The Seattle Chinooks: A Historical Overview
The Early Years
The Seattle Chinooks were a professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington. The team was founded in 1902 as the Seattle Athletic Club and played in the Pacific Northwest League. In 1915, the team joined the National Basketball League (NBL) and played in the league until it folded in 1949.
Dominance in the NBL
The Chinooks were one of the most dominant teams in the NBL, winning four championships in 1916, 1917, 1922, and 1929. The team was led by several Hall of Fame players, including George Crowe, Eaker Edwards, and Robert Lowery.
The BAA and NBA Years
In 1949, the NBL merged with the Basketball Association of America (BAA) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Chinooks joined the NBA as one of the original 11 teams.
The Chinooks struggled in the NBA, finishing with a losing record in all but one season. The team's best finish was in 1950-51 when they finished with a 36-34 record and made it to the Western Conference Finals. In 1951, Seattle transplanted to Milwaukee, becoming the Hawks.
The Legacy of the Chinooks
The Seattle Chinooks were one of the most successful teams in the early days of professional basketball. The team's four NBL championships are a testament to their dominance in the league. Several Hall of Fame players played for the Chinooks, and the team helped to establish Seattle as a basketball city.
Although the Chinooks are no longer in existence, their legacy lives on. The team's name has been revived by several minor league teams, and the city of Seattle is still home to a passionate basketball fan base.
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