The Texas Chaparrals, a key franchise in ABA history, played an important role in shaping professional basketball. Originally based in Dallas, the team struggled with attendance before relocating and evolving into the San Antonio Spurs. The story of Texas Chaparrals basketball reflects early challenges and achievements that influenced the sport’s growth.
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.
Texas Chaparrals Origin
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.
Texas Chaparrals History
The Texas Chaparrals history began with the franchise’s founding in 1967 as one of the original American Basketball Association (ABA) teams. Initially called the Dallas Chaparrals, the team was launched by businessman and future NFL Hall of Famer Lamar Hunt. The club was part of the ABA’s first wave of expansion, not the NBA. Early seasons in Texas Chaparrals basketball included strong performances, with the team finishing second in its division and reaching the conference semifinals during its inaugural campaign.
Financial instability in Dallas led to the franchise rebranding as the Texas Chaparrals in 1970 to attract statewide interest. Despite the name change, attendance and revenue remained low. By 1973, the team was leased to a San Antonio group and permanently relocated there in 1974, adopting the San Antonio Spurs name. This marked one of the most important turning points in Texas Chaparrals history, laying the foundation for today’s Spurs.
Under head coaches such as Tom Nissalke, the Texas Chaparrals basketball team experienced highs and lows. Their best year came during the 1970-71 season when they recorded a 53-29 record, won their division title, and made another strong playoff run. They also achieved notable wins such as upsetting defending champions during the 1974-75 campaign, their last full season before the permanent move to San Antonio.
Chaparrals Achievements
Despite never capturing an ABA championship, the Texas Chaparrals history includes significant achievements. The team made the playoffs in five of its six ABA seasons, produced standout players such as Donnie Freeman and Coby Dietrick, and helped introduce professional basketball to San Antonio. This evolution from the Dallas and Texas Chaparrals basketball era to the Spurs’ dominance in the NBA illustrates the franchise’s lasting impact on professional basketball.
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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