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.
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 ...
History of the Falcons
The Detroit Falcons were a professional basketball team that played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1946 to 1947. The team was founded by Fred Zollner, owner of the Fort Wayne Pistons, who wanted to expand his business into Detroit. The Falcon's home games were played at Olympia Stadium in downtown Detroit, and they had one of the most successful inaugural seasons in NBA history.
In their first season, the Falcons finished with an impressive record of 44-20 and made it to the Finals before losing 4-2 against Philadelphia Warriors. Despite this loss, there is no denying that their performance during this season was remarkable for a newly formed franchise as they managed to win more than half of their games against some established teams like the New York Knicks or Chicago Stags, among others.
The following year proved even better for them as they went on another deep playoff run but eventually lost again 4-1 against Baltimore Bullets despite having one game advantage due bad call by referees late in Game 5, which cost them a series victory yet again. Nevertheless, they still succeeded, finishing second overall with 45 wins out of 82 regular season matches.
During these two years, Detroit Falcons had many talented players, such as George Yardley, Bob Houbregs, and Bill Sharman, who carried much offensive load while also being supported defensively by other stars like Don Barksdale or John Logan. Unfortunately, after two very successful seasons together, the team disbanded when Fred Zollner decided to relocate the franchise back to Fort Wayne, where it started under a new name - Pistons.
In conclusion, we can say that although short-lived time spent together only lasted a couple of years between 1946–1947, the Detroit Falcons left a significant mark on National Basketball Association's history thanks to its exceptional performances both offensively and defensively during those times, which will be remembered forever amongst sports fans around the world!
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