- 1946
-
Rebels Team Formation
The Cleveland Rebels were among the 11 teams in the newly established Basketball Association of America. The new basketball league had a distinct advantage over two other established professional basketball leagues, in that it had the backing of major arena owners looking to fill their buildings. Playing at the Cleveland Arena, the Rebels hosted the Toronto Huskies in their first ...
The Rebels were an inaugural franchise in the BAA's first season. The team went 30–30, finishing 3rd in the Western Division and losing in the first round of the playoffs, two games to one to the New York Knickerbockers, in its only season before going out of business. The Rebels included notable early pro stars Big Ed Sadowski and Kenny Sailors. Cleveland would not have another team in what would become the NBA until the Cavaliers joined the league in 1970.
Established
1946
City
Cleveland
League History
1946 - 1947 / Basketball Association of America
Team History
1946 - 1947 / Cleveland Rebels
Nickname
Rebels - In the late 40's the Cleveland entry into the BAA/NBA was called the "Rebels." A Rebel is a person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler.
Championship
NBA Championships 0
BAA Championship 0
Arena
1946 - 1947 / Cleveland Arena
Owner
1946 – 1947 / Unknown
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history