Geography of the Basketball
By: Andrew Nicol

The growth of basketball
In 1891, Dr. James Naismith invented the game of basketball.
The origination of basketball happened in a YMCA in Massachusetts.
46 Years later the NBL(National Basketball League) was formed and then the Basketball Association of America.

The Merger
In 1949 the two leagues merged and became the NBA(National Basketball Association).

The spread of the NBA
Eventually the 17 team league decreased to 8 teams and then grew to 29 teams that are currently in the NBA.
The density of the teams has increased dramatically since the start of the NBA

The NBA in 2000

References
The Growth of the NBA http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0003877.html
Expansion/Merger Timetable http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0003878.html
History and development of basketball http://www.sportsrules.50g.com/basketball/history-basketball.htm