Franchise Expansion (1968)

Lore & Background

The early years were defined by optimism and community investment. Unlike many expansion teams that struggled initially, this franchise set an ambitious tone from day one. The connection between the players and the fans was immediate, fostering a loyal base that would sustain the team through decades of highs and lows in professional sports history.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Veterans Memorial Coliseum hummed with anticipation as the sun dipped below the horizon outside. A young fan clutched his ticket tightly, eyes wide at the polished hardwood floor where purple and orange lines were freshly painted. When the starting lineup stepped out for introductions, a roar erupted from the stands that echoed off the rafters, signaling the beginning of a new era for Arizona basketball.

Reader's Guide

The journey began when league officials approved Phoenix as a new market, recognizing the potential of the Southwest region. Local investors rallied to secure the franchise rights, promising to bring professional basketball to Arizona fans for the first time. Construction crews prepared the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, painting over old murals with the new purple and orange hues that would define the team's identity. Drafting the roster proved challenging in a competitive era, yet management secured talented players eager for a fresh start. The inaugural season arrived quickly, with the city buzzing around opening night at the Coliseum. Fans packed every seat to witness history, hoping the new squad could compete immediately against established powerhouses. Against all odds, the team delivered an unexpected winning record during that first year, setting a high standard for future expansion clubs. This success cemented the franchise's place in league lore and proved that professional sports could thrive under the Arizona sun. The foundation laid in 1968 would eventually support decades of playoff runs and championship aspirations.

Did You Know?

• Despite a challenging inaugural season with a 32-50 record, the Suns quickly built a passionate fanbase in Arizona.
• Purple and orange were chosen as the original team colors to reflect the Arizona sunset.
• The franchise played its first home game at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Draft Mechanics and Structure

The fourth expansion draft in league history took place on May 6, 1968, facilitating the entry of two new franchises into the National Basketball Association. Following their official awarding earlier that January, the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns needed rosters ready for the upcoming campaign. To balance competitive equity, established clubs were permitted to shield specific roster members from selection. Initially, each of the twelve existing organizations safeguarded seven players on their books. As the process unfolded through alternating rounds between the two newcomers, the protection rules tightened; after every round, veteran teams could add another individual to their safe list. The event concluded once both expansion clubs had secured eighteen unprotected athletes apiece, resulting in a net loss of three players for each original franchise involved in the transaction.

Milwaukee Bucks Formation and Roster

Milwaukee returned to the league under the guidance of investors Wesley Pavalon and Marvin Fishman, operating through Milwaukee Professional Sports and Services. This marked the city's second NBA tenure since the Hawks departed for St. The front office secured notable talent including former first overall pick Fred Hetzel and several All-Stars like Wayne Embry and Guy Rodgers. Larry Costello, a six-time All-Star, was selected but had already retired due to injury; he immediately transitioned into the role of head coach. While ten draftees joined the inaugural squad, retention proved difficult, with only three remaining beyond a single season. Jon McGlocklin stood out as the most significant long-term asset, earning an 1969 All-Star nod and becoming the sole expansion draft selection on the championship roster in 1971. Embry eventually received Hall of Fame recognition for his contributions to the sport.

Phoenix Suns Formation and Roster

The Phoenix franchise was established by an investment group led by Richard Bloch. Their draft class included territorial picks such as Gail Goodrich and George Wilson. Although eight players from this selection process participated in the first season, only five managed to stay for multiple years. John Wetzel was a unique case, joining later in 1970 after fulfilling military service obligations. The team saw immediate success with All-Star selections for Dick Van Arsdale and Goodrich during their debut year. Van Arsdale remained with the organization for nine seasons, setting a franchise record for games played that stood until Walter Davis and Alvan Adams eventually surpassed his mark in later years.

Long-term Legacy and Player Outcomes

The long-term impact of this expansion draft is measured through individual accolades and team success stories. Several selected players achieved high honors, including induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Gail Goodrich was enshrined as a player, while Wayne Embry received recognition as a contributor. Both franchises secured their first All-Star representatives in 1969 through McGlocklin for Milwaukee and Van Arsdale alongside Goodrich for Phoenix. Retention rates varied significantly between the two clubs; the Bucks saw only three players from the draft last longer than one season, whereas Phoenix retained five. Ultimately, Jon McGlocklin provided the most tangible legacy for Milwaukee by contributing to their 1971 title victory, proving that expansion selections could indeed form the backbone of a championship roster despite the challenges inherent in building new teams from scratch.