What could knickerbockers, animals, and mechanical engineering have in common? Well, plenty, if you ask an NBA fan. The naming of basketball teams has involved whole fan communities, local polls, and a lot of state industry pride. Nuggets, Pistons, Pacers—some evoke local wildlife, while others dig centuries back into historical roots. Ever wondered why Tennessee has Grizzlies or how Miami’s team ended up simply as “Heat”? Let’s dive into the stories behind the league’s most iconic—and surprising—team names.
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