NBA History and Rules
The Low Key NBA archive: older articles on NBA history, rules and culture, written before the site turned its focus to NBA prospects and 7-foot centers. Still useful for settling an argument or learning the basics.
What is in the archive
The archive holds look-backs at the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2020 NBA draft classes, a guide to basketball positions from point guard to center, and explainers on questions such as when the NBA started and what a quintuple-double is.
For current coverage, go to our NBA prospect scouting reports or the 7-foot prospect database.
NBA basics: questions and answers
What are the five positions in basketball?
Point guard (1), shooting guard (2), small forward (3), power forward (4) and center (5). The center is usually the tallest player on the floor and plays closest to the basket. Our guide to NBA position numbers explains each role.
When did the NBA start?
The league was founded on June 6, 1946 as the Basketball Association of America. It took the name National Basketball Association in 1949 after merging with the National Basketball League. Read the full history.
What is a quintuple-double?
Double figures in five categories in one game: points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. No player has recorded one in an NBA game. More on the quintuple-double.
Why are these articles in an archive?
They were published before Low Key NBA narrowed its focus to NBA prospects, centers and 7-footers. We keep them online because readers still find them useful, but they are not updated on a schedule.