Syracuse Nationals history traces one of the NBA’s founding teams. Established in 1946, the Syracuse Nationals NBA franchise quickly became a powerhouse in pro basketball. Known for its passionate fan base and strong defense, the team left an enduring impact before relocating to Philadelphia as the 76ers in 1963.
Established
1946
City
Syracuse – Philadelphia
League History
1946 – Present / National Basketball Association
1946 – 1949 / National Basketball League
Team History
1963 – Present / Philadelphia 76ers
1946 – 1963 / Syracuse Nationals
Nickname
Nationals – The Syracuse Nationals were one of the most iconic teams in NBA history, and their nickname has a unique story behind it. The team was founded in 1946 by Danny Biasone, who wanted to bring professional basketball back to his hometown of Syracuse, New York.
He chose the name “Nationals” as a tribute to his Italian-American heritage and because he felt it represented all aspects of American life – from sports to business.
Syracuse Nationals Origin
Biasone also wanted the team's logo design to reflect this idea. He commissioned an artist named Bob Warfield, who came up with several concepts before settling on one featuring two stars representing North America and Europe above a red shield bearing three white stripes
Each stripe symbolizing a part of Italy: Rome (red), Venice (white) and Florence (blue). This became known as "the National Shield," which is still used today by both current versions of the franchise.
Initially, when they moved from Philadelphia in 1963, becoming known as 'Philadelphia 76ers,' and secondly when they returned home again after being renamed 'New Jersey Nets' for 35 years until 2012.
The Nationals won their only championship during their tenure in 1955 under legendary coach Red Auerbach while playing at Onondaga County War Memorial Arena.
Now known affectionately among fans simply as ‘the Dome’ or ‘the Barn.' Although no longer together today, many diehard supporters remember them fondly for bringing prideful moments into people's lives throughout their 15-year lifespan!
Championship
NBA Championships 1
1983, 1967, 1955
Arena
1996 – Present / Wells Fargo Center
1967 – 1995 / The Spectrum
1963 – 1967 / Convention Hall & Philadelphia Arena
*Syracuse*
1951 – 1963 / Onondaga War Memorial
1946 – 1951 / State Fair Coliseum
Owner
2012 – Present / Joshua Harris
1996 – 2011 / Comcast Spectacor
1981 – 1996 / Harold Katz
1976 – 1981 / Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr.
1963 – 1976 / Irv Kosloff
1946 – 1963 / Daniel Biasone
- 1946
- 1947
- 1955
Danny Biasone Owns the Nats
Owned by Italian Immigrant Danny Biasone the Syracuse Nationals begin to play in the National Basketball League, in the same year professional basketball was finally gaining some legitimacy with the rival Basketball Association of America that was based in large cities like New York and Philadelphia. While in the NBL with teams largely consisting of small Midwestern towns the Nationals ...
Dolph Schayes Pro Debut
Several teams began to leave the NBL for the BAA as the foundation for an absorption was laid. Staying in the NBL, the Nationals signed Al Cervi to be player-coach as Dolph Schayes made his professional debut, leading the Nats to a winning record for the first time with a record of 41–22. In the playoffs the Nationals would make ...
NBA Finals Winner 1955
With the NBA struggling financially and down to just eight teams Nationals Owner Danny Biasone and General Manager Leo Ferris suggested the league limit the amount of time taken for a shot thus speeding up a game that often ended with long periods of teams just holding the ball and playing keep away. Biasone calculated a 24-second shot clock would ...
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.
Syracuse Nationals History
Syracuse Nationals history represents one of the most important chapters in professional basketball. The Syracuse Nationals NBA franchise, later known as the Philadelphia 76ers, began in 1946 as the National Basketball League’s first expansion team. After the NBL merged with the Basketball Association of America in 1949, they became part of the newly formed NBA, helping shape the league’s early years.
During their run from 1946 to 1963, Syracuse Nationals history included consistent playoff appearances, passionate fans, and a reputation for hard-nosed defense. Under player-coach Al Cervi, the team posted one of its best records in the 1949-50 season at 51–13 and reached the Finals, losing to George Mikan’s Minneapolis Lakers. Hall of Fame guard Dolph Schayes emerged as the franchise’s star and later became its player-coach.
Nationals Achievements
In 1954-55, Syracuse Nationals history reached its pinnacle. Led by Schayes and standout teammates like Paul Seymour, the team finished 43–29 and captured its lone NBA championship by defeating the Fort Wayne Pistons in a thrilling seven-game series. This made the Nationals only the second team outside the Lakers or Celtics to win a title in that era.
Despite stars such as Hal Greer and Larry Costello, the later years of Syracuse Nationals history were less successful. The team struggled to match earlier playoff runs, eventually prompting a relocation. In 1963 the franchise moved to Philadelphia and became the 76ers, preserving a proud legacy that helped lay the foundation for one of the NBA’s most storied teams.
Retired Number
2 / Moses Malone
3 / Allen Iverson
4 / Dolph Schayes
6 / Julius Erving
10 / Maurice Cheeks
13 / Wilt Chamberlain
15 / Hal Greer
24 / Bobby Jones
32 / Billy Cunningham
34 / Charles Barkley
– / Dave Zinkoff
*Blue is this team’s history