The Atlanta Hawks have had 5 name changes in the history of the team. The final name change came in 1968 when they officially became the Atlanta Hawks. In 1958 the Hawks won their only NBA title. They also have four conference and a division title to their name. Those teams have had a number of great players take the floor. Here is a look at the top three players in franchise history.

When the Charlotte Hornets relocated to New Orleans in 2002, the NBA promised Charlotte that the city would be granted an NBA expansion team for the 2004-05 season. The NBA held up their end of the deal, and the Charlotte Bobcats were added to the league. The Bobcats haven't had a whole lot of success, but there is one team that stands above the rest.

The first ever professional basketball championship was won by the Golden State Warriors in 1947. The Warriors have since won two other championships. They won in 1956 and 1975 and made it to the NBA Finals on three other occasions. Those teams were full of great players, but these are the greatest Warriors of all time.

The Chicago Bulls forever changed their fate when Michael Jordan fell in their lap in the 1984 NBA draft. Although the team had fielded respectable and excellent players like Jerry Sloane, Norm Van Lier, Bob Love, Clifford Ray, Artis Gilmore, Reggie Theus and Orlando Woolridge in its history, it wasn't until the arrival of Jordan did the Bulls soar to new heights. Find out which Bulls teams ranks as the best in team history.

The franchise was formed in 1946 as the National Basketball League's Buffalo Bisons, however 13 games into their inaugural season the team was relocated to the Tri-Cities (now Quad-Cities). The team relocated once again to Milwaukee in 1951. By 1955, the team moved once again, this time to St. Louis, and became the St. Louis Hawks. It wasn't until 1968 that the team found its place in Atlanta. Over the years there have been a number of great Hawk teams. Find out which team I rank as the best of all time.

The Detroit Pistons have won five Championships, two being in the NBL and three since joining the NBA. In the history of the franchise,there have been several outstanding players to put on a Pistons' uniform. Find out which three players I have ranked as the best of all time.

Like many NBA teams the Golden State Warriors have endured times of success and times of struggles. Founded in 1946, the Warriors are one of the oldest franchises in NBA history and their history is littered with hall-of-famers and great players.Find out which Warriors team is the best of all time.

The Detroit Pistons were founded in 1941 and were originally called the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons. They played in the NBL for several years until they joined the NBA in 1948. Out of all the great teams the Pistons have showcased over the years, this is the one that I feel is the best of all time.

Learning how to increase your vertical jump could prove to be most valuable if you are involved in competitive sports. Two of the most well known sports to play that have a need for vertical jump training are volleyball and basketball.

In order to become the best basketball player, you need to have the right training and equipment. You need to have several basketball training accessories that are involved in shooting and in improving your dribbling techniques.

Basketball hoops are extremely varied when it comes to price. You could spend less than $100 for a entry-level model, or thousands on a pro-style system like you would find in the NCAA and NBA. The latter could cost upwards of $16,000 or more depending on the model and where you buy them from. These hoops are the best of the best, and few residential owners anywhere have an indoor gym to house one, and the finances to pay for it.

The Boston Celtics are the most successful franchise in NBA history. They have a league record 17 world championships and their history is filled with excellent players as well as hall-of-famers. Out of all the great teams, this is the one that I feel is the best of all time.

Heated negotiations between NBA players and owners in 2011 eventually resulted in a lockout -- only the 4th in NBA history. For 161 days, the players and owners debated back and forth as fans eagerly awaited an armistice and the dawn of the season. The end finally came in early December when players and owners reached an agreement. Because the season was cut from the usual 82 games to only 66, will it have any impact on player salaries? The answer is first no, and then maybe.

There have been many great players on the New York Knicks throughout the years. Some of the greatest players to have worn the Knicks jersey are Patrick Ewing, Earl Monroe, Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Harry Gallatin and Dave Debusschere.

What players would you rank as the best to ever wear a Clippers uniform? We break down our top three players in franchise history in this article.

When shopping for a basketball hoop, you will encounter three different types. One is the in-ground, where the pole is installed into the ground or an anchor. Another is the mounted version, where the hoop is placed on a garage or side of the house. The final type is portable, where the hoop can be moved around on a whim.

This Lifetime 1533 portable basketball hoop is a nice product which offers you and your kids the opportunity to indulge in basketball as often as you would like. No weekends will be the same and no weekdays will be boring. For now, we will guide you into the nitty gritty of this awesome hoop system.

SKLZ Pro mini hoop is one of the awesome indoor basketball hoops whose functionality and durability almost rivals that of outdoor pro basketball hoop. If you love basketball, but are limited by exterior space, then you should think of acquiring a convenient hoop such as this mini hoop.

This Lifetime 51550 portable hoop has followed closely in the steps of its successful predecessors. It provides a considerable number of features that might interest you. If you are not quite sure about the suitability of this hoop, then read on to find out whether it's worth your time and money.

What players rank at the top of the list for the greatest Miami Heat of all time? We give you our top three players to ever wear a Heat uniform in this article.

What players would you list as the greatest Boston Celtics in history. We give you our list of the best players in history to ever don a Celtics uniform.

Who do you think are the greatest players to ever play for the Los Angeles Lakers? This is our list of the top three NBA players to ever don a Lakers uniform.

What players would you name the best to ever play for the Dallas Mavericks? We look at our top three Mavs of all-time in this article.

What players would you rank as the greatest Portland Trail Blazers of all-time? In this article we rank our top three players to ever don a Blazers uniform.

Who would you list as the greatest Chicago Bulls of all-time? We give you our list in this article on the best Bulls in history.

Anyone who acquires the Spalding 72351 will enjoy several years of recreational basketball play at the place of their convenience. This portable basketball hoop has a clear backboard, and once you set it up, the unit looks great.

"The Decision" was yet another selfish and childish televised stunt by James et. al, but former St. Louis Cardinals' free agent Albert Pujols couldn't have generated that much worldwide buzz from a self-limiting sport like baseball even if he would have summoned the young "soul" of Muhammad Ali! I'll repeat it. LeBron James is better than Michael Jordan individually at this stage in his career. That's not an opinion, that's a fact!

A number of athletes are ignoring their vertical jump ability when they engage in basketball as well as other sport activities. Players jump higher for basketball in an effort to rebound, dunk and shoot the ball right inside the ring. Vertical jump refers to the optimal elevation an athlete is able to do when he leaps vertically. Plenty of drills and exercises have been tailored to advance the vertical skill of athletes but majority of them commonly focus on quickness and efficient muscle explosion.

The quality of your basketball game depends on the kind of equipment that you use. If you love basketball, then chances are you might have considered the Lifetime 1269 portable basketball hoop. Just like other units, this comes with a set of features that might interest you.

Selecting basketball trophies worthy of representing a championship team can be a daunting task. By now, your basketball season is in full swing and soon your team or league will be looking into basketball awards. So how do you select the perfect championship trophy and how do you make the switch from the traditional trophy cup your league is accustomed too to a basketball trophy that truly represents the success of your organization? Exactly like that! Make sure you select a basketball trophy that epitomizes the success of your team or league. If you're looking to make a change in trophy cups, you're not alone.

The Lifetime 1225 Pro Court basketball system has been designed to provide you with some satisfactory features. Whether you are thinking of buying or just browsing it would be a good idea if you grasped the fundamental features of this unit. Read on to find out if this system is what you are searching for.

Are you looking for the perfect residential hoop basketball system? Do you want to enjoy several years of recreational basketball in your backyard? Then we suggest that you consider the enviable Spalding 74560. Referred to as "The beast" on the streets.

Patrick Ewing could take over a basketball game unlike any other big man during his era. On the offensive side of the floor, Ewing could score in a myriad of ways. He could hit the 18 foot jumper, show moves in the paint, or battle for a rebound.

There are more choices nowadays then ever when it comes to basketball hoops. Back in the day, you either mounted one on your garage or attached one to a pole. Now, you can purchase ones that are portable and adjustable. Not to mention all the backboards of various sizes, shapes, and materials. Not all rims are created equal either, as consumers can choose from the classic styles or the modern breakaway versions.

Spalding 72354 follows in the footsteps of its sister line of hoops which continue to impress with the level of play it offers to young kids. If you are thinking of acquiring this model, then perhaps you should be acquainted with its features so that you can decide whether this hoop is the right one for you.

If you love to play basketball with your children or your friends, it is time to invest in a basketball hoop you can enjoy on your property. There is nothing more frustrating than buying basketball hoops just to find that they shake when you try to dunk or make a free throw.

Basketball hoops are just one component of the game of basketball and yet there are many factors to consider before purchasing one. There are numerous brands, models and types available and some cost a bundle.

If you are thinking of acquiring a good basketball system to help you hone your basketball skills, then you should consider the suitability of using the portable Lifetime 1221 basketball system. This system not only allows you to improve your skills, but gives you and your family or friends the opportunity to have fun all year round.

The Lifetime youth portable basketball system satisfactorily provides your kids with an excellent chance to exercise and have fun with a tested and reliable hoop. Once you install it in your home, you and your kids can play and you will have the peace of mind while they will appreciate the convenience it offers them right in your yard.

One of the top basketball hoops that offers immense benefits is the Lifetime portable basketball system. This product is laden with features which will surely satisfy the gaming needs of most basketball players.

If you want your kids to have fun while honing their ball skills, and nurture their passion for the game, then you should ideally get them a good basketball system like the Huffy basketball hoop. This is certainly a valued product that you should consider and, if you are not sure why, read on to evaluate its suitability.

If you intend to set up a home portable basketball system, then you will realize that the basketball pole is integral to the success of the system as a whole. Essentially, the pole determines the stability of the basketball hoop.

Basketball nets and basketball rims are integral components of conventional and portable basketball hoops systems. Their essence lies in the fact that they complete the structural integrity of the basketball system. There are numerous types of nets to cater for unique tastes and preferences of individuals.

If you're on the look-out for a portable basketball hoops system, then chances are that you might be interested in finding certain cost effective designs. The quality and design will correspond to the pricing.

If you intend to play basketball and get the bounce you want, it is advisable to determine the suitability of different kinds of portable basketball backboard. In basketball, backboards are necessary for basketball players.

Agility drills and exercises are often practiced by athletes to improve their skills in their respective sports like basketball. Agility drills help in improving their speed, time and precision. There are different kinds of drills which can improve a person's agility, like ladder runs, lateral sprints and rope skipping.

Basketball season just started and soon you will be ordering basketball trophies to commemorate a successful season and your athletes hard work. As always your budget is tight and you're looking for the best trophy deal or plaques for your coaching team. Now with an early start you can get that great discount and maybe incorporate your basketball awards with a fund raising and sponsorship program.

It is amazing how the mediums of communication can provide news, as in first heard, first eyed ones! And what more can a basketball fan wants than first hand basketball news? This is the glory humans have achieved by seeking modern devices than those that are in the older days. In those times, people will still have to wait for the morning post before they get the news unless they are in the event.

The NBA is back. This means more coast-to-coast excitement. Is this the year the East takes over? With the Lakers not being able to land Chris Paul because of a blocked deal by the NBA, with the Spurs nearly ancient and with the Mavericks missing Tyson Chandler, the door is wide open for the East. Even if you think the Clippers can make a run this year and somehow make the NBA Finals, they don't have any playoff experience. The demise of the West is great news for the East, especially for teams like the Heat and Bulls. Regardless of what team you're rooting for, it's important that you support your team by looking into NBA jerseys.

Basketball came from humble beginnings, but is now one of the largest, most popular sports in America. As the sport has grown, so has the youth aspect, which has yielded a demand for unique basketball socks.

This article is about MSU Spartans Basketball, its rich history, the two famous venues of the past seventy one years, and the two coaches of the past thirty six years each responsible for having lead the MSU Spartans to an NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, and lots more! Yes... Detailed here are lots of interesting facts about the Jenison Field House, and the Jack Breslin Student Event Center. Also, a brief over view of the only two MSU Spartan coaches in the past thirty six years.

Plyometric training is a fantastic technique to build explosive strength and speed. It is a form of training that creates quick, explosive motion to produce muscle power and strength. This is a kind of workout training intended to improve muscle strength. It's an efficient type of strength exercising preferably designed for basketball. Plyometric exercising is undoubtedly an extreme type of workout which enables athletes enhance the strength of their movements.

How do you find the best outdoor basketball? What makes a good outdoor basketball good? What features and questions should you ask before buying an outdoor basketball? Choosing a good quality basketball is important, especially if you find yourself playing the game of basketball outdoors.

If there is one interest that is shared by almost all men, it is most probably their love for sports and athletic competitions. And among the many different kinds of sports that pique their fevered interest, it stands out as one of the most popular, as the fast pace of the game and the high-flying players that take part in these games prove to be irresistible for them. And for women who wish to give the perfect gifts for their brothers, fathers, and boyfriends, basketball gifts are something that they will truly treasure, especially if they are fans of the...

Should you talk to your kid's coach about playing time or should you let him handle it? Read this article to find out.

What an amazing week in basketball last week including the past couple of days. From the fight in Cincinnati, all the way to the Los Angeles Clippers becoming a factor in basketball what an interesting past few days. Let's review the good and the bad this past week you decide which is which:

The NBA Lockout is almost over with a tentative agreement in place, and players are set to resume workouts at team facilities. Free agent signings and training camp are scheduled to begin December 9, and the season will kick off on Christmas with a shortened, sixty-six game season.

When dealing with a child's parents of any sport, it's a touchy situation. You want to encourage the parents to be involved in their son's or daughter's sports activities. Naturally, parents are concerned about their child's well-being and want what's best for their child but, when parents undermined a coaches' authority, it tends to be a problem in most cases.

Basketball drills are an important part of any basketball program. You need fundamentally sound drills in order to be successful.

The Spalding 74560 Portable Basketball Hoop is one of the best basketball products on the market today. They call it the "The Beast" because of its 60-inch glass backboard. Despite its size, it's still a portable basketball hoop that promises its users a fun basketball court in their own driveway.

There are many big names entering free agency this offseason and we're taking a look at the top 20 MLB free agents for the 2012 season: 1. Albert Pujols (1B) - Simply the best and most consistent hitter since he came into the league in 2001. He's led his team to two World Series and should be in for a monster payday.

These are the Power Rankings for the NBA's best free agents available for the upcoming season. Teams are officially allowed to sign free agents on December 9th, while the NBA season will begin on December 25th.

Being a professional basketball player, I know first hand a few things that could help you improve. When I focused on these three areas that I'm going to share with you, I was able to accomplish a lot more than I could imagine.

Athletes in a variety of sports can benefit tremendously from incorporating jumping exercises into their workout routines. The ability to increase their vertical jump can take their sport to a new level of competitiveness.

After David Stern cancelled the first two weeks of the NBA season, Knicks center Amare Stoudemire discussed the possibility of the players starting their own league. But could the National Players League actually work?

Flexibility is essential to teaching your body to jump higher. There are a few benefits that you need to be aware of when you are learning to jump higher. By including a stretching routine as part of your vertical jump program you will quickly see results.

Player being banned from MLB is a form of punishment that is instituted by the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball against an executive, manager or player or any other member associated with the league. This serves as a denunciation of an offensive action a player or member has committed that tarnished or violated the integrity of baseball. A player or member that has been banned may no longer be employed with Major League Baseball or the MLB affiliated minor leagues, and includes being barred from the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A preview of the center position for the upcoming Syracuse Orange basketball season. Includes analysis and expectations for Fab Melo, Baye Mousa Keita, and Rakeem Christmas.

Learning how to be quicker in basketball is all about the time and effort you are willing to put forth. For some, speed and quickness come naturally, but for most of the world, it is something that takes practice and dedication. Genetically, Dwight Howard has an advantage over most other players, but that doesn't mean smaller players, like Derrick Rose, can't put up the same number of buckets as Howard.

In basketball, there are a lot of things that you, as a player can't control. You can't control your genetics, which determine your height and size, which ultimately can determine which position you will play. Fortunately, some key elements of your game can be controlled by you through basketball speed and quickness drills.

What do you do when a hard-to-get interview is cancelled and you're still expected to produce a story anyway? Having a panic attack wouldn't be all that unusual. But you still have to recover, and there's still a story that has to be written.

The Missouri Tigers had a 2010-11 overall record of 23-11 and 8-8 in the Big 12. However, this team will be going through plenty of changes this season with head coach Mike Anderson leaving the team at the end of the year. Anderson had given the school a record 77 wins over his past three seasons and reached the NCAA tournament all three years.

The Baylor Bears finished the 2010-11 season with an overall record of 18-13. Baylor missed the postseason for the first time since 2007, but should bounce back this year with a strong recruiting class. Though the Bears had a disappointing last season, Lace Darius Dunn become the school and the Big 12's all-time leading scorer. The Bears also have a record of 91-47 spanning the last four seasons which is the best mark the school has achieved since way back in 1945-1950.

In 2010-11, Boston College had an overall record of 21-13 and 9-7 in ACC action. It was Steve Donahue's first year as head coach however, he will be starting from scratch this season since all of his starters are now gone.

Once again sneakerheads can rest easy in knowing that the current NBA lockout effect the amount of sick signature sneaker releases. The new colorway of the Jordan Melo M8 is evidence of that. Dropping in a Cool Grey colorway, this shoe will continue to "play the game" until professional ballers can do the same.

A new sneaker will join the list of the epic Penny Hardaway signature sneaker line. The new Nike Zoom Rookie LWP will release in several different colorways. This shoe is destined for greatness just like all the other Penny signature sneakers.

So you want to learn how to be quicker in basketball? In a game where speed and quickness dominates, the standout players are usually the ones that are most physically fit. The real results come from practice (we talking 'bout practice?), so when your coach tells you to do something, give it 100%.

A new Jordan Spiz'ike shoe is set to drop in early 2012. The Jordan Hybrid that sneakerheads either love or hate. There is no middle ground for this shoe. This epic Jordan shoe is made up of the elements used on the Jordan 3,4,5,6,9, and 20. Some love it. Some hate it. Not many are indifferent to it.

The low-cut basketball shoe has never been more popular. And among sneakerheads the most popular low-cut shoe is the Nike Hyperfuse 2011 Low. This shoe has it all. Breathability, durability, and cushioning. All in a lightweight ride.

There are many different types of brands when it comes to basketball shoes and it can be hard to choose the best basketball shoes when there are a lot to choose from. Getting the right ones can be beneficial to your overall experience and your style of play. This post will underline what it takes to choose the best basketball shoes.

There is yet another colorway of the Nike Hyperdunk Supreme 2011 that has been released. If you are a fan of the color Orange, this shoe is for you. Complete with a webbed TPU overlay, this shoe is perhaps the most stable and cushioned Nike basketball shoe of the year.

Nike is making it very difficult for the obsessive-compulsive sneakerhead to purchase their basketball shoe. That is because they are dropping a sick new pair quite frequently. It is virtually impossible to purchase every pair. That's alright. A few of them will do just fine.

The epic Jordan Retro 14 will release in three different colorways over the next few months. The last shoe that Michael Jordan wore before he retired from the game of professional basketball is one of the most historical Jordan's ever made. A piece of history will be readily available to Jordanheads.

Basketball is one of the most popular and exciting sports in the world. Basketball is a sport that includes two teams of five players each. Each teams' objective is to throw, which is referred to shooting, a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following different rules.

The Air Jordan 11 is the most popular shoe in Michael Jordan's signature sneaker line. The last two years have seen a colorway of this epic shoe release. This year will be no different. The Jordan 11 "Concord" will drop on December 23, 2011. It is so popular that it will sell out within hours.

The already popular Nike Hyperfuse 2011 has now received the "Supreme" treatment. The Hyperfuse 2011 Supreme uses premium-quality materials to improve on the current Hyperfuse shoe. Four colorways of this epic new shoe have already dropped.

The sick looking colorways of the new LeBron 9 just continue to pile up. Images of the LeBron 9 "Christmas Day" colorway have been spotted. Sporting a Metallic Red color and accented with Green, this is one epic shoe that will make your holidays very happy.

The new Nike Air Max Sweep Thru is another basketball shoe that offers the true "gamer" an opportunity to shine. At a very affordable price of $85, this is one pair of basketball kicks that will take it easy on your wallet. This high performance shoe is now available in three different colorways.

Are you ready for this? The geniuses at the Nike color design lab have come up with another epic colorway. Treasure Blue, Ice, and Volt are all used on a new edition of the Nike Hyperdunk 2011. Beautiful colors with really cool names. It doesn't get any better than this in a basketball shoe.

USC experienced a decent season in 2010-11 with a 19-15 record as well as a fourth place showing within the Pac-10. In the Pac-10 tourney USC advanced to the semifinals, then proceeded to drop the play-in game to VCU. With the departures of the team's top two rebounders, it is going to be intriguing to find out how the team replaces that production.

The new Kobe VII will be dropping very soon. And this year it will be dropping in three different version. It will release in a base, supreme, and elite version. Does this mean there will be three times as many colorways as the last three Kobe's? One can only hope so.

The new Kobe VII will release in three seperate editions this coming year. A "base", "supreme", and "elite" version of this shoe will drop at three different price points. Nice! That means three times as many colorways as the Kobe shoes of the past!

The year of 2011 will be remembered as the year that the Air Jordan became relevant again. The signature sneaker of the Jordan line made a triumphant return this year. The epic Jordan 2011 that was released this year made the it cool to wear Air Jordans again.

Kobe Bryant shoes sure can be expensive. Some of the limited editions of this shoe can carry a $350 price tag. Some of the general releases still will cost you $130. However, if you truly want a pair of the best low-cut basketball shoes on the market, a pair of Kobe VI's can be yours for around $100.

Get ready for yet another Jordan Hybrid. The new Jordan 6-17-23 has dropped. This shoe combines the design elements of the Jordan 6 and the Jordan 17. Four different colorways have been released and capture some of the legendary color design elements of these past epic Jordans.

Pittsburgh had a really successful year in 2010-11. The team finished with a record of 28-6, but lost quickly in both the conference and NCAA tournaments. Though only two starters come back, Jamie Dixon has shown he can simply reload when dropping high talent.

Do you want a pair of basketball shoes that is dependable and committed to making you perform better on the court? Well, the new pair of Hyperdunk 2011's that has dropped is perfect for you. Decked out in Varsity Royal, this high performance shoe is done up in the color that represents dependability and commitment.

Nike shoe designers refuse to stop making epic shoes. The design pattern on the new Hyperdunk Supreme has got to be seen to be believed. Already being called "Digi-Camo", this aesthetic design has never been seen on a basketball shoe before. It is isn't the first time the guys at Nike have wowed us and it won't be the last.

The wait is over! The new LeBron 9 has released and the wait has definitely been worth it. Both the look and performance design of this new shoe are unequaled by any other basketball shoe on the market. This much anticipated shoe has not only met expectations, it has surpassed them.