The NBA is the highest league in professional basketball. This article is about intimating novices interested in learning about the NBA with every basic thing they need to know. That includes its history, the rules, and common terminologies to help a novice understand any intimidating vernacular. Thus, keep reading to learn everything you will ever be required to know about the National Basketball Association because this article has NBA betting explained comprehensively.
There are thirty NBA franchises comprised of players from around the world with a Draft each year. Each franchise or team has a roster of fifteen players, including twelve active players in any game.
A Beginner’s Guide to the NBA
NBA History
The NBA officially started in 1947; at the time, it was named the Basketball Association of America. A few years later, it merged with the Northern Premier League (NPL), a smaller league; the merger birthed the NBA. From its founding, the NBA league has seen distinct eras dominated by standout players and dominant dynasties. That includes the Minneapolis Lakers dynasty and the Boston Celtics dynasty; both recorded massive victories for the league.
Unlike other sports like baseball, the gameplay in basketball hasn’t changed – at least not by a lot. Even in the early days, players worked the ball for a while, passing until someone took a jump shot. In the late 70s and early 80s, the game closely resembled what is being played in contemporary basketball games. First, players dribble the ball as a shot call limits the time teams have to initiate their offense; then, players launch or dunk the ball.
Nevertheless, the basketball game has become an uber-athletic, high-scoring, and strategic showdown. The showdown is considered the most exciting point in the game’s history.
NBA Rules
Understanding basketball rules is crucial if you want to play or bet on the game. When it comes to knowing the best basketball players, you need to consider more than the size of the players. You also need to understand the nuances and different areas of the game to know why height isn’t the priority. Without a firm grasp of the basketball game rules, you won’t be able to understand the NBA.
One of the rules to get acquainted with is how the scoring works, the meaning of a foul, and its variations. Then, you also want to know what tactics the rules allow. Basketball started with thirteen rules, but the game has evolved and now revolves around different rules. Two teams contest in a basketball game, with the same guidelines for the number of players on the floor, roster sizes, and others.
Each NBA contest lasts forty-eight minutes, while a collegiate basketball game lasts forty minutes. NBA games are divided into two halves and four quarters, with twelve minutes each. There’s a break between the first two quarters and the last two (that is, the halves).
The game ensues in an overtime period when both teams are tied when the game is officially over. Timeouts occur when the team with the ball chooses to call them; in the NBA, a player or head coach can call a timeout.
Basic NBA Terminologies
Several terms and terminologies are unique to a basketball game, which are also different from those used in the early days. If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, you may think they’re just slang words that mean nothing. However, below are some fundamental terms in NBA that you will encounter with their meanings:
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And One
And One refers to hurting another player while playing, but the shot goes in still. In this case, the said player gets points from the shot and an additional free throw.
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Walk
Walk means traveling; this happens when a player takes beyond two steps when dribbling.
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Flop
A flop is when a player embellishes contact and falls while trying to get a foul called on the defense.
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3-and-D
3-and-D is a role player known for their defensive ability to shoot three-point shots.
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Air Ball
This refers to a shot that doesn’t connect with the backboard or the rim, in which case the clock doesn’t reset.
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Backboard
The backboard is a rectangular surface sitting vertically on the goalpost against which a ball may be shot.
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Ball Handler
The ball handler is a member of the offense in possession of the ball or currently dribbling.
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Bounce Pass
This refers to a pass thrown such that it deflects off the court before bouncing to its intended target.
Conclusion
There’s still much more to know about the NBA, particularly if you want to bet on it or play. However, these pieces of information are the basic things you will need to know about the National Basketball Association. You will be more confident to bet on games once you’re comfortable with your NBA knowledge.
Main image credit:
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
