| Providence Steamrollers | |
| Division | Eastern |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Folded | 1949 |
| Home court | Rhode Island Auditorium |
| Colors | Red, white and black |
| BAA/NBA Championships | 0 |
| Conference Championships | 0 |
| Playoff Appearances | 0 |
| Head coach | |
| General manager | |
| Owner | Louis Pieri |
The Providence Steamrollers were a National Basketball Association team based in Providence, Rhode Island. 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 | ||