History of the Chaparrals

The Dallas Chaparrals were a professional basketball team based in Texas that played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1967 to 1976. The franchise was founded by businessman Don Carter and broadcaster Norm Sonju, who wanted to bring big-time professional basketball to their home state. The Chaparrals were one of 11 teams that joined the ABA when it launched its inaugural season in 1967, and they quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the court. Led by future Hall of Fame coach Tom Nissalke, they made four playoff appearances during their nine years as an ABA franchise before joining the NBA after it merged with its rival league prior to the 1976–77 season.

The Dallas Chaparrals had some success while playing in both leagues but never won an NBA championship or reached any kind of significant milestone such as making it past the second round of playoffs or winning more than 50 games over a full regular season schedule until 1980–81 when they finally did so under new head coach Dick Motta—the same man who led them through six successful seasons during their time as part of ABA’s Western Division starting back 1970–71 campaign which saw them reach Eastern Conference Finals only once but fall short against Indiana Pacers 4-3 despite having homecourt advantage throughout series due lack necessary experience at the highest level competition then available for expansion franchises like theirs.

Despite not achieving much success overall since entering National Basketball Association (NBA), Dallas Chaparral’s legacy still remains strong among fans all across the United States even if most don't know about the team's history anymore given how long ago those events took place; this is because many current players have roots within the organization including stars Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Steve Nash, Detlef Schrempf plus several others whose careers began here while also being able to contribute towards modern-day successes enjoyed today, especially Mavericks' 2011 Championship title victory over Miami Heat which would've been impossible without contributions made decades earlier by original members first-ever pro sports squad located within Lone Star State.