History of the Syracuse Nationals
The Syracuse Nationals were one of professional basketball's pioneering franchises and played a vital role in shaping the early history of the National Basketball Association. Although the franchise is now known as the Philadelphia 76ers, its roots trace back to central New York, where the team became one of the league's first dynasties.
Origins (1946–1949)
The Syracuse Nationals were founded in 1946 by Italian immigrant Danny Biasone and his business partner Leo Ferris. The club began play in the National Basketball League, one of the two major professional basketball leagues of the era.
Biasone believed Syracuse, despite being a relatively small city, could support a major professional basketball team. The Nationals quickly became one of the NBL's strongest clubs, winning the league championship during the 1949–50 season.
In 1949, the NBL merged with the Basketball Association of America to form the NBA. The Nationals were among the franchises that joined the new league, making them one of the NBA's original member teams.
Building a Contender
During the early 1950s, the Nationals emerged as one of the NBA's elite teams. Their success was built around an outstanding roster that included:
Dolph Schayes – One of the greatest forwards in basketball history.
Al Cervi – Defensive specialist and later head coach.
Paul Seymour
Red Rocha
Billy Gabor
The Nationals reached the NBA Finals three times in five seasons, becoming one of the league's model franchises.
The 24-Second Shot Clock
Perhaps the Nationals' greatest contribution to basketball came off the court.
Owner Danny Biasone became frustrated with teams stalling while protecting late leads. Some games featured final scores in the 20s and 30s, making them slow and unappealing for fans.
Working with Leo Ferris, Biasone developed the 24-second shot clock.
The calculation was simple:
48-minute game = 2,880 seconds
Divide by approximately 120 desired shot attempts
Equals 24 seconds per possession
The NBA adopted the shot clock for the 1954–55 season.
The innovation revolutionized basketball overnight. Scoring increased dramatically, games became faster, and the NBA's popularity began to grow. The shot clock remains one of the most important rule changes in the history of professional sports.
1955 NBA Champions
The 1954–55 season became the crowning achievement of the Syracuse Nationals.
Led by Dolph Schayes, Syracuse finished with a 43–29 record before advancing through the playoffs.
In the NBA Finals, they faced the Fort Wayne Pistons.
The series went the full seven games.
Game 7 was played in Syracuse before a packed crowd at the War Memorial Auditorium.
With only seconds remaining and Syracuse trailing by one point, George King stole an inbounds pass. Schayes was fouled and calmly made two free throws with seven seconds left, giving the Nationals a 92–91 victory and the only NBA championship in franchise history while based in Syracuse.
Consistent Excellence
Throughout the 1950s, the Nationals remained one of the NBA's premier teams.
Between 1950 and 1963 they:
Won one NBA championship
Appeared in three NBA Finals
Qualified for the playoffs every season
Produced numerous All-Stars and Hall of Fame players
Dolph Schayes became the face of the franchise, earning 12 consecutive NBA All-Star selections while becoming one of the league's first 15,000-point scorers.
Move to Philadelphia
Despite the team's success, Syracuse's relatively small market made it increasingly difficult to compete financially as the NBA expanded.
In 1963, Danny Biasone sold the franchise to investors led by Irv Kosloff, who relocated the team to Philadelphia.
Because another basketball team had previously used the name "Nationals" in Philadelphia, the new owners renamed the club the Philadelphia 76ers, honoring the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
The franchise has remained in Philadelphia ever since.
Legacy
Although the Syracuse Nationals existed for only 17 seasons, their impact on professional basketball far exceeded their years.
Their lasting legacy includes:
One NBA Championship (1955)
One of the NBA's original franchises
Introduction of the revolutionary 24-second shot clock
Hall of Fame owner Danny Biasone
Hall of Fame executive Leo Ferris
Hall of Fame superstar Dolph Schayes
The foundation of today's Philadelphia 76ers franchise
Few franchises have influenced the evolution of basketball as profoundly as the Syracuse Nationals. Their championship success, innovative leadership, and creation of the shot clock helped transform the NBA from a struggling regional league into the fast-paced global game enjoyed by millions today.
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