Sports / 10-question mixed rounds
NBA teams quiz
Thirty teams. Two conferences. Your turn.
Mixed rounds: about 3–5 minutes · No timer
10 random questions per mixed round · 50 questions in the full bank below
Published by Quizpen · Explanations include linked supporting reading. See our source-checking process and review limits.
PRACTICE BY SKILL
Choose a focused round
Practice one part of this topic with every question in that skill. Focused practice is separate from ten-question mixed rounds.
Getting your round ready…
BEHIND THE ROUND
A little more about this quiz
Can you go from a city to its NBA team without seeing the answer choices? Naming questions cover every current team, including Toronto. Nicknames and full team names are accepted; Los Angeles gets extra clues so Lakers and Clippers answers are not ambiguous.
Twenty additional questions explore the six divisions and stable points in league history. The current directory was checked in September 2026. We ask about dated championship results rather than whoever happens to lead this week, and the explanations distinguish today’s franchises from the cities where they began.
LEARN THE PATTERN
Name all 30 NBA teams, then separate current names from history
Choose the complete thirty-team round for name recall. The separate league-history group covers divisions, relocations, former names, and dated championship questions.
All 30 NBA teams by division
Use each five-team division as a recall group. These names and alignments match the bank’s September 2026 scope.
| Team | Conference | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Eastern | Atlantic |
| Brooklyn Nets | Eastern | Atlantic |
| New York Knicks | Eastern | Atlantic |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Eastern | Atlantic |
| Toronto Raptors | Eastern | Atlantic |
| Chicago Bulls | Eastern | Central |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Eastern | Central |
| Detroit Pistons | Eastern | Central |
| Indiana Pacers | Eastern | Central |
| Milwaukee Bucks | Eastern | Central |
| Atlanta Hawks | Eastern | Southeast |
| Charlotte Hornets | Eastern | Southeast |
| Miami Heat | Eastern | Southeast |
| Orlando Magic | Eastern | Southeast |
| Washington Wizards | Eastern | Southeast |
| Denver Nuggets | Western | Northwest |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Western | Northwest |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Western | Northwest |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Western | Northwest |
| Utah Jazz | Western | Northwest |
| Golden State Warriors | Western | Pacific |
| LA Clippers | Western | Pacific |
| Los Angeles Lakers | Western | Pacific |
| Phoenix Suns | Western | Pacific |
| Sacramento Kings | Western | Pacific |
| Dallas Mavericks | Western | Southwest |
| Houston Rockets | Western | Southwest |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Western | Southwest |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Western | Southwest |
| San Antonio Spurs | Western | Southwest |
The thirty name questions are followed by separate alignment and franchise-history questions. An older city or nickname in a history prompt is not an additional current team. Quizpen is an independent fan resource.
Reference sources: NBA: official teams and division directory · NBA: franchise and league history
Check what you remember
Look away from the table. Try each question, then open it to check your answer.
Name the five Atlantic Division teams without looking.Show answer
Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors.
Which two teams in the table represent Los Angeles?Show answer
The LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. A Los Angeles clue alone does not uniquely identify one team.
Which NBA team in this set represents a Canadian city?Show answer
The Toronto Raptors. Toronto belongs to the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference.
Use six groups of five
Cover the team names and recall one division at a time. Finish all six groups before checking for omissions. The full-name table follows the September 2026 alignment used in this bank; it is not a list of players or a live season standings table.
Give enough of the name to identify one team
Los Angeles has two answers here: the LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. A location by itself cannot distinguish them. State or regional names also appear: Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, and Golden State Warriors are team names even when the prompt is not a city-only clue.
Keep a former identity in its historical context
Questions about Minneapolis, Vancouver, or Seattle ask about a franchise’s earlier identity or location. They do not add teams to the thirty-name set. Read the date and the requested kind of answer before choosing between a current name and a historical label.
Host a name round before the history round
Have players complete the thirty-team practice first, then use selected history questions as a separate category. The worksheet builder lets you create a shorter paper packet. Keep the directory for answer checking rather than showing it beside the questions.
Put it into practice
Further reading: NBA: official teams and division directory · NBA: franchise and league history
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
NBA teams quiz: the full question sheet
Name all 30 NBA teams plus divisions, relocations, and titles. Draw 10 of 50 questions with explanations, printable answer key, and shareable score.
By Quizpen · Updated
Browse the full question bank50 questions & answers
Name the NBA team that represents Boston.
Reveal answer
Boston Celtics. The Boston Celtics play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nets, Knicks, 76ers, and Raptors.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Brooklyn.
Reveal answer
Brooklyn Nets. The Brooklyn Nets play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, and Raptors.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents New York.
Reveal answer
New York Knicks. The New York Knicks play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Celtics, Nets, 76ers, and Raptors.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Philadelphia.
Reveal answer
Philadelphia 76ers. The Philadelphia 76ers play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Celtics, Nets, Knicks, and Raptors.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Toronto.
Reveal answer
Toronto Raptors. The Toronto Raptors play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Celtics, Nets, Knicks, and 76ers.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Chicago.
Reveal answer
Chicago Bulls. The Chicago Bulls play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers, and Bucks.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Cleveland.
Reveal answer
Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cleveland Cavaliers play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Bulls, Pistons, Pacers, and Bucks.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Detroit.
Reveal answer
Detroit Pistons. The Detroit Pistons play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Bulls, Cavaliers, Pacers, and Bucks.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Indiana.
Reveal answer
Indiana Pacers. The Indiana Pacers play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Bucks.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Milwaukee.
Reveal answer
Milwaukee Bucks. The Milwaukee Bucks play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Pacers.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Atlanta.
Reveal answer
Atlanta Hawks. The Atlanta Hawks play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hornets, Heat, Magic, and Wizards.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Charlotte.
Reveal answer
Charlotte Hornets. The Charlotte Hornets play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hawks, Heat, Magic, and Wizards.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Miami.
Reveal answer
Miami Heat. The Miami Heat play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hawks, Hornets, Magic, and Wizards.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Orlando.
Reveal answer
Orlando Magic. The Orlando Magic play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hawks, Hornets, Heat, and Wizards.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Washington.
Reveal answer
Washington Wizards. The Washington Wizards play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hawks, Hornets, Heat, and Magic.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Denver.
Reveal answer
Denver Nuggets. The Denver Nuggets play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Timberwolves, Thunder, Trail Blazers, and Jazz.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Minnesota.
Reveal answer
Minnesota Timberwolves. The Minnesota Timberwolves play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nuggets, Thunder, Trail Blazers, and Jazz.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Oklahoma City.
Reveal answer
Oklahoma City Thunder. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, and Jazz.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Portland.
Reveal answer
Portland Trail Blazers. The Portland Trail Blazers play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, and Jazz.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Utah.
Reveal answer
Utah Jazz. The Utah Jazz play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, and Trail Blazers.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Golden State.
Reveal answer
Golden State Warriors. The Golden State Warriors play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Clippers, Lakers, Suns, and Kings.
Sources for this answer
Which Los Angeles NBA team has a name associated with sailing ships?
Reveal answer
LA Clippers. The LA Clippers play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Warriors, Lakers, Suns, and Kings.
Sources for this answer
Which Los Angeles NBA team has a name inherited from its Minnesota home?
Reveal answer
Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Warriors, Clippers, Suns, and Kings.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Phoenix.
Reveal answer
Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, and Kings.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Sacramento.
Reveal answer
Sacramento Kings. The Sacramento Kings play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, and Suns.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Dallas.
Reveal answer
Dallas Mavericks. The Dallas Mavericks play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Rockets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Houston.
Reveal answer
Houston Rockets. The Houston Rockets play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents Memphis.
Reveal answer
Memphis Grizzlies. The Memphis Grizzlies play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Mavericks, Rockets, Pelicans, and Spurs.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents New Orleans.
Reveal answer
New Orleans Pelicans. The New Orleans Pelicans play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Spurs.
Sources for this answer
Name the NBA team that represents San Antonio.
Reveal answer
San Antonio Spurs. The San Antonio Spurs play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Pelicans.
Sources for this answer
As of September 2026, how many teams are in the NBA?
Reveal answer
30. The September 2026 directory lists 30 teams, split evenly between Eastern and Western Conferences. Each conference has three five-team divisions.
Sources for this answer
As of September 2026, which NBA team is based in Canada?
Reveal answer
Toronto Raptors. Toronto is the league’s Canadian home city in the September 2026 directory. Vancouver once had the Grizzlies, but that franchise moved to Memphis in 2001.
Sources for this answer
In the September 2026 alignment, how many divisions are in the NBA?
Reveal answer
6. Each conference has three divisions, giving six league-wide. Five teams per division account for the thirty-team alignment.
Sources for this answer
Which division includes Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Philadelphia, and Toronto?
Reveal answer
Atlantic. The Atlantic Division contains the Celtics, Nets, Knicks, 76ers, and Raptors. All five are Eastern Conference clubs, including Toronto in Canada.
Sources for this answer
Which division includes Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, and Milwaukee?
Reveal answer
Central. The Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers, and Bucks form the Central Division. It is one of the Eastern Conference’s three divisions.
Sources for this answer
Which division includes Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Orlando, and Washington?
Reveal answer
Southeast. The Hawks, Hornets, Heat, Magic, and Wizards form the Southeast Division. Southeast is an Eastern Conference division; Southwest belongs to the West.
Sources for this answer
Which division includes Denver, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, Portland, and Utah?
Reveal answer
Northwest. The Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, Trail Blazers, and Jazz form the Northwest Division. Its teams span a wide area rather than only the Pacific Northwest.
Sources for this answer
Which division includes Golden State, both Los Angeles teams, Phoenix, and Sacramento?
Reveal answer
Pacific. The Pacific Division groups Golden State, the Lakers, the Clippers, Phoenix, and Sacramento. Both Los Angeles teams play in the same division.
Sources for this answer
Which division includes Dallas, Houston, Memphis, New Orleans, and San Antonio?
Reveal answer
Southwest. The Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs form the Southwest Division. It contains three Texas clubs plus Memphis and New Orleans.
Sources for this answer
Which current NBA franchise was originally based in Minneapolis before moving to Los Angeles?
Reveal answer
Lakers. The Lakers moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960. Their retained nickname reflects the earlier Minnesota home rather than Southern California geography.
Sources for this answer
Which team’s name reflects its original home in New Orleans, although it now plays in Salt Lake City?
Reveal answer
Utah Jazz. The franchise began in New Orleans and moved to Utah in 1979. It retained Jazz, a name more directly associated with the original city’s music.
Sources for this answer
Which current NBA franchise began in Vancouver?
Reveal answer
Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies began in Vancouver in 1995 and moved to Memphis in 2001. Toronto remained in Canada, while the Grizzlies kept their nickname after relocating.
Sources for this answer
Which franchise was known as the SuperSonics before moving to Oklahoma City?
Reveal answer
Thunder. The Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and adopted Thunder. This is a franchise relocation, not merely a new nickname in the same city.
Sources for this answer
Which current franchise began as the Buffalo Braves?
Reveal answer
Los Angeles Clippers. The Buffalo Braves became the San Diego Clippers in 1978, then moved to Los Angeles in 1984. The Clippers name dates to the San Diego period.
Sources for this answer
Which franchise won the 1947 BAA championship while based in Philadelphia?
Reveal answer
Warriors. The Philadelphia Warriors won the first BAA title in 1947. That franchise later became Golden State; it is separate from today’s Philadelphia 76ers.
Sources for this answer
Which team changed its name from Bullets to Wizards in 1997?
Reveal answer
Washington. The Washington franchise changed from Bullets to Wizards in 1997. The team stayed in the Washington market during the name change.
Sources for this answer
Which team won six NBA championships during the 1990s with Michael Jordan?
Reveal answer
Chicago Bulls. The Bulls won three titles in 1991–1993 and another three in 1996–1998. The six championships form two separate runs of three consecutive titles.
Sources for this answer
Which team won the 2019 NBA championship, the first for a Canadian franchise?
Reveal answer
Toronto Raptors. Toronto defeated Golden State in the 2019 Finals. It was the Raptors’ first championship and the first won by a team based in Canada.
Sources for this answer
Which team won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995?
Reveal answer
Houston Rockets. The Rockets defeated New York in 1994 and Orlando in 1995. Hakeem Olajuwon was the Finals MVP in both championship years.
Sources for this answer
Which franchise won its first NBA championship in 2023?
Reveal answer
Denver Nuggets. Denver defeated Miami in the 2023 Finals, winning the series 4–1. It was the Nuggets’ first NBA title rather than a repeat championship.
Sources for this answer
Answer key
- Boston Celtics. The Boston Celtics play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nets, Knicks, 76ers, and Raptors.
- Brooklyn Nets. The Brooklyn Nets play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, and Raptors.
- New York Knicks. The New York Knicks play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Celtics, Nets, 76ers, and Raptors.
- Philadelphia 76ers. The Philadelphia 76ers play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Celtics, Nets, Knicks, and Raptors.
- Toronto Raptors. The Toronto Raptors play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Celtics, Nets, Knicks, and 76ers.
- Chicago Bulls. The Chicago Bulls play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers, and Bucks.
- Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cleveland Cavaliers play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Bulls, Pistons, Pacers, and Bucks.
- Detroit Pistons. The Detroit Pistons play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Bulls, Cavaliers, Pacers, and Bucks.
- Indiana Pacers. The Indiana Pacers play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Bucks.
- Milwaukee Bucks. The Milwaukee Bucks play in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, and Pacers.
- Atlanta Hawks. The Atlanta Hawks play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hornets, Heat, Magic, and Wizards.
- Charlotte Hornets. The Charlotte Hornets play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hawks, Heat, Magic, and Wizards.
- Miami Heat. The Miami Heat play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hawks, Hornets, Magic, and Wizards.
- Orlando Magic. The Orlando Magic play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hawks, Hornets, Heat, and Wizards.
- Washington Wizards. The Washington Wizards play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Hawks, Hornets, Heat, and Magic.
- Denver Nuggets. The Denver Nuggets play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Timberwolves, Thunder, Trail Blazers, and Jazz.
- Minnesota Timberwolves. The Minnesota Timberwolves play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nuggets, Thunder, Trail Blazers, and Jazz.
- Oklahoma City Thunder. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, and Jazz.
- Portland Trail Blazers. The Portland Trail Blazers play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, and Jazz.
- Utah Jazz. The Utah Jazz play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, and Trail Blazers.
- Golden State Warriors. The Golden State Warriors play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Clippers, Lakers, Suns, and Kings.
- LA Clippers. The LA Clippers play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Warriors, Lakers, Suns, and Kings.
- Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Warriors, Clippers, Suns, and Kings.
- Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, and Kings.
- Sacramento Kings. The Sacramento Kings play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, and Suns.
- Dallas Mavericks. The Dallas Mavericks play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Rockets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs.
- Houston Rockets. The Houston Rockets play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Mavericks, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs.
- Memphis Grizzlies. The Memphis Grizzlies play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Mavericks, Rockets, Pelicans, and Spurs.
- New Orleans Pelicans. The New Orleans Pelicans play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Spurs.
- San Antonio Spurs. The San Antonio Spurs play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. In the September 2026 alignment, their division also contains the Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Pelicans.
- 30. The September 2026 directory lists 30 teams, split evenly between Eastern and Western Conferences. Each conference has three five-team divisions.
- Toronto Raptors. Toronto is the league’s Canadian home city in the September 2026 directory. Vancouver once had the Grizzlies, but that franchise moved to Memphis in 2001.
- 6. Each conference has three divisions, giving six league-wide. Five teams per division account for the thirty-team alignment.
- Atlantic. The Atlantic Division contains the Celtics, Nets, Knicks, 76ers, and Raptors. All five are Eastern Conference clubs, including Toronto in Canada.
- Central. The Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers, and Bucks form the Central Division. It is one of the Eastern Conference’s three divisions.
- Southeast. The Hawks, Hornets, Heat, Magic, and Wizards form the Southeast Division. Southeast is an Eastern Conference division; Southwest belongs to the West.
- Northwest. The Nuggets, Timberwolves, Thunder, Trail Blazers, and Jazz form the Northwest Division. Its teams span a wide area rather than only the Pacific Northwest.
- Pacific. The Pacific Division groups Golden State, the Lakers, the Clippers, Phoenix, and Sacramento. Both Los Angeles teams play in the same division.
- Southwest. The Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Spurs form the Southwest Division. It contains three Texas clubs plus Memphis and New Orleans.
- Lakers. The Lakers moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960. Their retained nickname reflects the earlier Minnesota home rather than Southern California geography.
- Utah Jazz. The franchise began in New Orleans and moved to Utah in 1979. It retained Jazz, a name more directly associated with the original city’s music.
- Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies began in Vancouver in 1995 and moved to Memphis in 2001. Toronto remained in Canada, while the Grizzlies kept their nickname after relocating.
- Thunder. The Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and adopted Thunder. This is a franchise relocation, not merely a new nickname in the same city.
- Los Angeles Clippers. The Buffalo Braves became the San Diego Clippers in 1978, then moved to Los Angeles in 1984. The Clippers name dates to the San Diego period.
- Warriors. The Philadelphia Warriors won the first BAA title in 1947. That franchise later became Golden State; it is separate from today’s Philadelphia 76ers.
- Washington. The Washington franchise changed from Bullets to Wizards in 1997. The team stayed in the Washington market during the name change.
- Chicago Bulls. The Bulls won three titles in 1991–1993 and another three in 1996–1998. The six championships form two separate runs of three consecutive titles.
- Toronto Raptors. Toronto defeated Golden State in the 2019 Finals. It was the Raptors’ first championship and the first won by a team based in Canada.
- Houston Rockets. The Rockets defeated New York in 1994 and Orlando in 1995. Hakeem Olajuwon was the Finals MVP in both championship years.
- Denver Nuggets. Denver defeated Miami in the 2023 Finals, winning the series 4–1. It was the Nuggets’ first NBA title rather than a repeat championship.