Providence Steamrollers

Providence Steamrollers
Division	Eastern Division
Founded	1946
History	Providence Steamrollers 1946–1949
Arena	Rhode Island Auditorium
City	Providence, Rhode Island
Team colors	Red, White, and Black
Owner(s)	Louis Pieri
Championships	0
Division titles	None

This article is about the 1940s basketball team. For the 1920s NFL team, see Providence Steam Roller.

The Providence Steamrollers were a National Basketball Association team based in Providence, Rhode Island. As of February 2012, the Steamrollers remain the last pro sports franchise from one of the Big Four leagues to be based in Rhode Island.

Franchise history

The Steamrollers were one of the original eleven NBA franchises (when the league was called the Basketball Association of America). The franchise posted an all-time record of 46-122 (.274) before folding after three seasons.

The Steamrollers still hold the dubious NBA record for least games won in a season with 6, in the 1947-48 season. (The team does not hold the record for lowest winning percentage – that distinction belongs to the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers.) Also during the 1947-48 season, the Steamrollers' Nat Hickey, at age 46, established a still-standing mark as the oldest player in NBA history.

Players of note

• Ernie Calverley - Second-team All-NBA and led league in assists during NBA's first season
• George Nostrand - Tallest player in the NBA's first year
• Howie Shannon - Leading NBA rookie in 1949

Coaches and others

• Robert Morris - 1946
• Hank Soar - 1947
• Ken Loeffler - 1949

Season-by-season records

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, % = Win–Loss %

Season	W	L	%	Playoffs	Results
Providence Steamrollers (BAA)
1946-47	28	32	.467
1947-48	6	42	.125
1948-49	12	48	.250