

Key subs: PG Dee Gibson, SG Red Perkins

Eddleman is a steady scorer who might give you 15+ points every night, and Nichols, though lacks mobility, is a good rebounder and shot blocker. However, the other role players are surely not enough to carry the Blackhawks to the playoffs stage this season. Fortunately, many think SG Perkins is a great kid who is willing to play hard every night and might has a bright future should he could further develop his long-range shooting.

8. Fort Wayne Pistons

Starters: PG Ralph Johnson, SG Duane Klueh, SF Jack Kerris, PF Fred Schaus, C Robert Carpenter

Key subs: C Bob Harris, C Howie Schultz, PG Curly Armstrong

The Pistons own a number of good big men in terms of size and defensive skills, yet their backcourt should be heavily upgraded should they want to have a serious attempt for a playoffs slot in the coming season.

[Honny118]

October 30, 1949
WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW

1. Indianapolis Olympians

Starters: PG Ralph Beard, SG Bruce Hale, SF Joe Holland, PF Wallace Jones, C Alex Groza

Key subs: PF Mal McMullan, SG Paul Walther

Definitely championship material this season. The Olympians has a core of Kentucky alumni leading by the classy Gorza, who can score and play extremely tough defence in the middle. Jones is another all-star calibre forward who possesses excellent rebounding skills. Another man at the corner Holland is one of the purest shooters in the league. At the backcourt, Beard is an unselfish pass-first playmaker who also plays solid defence. Veteran guard Hale has good shooting range and above average defensive skills.

2. Minneapolis Lakers

Starters: PG Herm Schaefer, SG Arnie Ferrin, SF Jim Pollard, PF Vern Mikkelsen, C George Mikan

Key subs: PG Billy Hassett, PG Bob Harrison, PG Slater Martin

The 6'10" Mikan probably is the most dominent figure of the league, who is surely a MVP candidate with solid low-post skills. He even owns above average passing ability which can create space and scoring chances for his teammates. Polland and Mikkelsen form the most outstanding frontcourt pair characterized by their excellent offensive skills. The Lakers are definitely another championship favourite, yet their lack of deep bench might block their way to success should the any of their three star players get hurt.

3. Rochester Royals

Starters: PG Bobby Wanzer, SG Bob Davies, SF Price Brookfield, PF Arnie Johnson, C Arnie Risen

Key subs: PG Red Holzman, SF Bill Calhoun, PF Jack Coleman, C Ed Mikan

The Royals surely could be regarded as one of the "Big 3" in the Western Conference, given to their balanced offense from each starters and even their backups, as well as their most complete lineup in terms of the role played by their quality players. Risen has the size and offensive weapon for an all-star center, whilst the backcourt headed by Wanzer and Davies is another asset for the team.

4. Milwaukee Packers

Starters: PG Frank Brian, SG John Hargis, SF Ed Stanczek, PF Bill Closs, C Milo Komenich

Key subs: PF Charlie Black, SG Richie Niemiera

The Packers should find themselves for the remaining playoffs berth this reason, thanks to Brian who has good hands and defensive skills which easily makes him the team leader on the floor. Closs and Komenich has limited offensive assets, yet they have underrated defensive skills which are essential to any winning team. Black is also a solid scoring threat from the bench.

5. Chicago Stags

Starters: PG Andy Phillip, SG Max Zaslofsky, SF Leo Barnhorst, PF Odie Spears, C Stan Miasek

Key subs: C Kleggie Hermsen, SG Frank Kudelka, PF Kenny Rollins

The Stags are another forthrunner for the 4th playoffs spot. Zaslofsky is a tremendous scorer and excellent free-throw shooter. Phillip, Spears and Miasek are all good role players which are crucial for the team's consistency, yet they might need a better player to run the floor as Phillip seems like a scorer than a passer.

6. Philadelphia Warriors

Starters: PG Francis Crossin, SG George Senesky, SF Fred Lewis, PF Joe Fulks, C Vern Gardner

Key subs: C Ron Livingston, PF Leo Mogus, SF Al Goukas

Fulks do all the things necessary for the team by his ownself: scoring, rebounding and defence. Apart from that, nevertheless, the other Warriors could only provide limited support, albeit Gardner might provide some bulk and size in the middle.

7. Phoenix Suns

Starters: PG Bobby Cook, SG Jack Burmaster, SF Stan Patrick, PF Max Morris, C Bob Brannum

Key subs: C Noble Jorgensen, C Milt Schoon

The Suns' main strength is from the painted areas. Morris provides low-post scoring from inside and Brannum has great size and build to play aggressive defence in the middle. The 6'9" Jorgensen also provides decent pivot defence off the bench. However, the other parts of the team seems underpar for pushing the team for a playoffs spot.

8. Denver Nuggets

Starters: PG Kenny Sailors, SG Jimmy Darden, SF Dillard Crocker, PF Bob Brown, C Floyd Volker

Key subs: C Jack Toomay

Playmaker Sailors seems to be the sole true solid player of the team, so expected to be a very tough season for the Nuggets. The only bright side is that athletic forward Crocker do has some upside.

[Honny118]

October 31, 1949
GROZA'S OLYMPIANS OVERPOWERED THE PISTONS

Alex Groza's contribution in 23 points and 13 rebounds led his Indianapolis Olympians to a 72-46 landslide over the Fort Wayne Pistons in the opening night of the 1949-50 NBA season. The visitor Olympians held the Pistons to an embarrassing 23.2% on the floor where Wallace Jones also added 8 points and 13 rebounds for Indianapolis. Fred Schaus led the loser with 9 points and 12 rebounds.

At Chicago, the Rochester Royals also shown their premier defence by taking the Stags 94-54. Bob Davies contributed 26 points to the winning side, while Max Zaslofsky's 14 points was the only point worth to be mentioned for the home team. In other actions, Dolph Schayes' 20 points 17 rebounds performance could not saved his Nationals from losing to the St. Louis Bombers 82-79 after OT. Ed Macauley led the winner with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Red Rocha also added 11 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the winner.

Results

Bombers@Nationals 82-79 OT
Olympians@Pistons 72-46
Royals@Stags 94-54
Blackhawks@Suns 61-83

[Honny118]

November 1, 1949
GROZA CONTINUES TO SHINE IN OLYMPIANS' WIN OVER THE ROYALS

Alex Groza's 35 points 15 rebounds performance fueled his Olympians to win against the Rochester Royals at home after OT. In this eye-catching matchup between two of the Big 3 of the Western Conference surely was a tight game as there were 25 lead changes. Wallace Jones added 19 points for the winner, whilst Ralph Beard has 17. The losing side was led by Arnie Risen (18 points 18 rebounds) and Bobby Wanzer (19 points).

Elsewhere at Boston, the Celtics lost to the Eastern favourite Washington Capitols 89-77, which was led by Don Otten (19 points 14 rebounds). Freddie Scolari and Bob Feerick also provided 16 points and 14 points respectively. Howie Shannon netted 17 points for the home team. In another action, Joe Fulks' 15 points 15 rebounds still not able to save his Warriors to drop a game to the Pistons.

Results

Capitols@Celtics 89-77
Warriors@Pistons 66-73
Royals@Olympians 92-96

[Honny118]

November 2, 1949
CELTICS PASSED THE KNICKS BY BACKUP POWER

John Mahnken and Bob Doll stepped up timely off the bench to lead the Celtics won over the New York Knicks 71-41 at home. Mahnken contributed 17 points 22 rebounds while Doll added 12 points 15 rebounds for the winner, both played the whole 48 minutes to showcase their abilities as starters Brady Walker and Bob Kinney are sidelined today due to injuries. New York only shot 23.6% from the floor with Dick McGuire is the only player who had double-digit scores (12 points).

In other actions, the Indianapolis Olympians carries on their strong start by taking the Nuggets 73-45 at Denver. Alex Groza led the winning side by 34 points and 16 rebounds. Elsewhere at Washington, the visiting Chicago Stags, led by Stan Miasek who grabbed 20 rebounds in 34 minutes, shocked the home team by 58-49. Don Otten provided 15 points 13 rebounds for the loser.

Results

Knicks@Celtics 41-71
Stags@Capitols 58-49
Olympians@Nuggets 73-45
Pistons@Royals 57-73