Established
1967
City
Dallas – San Antonio
League History
1976 – Present / National Basketball Association
1967 – 1976 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1973 – Present / San Antonio Spurs
1970 – 1971 / Texas Chaparrals
1967 – 1970, 1971 – 1973 / Dallas Chaparrals
Nickname
Chaparrals – The Texas Chaparrals are one of the most iconic teams in NBA history, and their nickname has a fascinating origin story. The name was chosen to honor the legendary Chisholm Trail, which ran through Texas during the 19th century. This route was used by cowboys who drove cattle from ranches in South Texas to markets up north.
At that time, there were many large herds of wild horses roaming across much of North America's Great Plains region - including parts of present-day Oklahoma and Kansas as well as northern Mexico - so it made sense for these ranchers to take advantage of them when moving their cattle along this trail. Thus, they began using "chaparral" (a type of horse) instead of traditional oxen or mules for transportation purposes – hence, our beloved team got its unique name!
It’s also worth noting that “Chaparrals” is an appropriate moniker not just because it ties into the local Texan culture but also due to its literal meaning: “place where scrub oak grows." It perfectly encapsulates what makes this part a particular place; rugged terrain filled with beauty and adventure!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
2014, 2007, 2005, 2003, 1999
ABA Championships 0
Arena
2005 – Present / AT&T Center
2002 – 2005 / SBC Center
1993 – 2002 / Alamodome
1973 – 1993 / HemisFair Arena
*Fort Worth*
1970 – 1971 / Tarrant County Coliseum
*Lubbock*
1970 – 1971 / Lubbock Municipal Coliseum
*Dallas*
1967 – 1973 / Dallas Memorial Auditorium
Owner
1993 – Present / Peter Holt
1988 – 1993 / Red McCombs
1973 – 1988 / Angelo Drossos
1967 – 1973 / Bob Folsom
- 1970
-
One Year as Texas Chaparrals
The team suffered from poor attendance and general disinterest in Dallas. In fact, during the 1970 – 1971 season, the name “Dallas” was dropped in favor of “Texas” and an attempt was made to make the team a regional one, playing games in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Tarrant County Convention Center, as well as Lubbock, Texas, at the Lubbock ...
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.
History of the Chaparrals
The Texas Chaparrals, previously known as the Dallas Chaparrals, a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas, has been part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since 1967. Founded as an expansion franchise by businessman and future NFL Hall of Famer Lamar Hunt, the Chaparrals were one of four teams added to what was then known as the ABA. The team’s first season was marked with some success; they finished second in their division and made it to their conference semifinals before losing out on a championship berth.
Throughout its history with the NBA/ABA merger until 1976, when it moved from Dallas to San Antonio due to financial difficulties at home—the Dallas Chaparrals had several highs and lows that defined its time in both cities. In the 1971-72 season, for instance—their best year ever—the team won 53 games while losing only 29 en route to winning their division title before reaching yet another round semifinal appearance but ultimately falling short again against eventual champions New York Nets. While they never reached such heights after this point or even managed winning records consistently during subsequent seasons until 1975-76, when they finally achieved the .500 mark under new head coach Tom Nissalke – who also led them through the relocation process -they did manage interesting feats like the upsetting defending champion Boston Celtics twice during 1974–75 campaign which ended up being the last one played at Reunion Arena prior migration southward where Spurs moniker would be adopted following year onwards.
In conclusion, the Dallas Chaparrals, later known as the Texas Chaparrals, had a brief tenure within the NBA that has been eventful, albeit not particularly successful, despite a promising start in 1967. Despite lackluster results on the court, though, the team still holds a significant place amongst storied franchises thanks largely to the influence left behind by the iconic founder Lamar Hunt whose legacy will continue to live long into the future, no matter how many championships the Spurs may eventually win over the coming years.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
00 / Johnny Moore
6 / Avery Johnson
9 / Tony Parker
12 / Bruce Bowen
13 / James Silas
20 / Manu Ginobili
21 / Tim Duncan
32 / Sean Elliott
44 / George Gervin
50 / David Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history