Have you ever wondered how your favourite NBA team received its famous name? All NBA teams have an interesting story or a history behind their names.Some of the names reflected the city's culture or history, others came from previous owners and many were selected through “Name the Team” contests.
The Chicago Bulls' original owner, Richard Klein, named the team the Bulls.He picked the name because a fighting bull is relentless (不屈不挠的) and never quits.Klein, who founded the club in 1966, believed these qualities were necessary for a championship team and hoped his Chicago athletes would live up to the team name.
Miami chose the Heat from names such as the Sharks, Beaches, and Barracudas.The name Magic was the winner for the Orlando team because the city's tourism slogan is “Come to the Magic”．
Tradition played a big part in naming the New York Knicks.Chosen by the club's founder Ned Irish, the Knicks' name was already important in New York's history.The first organised team in baseball history was named the New York Knickerbockers or the Knickerbockers Nine.
In 1967, the Indian Pacers selected their team name in a different way from most other teams.Their decision was based on what they wanted to accomplish in the NBA.Team officials chose the Pacers name because the organization wanted to set the “pace” in professional basketball.
[理解]
1．Why did Richard Klein name the team the Bulls?
Because he hoped his team would keep fighting and never give up.
2．How did the Heat get the name?
It came from the names of other teams.
[积累]
1．reflect vt. 反映
2．original adj. 原来的，创新的
3．championship n. 冠军称号
4．live up to 不辜负
5．slogan n. 标语，口号
6．accomplish vt. 完成；实现
