History of the NBA During Presidential Election Years

 

 A look back at some fun history of the NBA during Presidential election years.

Most championships

• LA Lakers – 6 (2020, 2000, 1988, 1980, 1972, 1952*)
• Boston Celtics – 6 (2008, 1984, 1976, 1968, 1964, 1960)
• Chicago Bulls – 2 (1996, 1992)
• Cleveland Cavaliers – 1 (2016)
• Miami Heat -1 (2012)
• Detroit Pistons – 1 (2004)
• Philadelphia Warrior – 1 (1956)
• Baltimore Bullets – 1 (1948)

*1952 Lakers championship came when the team played in Minneapolis

Lebron James

• Lebron has won the last 3 Election year NBA titles (2012, 2016, 2020), and done so on 3 different teams (Heat, Cavs, Lakers)
• Regular season MVP in 2012
• He won Rookie of the Year in 2004.
• NBA scoring champion in 2008
• Won 2 Olympic Gold medals (2008, 2012)

Most NBA MVP awards

• Michael Jordan – 3 (1996, 1992, 1988
• Kareem Abdul-Jabar – 3 (1980, 1976, 1972)
• Wilt Chamberlein – 2 (1968, 1960)

#1 Draft Picks

• Starting five – Allen Iverson (1996), Oscar Robertson (1960), Shaquille O’Neal (1992), Hakeem Olajuwon (1984), Elvin Hayes (1968)
• Bench– Ben Simmons (2016), Anthony Davis (2012), Derrick Rose (2008), Dwight Howard (2004), Kenyon Martin (2000)

Notable Events (since 1988)

• 2020 – Worldwide pandemic, bubble basketball
• 2016 – Warriors won 73 games, overcame 3-1 deficit vs Thunder in West Final, then blew 3-1 lead in NBA Finals to Lebron and Cavs (Cleveland’s first NBA title) and then signed Kevin Durant. All of this happened in Kobe Bryant’s final season.
• 2012 – Lebron James won his first career NBA title, during a season which was shortened by a lockout and only 66 games were played during the regular season.
• 2008 – Celtics, led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen beat the Lakers in NBA Finals. Seattle Sonics move to Oklahoma City and are rebranded as the Thunder.
• 2004 – Michael Jordan is forever connected to this Finals, which saw the Pistons beat the Lakers during the first official post-MJ era season and Lebron James’ rookie year.
• 2000 – The first career championships for Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal and the first of 3 straight for the duo plus Phil Jackson.
• 1996 – The 4th of 6 NBA titles for the Bulls and the first of 3 straight for MJ, Scottie Pippen, and Phil.
• 1992 – NBA lost two legends – Larry Bird played his final NBA games and Pistons coach Chuck Daly, who won two titles, resigned.
• 1988 – MJ wins his first MVP award; Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat debut as expansion teams.