Detroit Falcons history dates back to the inaugural 1946–47 Basketball Association of America season, the league that later became the NBA. The Detroit Falcons basketball team played home games at Olympia Stadium and, despite only lasting one season, helped lay the groundwork for professional basketball in Detroit and contributed to the formation of today’s NBA.
Established
1946
City
Detroit
League History
1946 - 1947 / Basketball Association of America
Team History
1946 - 1947 / Detriot Falcons
Nickname
Falcons - The Detroit Falcons of the National Basketball Association have a unique story behind their nickname, dating back to the early days of professional basketball. The team was founded in 1946 as the Fort Wayne Pistons but moved to Detroit in 1957 and changed its name to honor Michigan's state bird—the falcon.
Detroit Falcons Origin
This change was not without controversy. Many fans felt it didn't make sense for a city with such a rich automotive heritage like Detroit to be represented by an avian mascot rather than something more industrial or mechanical-themed. But despite this opposition, owner Fred Zollner decided on "Falcons" as his new team's moniker and stuck with it through thick and thin over the years since then.
The decision may have been controversial initially, but now many consider it is fitting given how much pride residents take in their home state's natural beauty (and wildlife). Plus, there is no disputing that these birds are fierce predators capable of soaring high above any competition they might face! It is also worth noting that while some other teams' nicknames can come off as generic or clichéd (eagles anyone?), “Falcons” still stands out from the pack today due to its uniqueness among NBA franchises – making them all the more special for dedicated sports fans across Motor City alike!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
BAA Championship 0
Arena
1946 - 1947 / Detroit Olympia
Owner
1946 – 1947 / Unknown
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
- 1946
- 1946-1947
- 1947
- 1947
-
Falcons Team Formation
The Falcons played only in the inaugural season of the BAA and finished 4th in the Western Division with a 20–40 record, 18½ games out of first place. Center–forward Stan Miasek was the team’s star, scoring 895 points (14.9 points per game) and making the BAA’s First Team that year. -
The Falcons play their home games at the Detroit Olympia
Between 1946-47: The Falcons play their home games at the Detroit Olympia and finish fourth in the Western Division with a 20-40 record, missing the playoffs. Their head coaches are Glenn M. Curtis and Philip Sachs. Their leading scorer is Stan Miasek, who averages 14.9 points per game and makes the BAA’s First-Team. -
Detroit Falcons Disbanded
In 1947: The Falcons fold soon after the season ends, leaving Detroit without a professional basketball team until 1957, when the Fort Wayne Pistons move there1. -
Stan Miasek – Leading scorer of Detroit Falcons
Stan Miasek was an American professional basketball player who played six seasons in the BAA and NBA from 1946 to 1953. He was a 6’5″ forward who played for the Detroit Falcons, Chicago Stags, Baltimore Bullets, and Milwaukee Hawks1. He was one of the early stars of the BAA, ranking third in total points and fifth in total assists in ...
Detroit Falcons History
The Detroit Falcons history began with the launch of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946, the league that later became the NBA. The Detroit Falcons basketball team played home games at Olympia Stadium in downtown Detroit and represented the city in the league’s inaugural season. Although the franchise was short-lived, it helped shape professional basketball in Detroit.
The Detroit Falcons joined the BAA as an original franchise but struggled on the court, finishing the 1946–47 season with a record of 20–40 under coach Glenn Curtis. Despite a losing record, the team attracted attention for bringing professional basketball to Detroit for the first time. They competed against future NBA franchises like the Philadelphia Warriors and the Chicago Stags, introducing Detroit fans to the highest level of play at that time.
Falcons Basketball Achievements
The team’s roster featured players such as Stan Miasek, Blackie Towery, and John Mahnken, who were key contributors during their only season. While the Detroit Falcons history did not include a playoff run or a championship, their participation was essential to the NBA’s early development. They helped establish Detroit as a viable basketball market, paving the way for future teams.
Although the Detroit Falcons basketball franchise folded after just one season due to financial difficulties and low attendance, its legacy endured. The city later welcomed the Pistons, who built upon the groundwork laid by the Falcons. This brief yet important chapter in Detroit Falcons history remains a significant part of both Detroit’s and the NBA’s origins.
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