- 1967
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Muskies Team Formation with ABA Offices
The ABA first located its league office in Minneapolis and the future looked bright for the Muskies, who shared the same offices as the league. Their first draft pick was talented center Mel Daniels, who would go on to become one of the ABA’s most celebrated players. Daniels was also a first-round draft pick of the NBA’s Cincinnati Royals, but ...
History of the Muskies
The Minnesota Muskies were a professional basketball team that played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1967 to 1968. The team was based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and had an impressive roster of players, including future Hall of Famers Mel Daniels and Connie Hawkins. Despite their talent, the Muskies struggled during their brief two-year existence due to financial difficulties caused by poor game attendance.
The history of the Minnesota Muskies began when they joined the ABA as an expansion franchise for its inaugural season in 1967–68. During this time, they signed some big names, such as former NBA All-Star guard Charlie Williams and future Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins, who led them to a respectable 34 wins out of 66 games. Still, it wasn’t enough for them to make it into playoffs that year due to a lack of fan support which resulted in low ticket sales leading them towards bankruptcy after one season with ABA.
Despite only playing one season with ABA, the legacy left behind by this short-lived franchise is still remembered fondly today among sports fans around the world. They are often cited as instrumental in helping pave the way for other teams like Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, etc., who became significant forces within the basketball landscape over the next decade or so following the merger between NBA & ABA back in 1973. Even though no physical evidence or tangible reminder exists about what once was here in Minneapolis, memories shared with those associated with the organization will forever be enshrined hearts minds all true sports fans across the globe.
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Established
1967
City
Minneapolis – Miami
League History
1967 – 1972 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1970 – 1972 / The Floridians
1968 – 1970 / Miami Floridians
1967 – 1968 / Minnesota Muskies
Nickname
Muskies – The Minnesota Muskies have a long and storied history that dates back to the early 1970s. The team has had many nicknames, but one of their most beloved is "Muskies." But where did this nickname come from?
It all began with an amateur baseball team called the Musky Minnows in Minneapolis. This famous local club played in various leagues around town during its heyday. In 1973, when professional hockey came to town with the Minnesota North Stars, they adopted some of those same local names for their teams - including “Muskies” for their new NHL franchise!
The name stuck, and it wasn't until 1997 that it changed again when they became known as simply “Minnesota” (though there were still plenty of people who referred to them affectionately as “the Muskies”). The original logo featured two muskie heads facing off against each other. At the same time, this design didn't last too long before being replaced by more modern logos featuring stars or snowflakes; you can still find merchandise bearing these classic designs today!
For sports fans here in Minnesota (and elsewhere!), the term "muskie" will always bring up memories of our beloved home team's glory days on ice - no matter what name we call them now! Whether you're cheering on your favorite players at Xcel Energy Center or just wearing your vintage gear proudly, don't forget where it all started: with those legendary muskies way back then!
Championship
ABA Championships 0
Arena
*Miami*
1968 – 1972 / Miami Beach Convention Center
*Tampa-St. Petersburg*
1970 – 1972/ Bayfront Arena
*Jacksonville*
1970 – 1972 / Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum
*Minnesota*
1967 – 1968 / Met Center
Owner
1970 – 1972 / Ned Doyle
1967 – 1969 / L.P. Shields & Fred Jefferson
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
1969 – 1972 / Jim Pollard/Harold Blitman
1967 – 1969 / Jim Pollard
*Blue is this team’s history
