- 1974
-
New NickName – Sounds
It soon became apparent that the Tams were not high on the list of Finley’s priorities. Amenities like programs began to disappear, and morale suffered as players began to wonder if they would receive paychecks and if they would clear the bank when they did. After two seasons of this, the ABA stepped in and took control of the team. ...
History of the Sounds
The Memphis Sounds were a professional basketball team that played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1970 to 1975. The team was based out of Memphis, Tennessee, and was one of the original 11 franchises that made up the ABA during its inaugural season. During their five-year tenure in the league, they had some success on the court but never entirely managed to reach the championship level.
In their first season with an all-rookie lineup, led by future NBA Hall-of-Famer Spencer Haywood and 6'9" center Mel Daniels who both went on to have successful careers in pro basketball, they finished second overall behind only Kentucky Colonels for best record within Eastern Division at 48–32 (.600). They reached playoffs as well but fell short against eventual champions New York Nets 4–2 series loss despite leading 2–1 after three games. The following year ended much differently as they failed to make it into the post-season finishing 40–40 (.500), which saw them placed fourth out of six teams within divisional standings while also setting franchise low point total average per game (108 points).
Overall during those five years between 1971 and 1975, Memphis Sounds qualified for playoffs twice, reaching semi-finals once before eventually folding due to financial difficulties along with several other ABA teams before merging with NBA in 1976 summer when four former ABA clubs joined National Basketball Association including San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets Indiana Pacers & New York Nets who later became Brooklyn Nets today. Despite not having much success throughout their brief existence, many players found considerable fame playing alongside or against each other such as Julius Erving, George Gervin & Artis Gilmore, among others making a lasting impact on the sport itself, even if just briefly so through the legacy left by this now defunct organization.
Established
1967
City
New Orleans – Memphis – Baltimore
League History
1967 – 1975 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1975 / Baltimore Claws (Only Played three exhibition Game)
1974 – 1975 / Memphis Sounds
1972 – 1974 / Memphis Tams
1970 – 1972 / Memphis Pros
1967 – 1970 / New Orleans Buccaneers
Nickname
Sounds – As a sports fan, there’s nothing more exciting than learning the history behind your favorite teams. The Memphis Sounds are no exception! As one of the most storied franchises in basketball, they have a unique and exciting nickname that many fans may not know much about.
The origins of the Memphis Sounds name can be traced back to 1974 when an expansion team was formed within what was then known as the American Basketball Association (ABA). At first, it appeared that this new franchise would be named after its home city – ‘Memphis Pros’ – but ultimately, they decided on something different: “Memphis Sounds.” It is thought that this decision came from two sources; firstly, because their owner at the time wanted to pay homage to his hometown by referencing local music culture, and secondly, due to some clever marketing that saw them capitalize on their proximity with Nashville - another central hub for music production at that time.
Combining these two factors, we now have one of basketball's most iconic nicknames: The Memphis Sounds! This moniker has been used ever since and remains popular among fans today who are eager for success from their beloved team once again in the 2021-22 season. With recent changes made both off-court and on-court, we could see great things coming out from our beloved franchise soon!
Championship
ABA Championships 0
Arena
*Emmitsburg, Maryland (Baltimore)*
1975 / St. Mary’s College
*Memphis*
1970 – 1975 / Mid-South Coliseum
*New Orleans*
1969 – 1970 / Tulane Gym
1967 – 1969 / Loyola Field House
Owner
1975 / American Basketball Association Office
1972 – 1975 / Charles O. Finley
1970 – 1972 / P. W. Blake
1967 – 1970 / Morton Downey, Jr., Charles G. Smither and 5 other Owners
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Coaches
1974 – 1975 / Joe Mullaney
1972 – 1973 / Bob Bass
1967 – 1972 / Babe McCarthy
*Blue is this team’s history