NBA Team Names: Origins and Curiosities

At least once in our lives, we have stopped to wonder about the meaning of an NBA team name. Are you curious to know why the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, or Milwaukee Bucks are called that?From history to past teams and geography: here’s what lies behind the names of the 30 NBA teams.

And if you still want more at the end of the article, we suggest having a laugh with 50 funny names for your fantasy basketball team.

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks

The nickname “Hawks” comes from the name of a local tribe chief, the Sauk, Black Hawks, who fought the Black Hawk War against the United States in the 1800s.

Originally, in 1949, the franchise was named Tri-Cities Blackhawks because the team represented three cities along the Mississippi River; two years later, the team moved to Milwaukee, where they dropped the “Black” to distinguish themselves from Chicago’s hated hockey team.

After spending time in Milwaukee, the team was first relocated to St. Louis and then arrived in Atlanta in 1968, where it remains today.

Boston Celtics

The name Celtics was decided by founder Walter Brown to honor Boston’s tradition, where there is a large community of Irish descent.

Additionally, the colors adopted by the franchise, white and green, pay homage to Ireland.

Brooklyn Nets

The nickname for this New York franchise was chosen for its similarity to other teams in the Big Apple: the Mets (baseball) and the Jets (football).

Originally known as the New Jersey Americans, after moving to Brooklyn, they adopted this new name, Nets, which literally translates to “net.”

Charlotte Hornets

The origin of the name for Michael Jordan’s franchise is quite convoluted. Initially, the franchise was supposed to be called Charlotte Spirit, but strong opposition from local residents led then-owner George Shinn to change it to Hornets, referencing a phrase spoken by British General Cornwallis during the Revolutionary War:

“In this place, it is like fighting against a hornet’s nest.”

Later, the team took on the name Charlotte Bobcats; some say this nickname referred to bobcats that populated North Carolina’s woods; others believe it referred to Robert “Bob” Johnson, the first African American owner of an NBA franchise.

Following several unsuccessful seasons, Charlotte reclaimed the nickname Hornets in 2015 when the former New Orleans Hornets changed their name to New Orleans Pelicans.

Chicago Bulls

The name Bulls was chosen by Chicago franchise founder Richard Klein, referencing a nickname given to Chicago as a world capital of meat, alluding to its thriving beef industry.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The name “Cavaliers” was chosen through a poll to honor 18th-century knights. The winner, Jerry Tomko, justified his choice by stating that:

“they represented a group of fearless men bound by an unbreakable pact of loyalty without considering their chances of success”

Detroit Pistons

Originally based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, it was named Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons after owner Fred Zollner, who owned a factory that manufactured pistons.

When the franchise moved to Detroit in the 1950s, Pistons replaced Falcons as their nickname. Again, this nickname refers to numerous General Motors factories present in Michigan.

Indiana Pacers

The name was chosen by a group of investors who founded the franchise to honor two defining elements of Indianapolis: horse racing and auto racing (like the famous Indianapolis 500).

Literally, it means “pacer,” referring to those who set the rhythm.

Miami Heat

The Miami franchise name was adopted following a fan poll: among various proposals were Vice, Sharks, Floridans, Palm Trees, and of course, Heat.

The chosen nickname was last because, as stated by Miami residents:

“When you think of Miami, that’s the first thing that comes to mind.”

Milwaukee Bucks

The name was chosen from various proposals made by residents of Wisconsin; among them were Robins (robins), Skunks (skunks), and Bucks (deer).

Against popular will, they decided on Bucks to honor deer presence in Wisconsin’s dense forests.

New York Knicks

The nickname Knicks is short for Knickerbockers, a type of rolled-up pants worn by Dutch settlers who founded New Amsterdam (later New York) in 1625.

Orlando Magic

Similarly, this name was adopted following a public consultation. Among fans’ most desired names were Challengers (named after the space shuttle that exploded in Florida in 1986), Juice (to honor juice from numerous orange and grapefruit crops), and Magic, referring to Disney’s slogan:

“Come to the Magic.”

Welcome to the enchanted world…

Philadelphia 76ers

Originally named Syracuse Nationals, this team moved to Philadelphia in 1963 after 20 years since its founding and changed its name to 76ers (seventy-sixers).

The nickname refers to the Declaration of Independence signed on July 4th 1776 in Philadelphia by Thomas Jefferson and other colonies.

Toronto Raptors

The Canadian city’s nickname was adopted following fan proposals: among popular names were Towers (referring to CN Tower) and Raptors (to honor Spielberg’s film Jurassic Park, set in Canada).

The team’s logo also resembles scratches caused by velociraptor claws.

Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards franchise replaced the previous team known as the Washington Bullets, which moved from Baltimore.

The nickname “Bullets” faced criticism for years due to its association with violence and crime; thus a poll was held in 1995 that resulted in winning name Wizards, defeating other contenders like Dragons, Express, and Sea Dogs.

Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks

The nickname for Dallas originated from a poll launched by a local radio station. The chosen name was Mavericks, which means “wild horses,” having a dual meaning.

Some refer it to wild horses living freely in Texas (also appearing in their logo); others refer it to rancher Samuel Augustus Maverick, an iconoclast often associated with independence struggles.

Carla Springer, one fan who voted for this nickname said:

“The Mavericks name represents Dallas’ independent and eccentric style.”

Denver Nuggets

Entering the NBA as Denver Rockets, Colorado’s franchise changed its name in 1974 to Denver Nuggets.

The nickname Nuggets means “nugget,” chosen to evoke Colorado’s gold rush during early nineteenth-century mining history.

Golden State Warriors

Originally based in Philadelphia before moving to San Francisco, management decided to honor California’s symbol with their name: the Golden Gate Bridge, built in 1933 and inaugurated four years later in 1937.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets originally based in San Diego moved to Texas during the seventies but kept their nickname due to Houston being home to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

Los Angeles Clippers

Originally based in San Diego, Los Angeles’ franchise chose Clippers (“sailing ships”) as their nickname honoring California’s maritime tradition. After moving to Los Angeles, they retained this name.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers originated in Minneapolis where they chose this nickname due to numerous lakes present: indeed this area is nicknamed “land of 10 thousand lakes”.

As with another city team when relocating to Los Angeles, they kept their original name.

Memphis Grizzlies

Originally based in Vancouver where grizzly bears live; hence local residents chose this nickname honoring local mythology and beliefs about indigenous tribes.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The nickname associated with Minneapolis’ franchise came from a fan poll; two most voted names were Timberwolves (gray wolves) and Polars (referring to Polaris star).

New Orleans Pelicans

Choosing “pelican” as New Orleans’ franchise symbol recalls Louisiana’s emblem: indeed this aquatic bird appears on both state flag and seal.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City’s franchise nickname has two different origins: one relates weather since Oklahoma is known for severe storms characterized by tornadoes and lightning (thunder); another celebrates Army’s 45th Infantry Regiment based there nicknamed “Thunderbird.”

Phoenix Suns

Phoenix’s franchise owes its nickname due hot climate of Arizona deserts: indeed “suns” means “sun” referring desert landscape surrounding Phoenix city itself.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland’s franchise nickname also arose from a contest; “Blazers” means “pioneers” or “trailblazers,” honoring early white men who reached Oregon opening paths through forests mountains.

Sacramento Kings

Sacramento’s team name dates back original franchise called Rochester Royals; with Royals moving first Cincinnati then Kansas City finally Sacramento changed its name Kings (“kings”) not lose noble status.

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio’s franchise nickname was selected through fan polling; among proposed nicknames were Gunslingers (gunmen) Aztecs but prevailed Spurs due western tradition city cowboys.

Utah Jazz

Originally based New Orleans—“world capital jazz”—when moved Salt Lake City early eighties kept unchanged name remained intact. This translation captures all key points discussed about each NBA team’s name origin and includes fun facts related to them.