Published October 9, 2022
The NBA Time Machine:
1956
The Most Valuable
Updated Awards
The All-NBA Teams were changed – instead of being voted in a position-less fashion, the teams now followed a lineup-based format. Two guards, two forwards, and one center occupied the five slots respectively.
This had its advantages and setbacks – on one hand, it showcased the best talent in the league at each position. This was incredibly important in an era like the 50’s, where most of the best players were big men – great guards like Bill Sharman couldn’t sniff a First Team selection before this rehaul.
However, it also hurt players at the deepest positions. For example, the third best center in the league – Larry Foust – never received an All-Team selection again, because he was simply never amongst the two best at the position. That didn’t make him any less great, but somebody that only focused on his voting-based accomplishments would assume otherwise.
The M.V.P.
The league also implemented the Most Valuable Player award, which intended to highlight the best performer during the regular season. Players would cast in five contenders in descending order, and the higher somebody’s voting placement was, the more points they received.
Sophomore Bob Pettit of the St. Louis Hawks won the very first MVP award.
Franchise Movements
The Milwaukee Hawks relocated to St. Louis – they had been established in three different locations over the course of seven years.
A Brief Return
Basketball legend George Mikan returned for the second half of the season, participating in one last stint with his beloved Minneapolis Lakers. Mikan was still relatively productive, but his numbers had dwindled due to a smaller role.
Standout Players
Around the League
Team Standings
Notes
An asterisk (*) indicates that the team qualified for the playoffs.
Fun Facts
- The New York Knicks‘ nine-year streak of winning records since the league’s conception was snapped, as they finished two wins below the requirement.
- The Minneapolis Lakers also had their first losing record after seven dominant years.
- For the first time since 1952, the Boston Celtics were not the top-ranked offense.
- The NBA had multiple teams score over one-hundred points per game for the first time. Those teams were the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia Warriors and New York Knicks.
- After a long period of stability, the Western Division began to decline and resemble its mediocre form in the early-50s. Only the Detroit Pistons, who had just been to the finals, looked like a formidable team.
Notable Movement
Key
The player stats listed are based on their last tenure, whether it be with their former team or the previous season.
Name(s) under the “Top Draft Picks” section with a plus (+) opted to play in another league instead of the NBA this season.
Name(s) under the “Top Draft Picks” section with an asterisk (*) were selected with a territorial draft pick.
p – points
r – rebounds
a – assists