known as the Bobcats, began play in the 2004–05 season. In 2013, the New Orleans Hornets were renamed the Pelicans, and the following season, the Bobcats were renamed the Hornets, acquiring the history and records of the 1988–2002 Hornets while retroactively designating the Pelicans as an expansion team. Team timeline Wayne Embry Trophy Beginning with the 2021–22 season, the Central Division champions has received the Wayne Embry Trophy. As with the other division championship trophies, it is named after one of the African American pioneers from NBA history. Wayne Embry became the NBA's first African American general manager when he was hired by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972. The Embry Trophy consists of a crystal ball. Division champions Titles by team Season results Rivalries Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 1949–50 season Before the 1949–50 season, the BAA merged with the NBL and was renamed NBA. The number of teams competed increased from 12 teams to 17 teams and the league realigned itself to three divisions, creating the Central Division. The division consisted of five teams, the Chicago Stags, the Fort Wayne Pistons, the Minneapolis Lakers, the Rochester Royals and the St. Louis Bombers. All five teams joined from the Western Division. The Minneapolis Lakers won the Central Division title. The division was disbanded before the 1950–51 season, after six teams folded and the league realigned itself back into two divisions. The Stags and the Bombers folded, while the other three teams returned to the Western Division. Notes Because of a lockout, the season did not start until February 5, 1999, and all 29 teams played a shortened 50-game regular season schedule. Because of a lockout, the season did not start until December 25, 2011, and all 30 teams played a shortened 66-game regular season schedule. In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, the NBA canceled the April 16 game scheduled in Boston between the Celtics and the Pacers; the game was not rescheduled because it would have had no impact on either team's playoff seedings. References General Specific External links NBA.com Team Index Eastern Conference (NBA) National Basketball Association divisions NBA NBA Atlanta Hawks Baltimore Bullets (1963–1973) Capital Bullets Charlotte Hornets Chicago Bulls Cincinnati Royals Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Houston Rockets Indiana Pacers Milwaukee Bucks New Orleans Hornets New Orleans Jazz (NBA team) Orlando Magic San Antonio Spurs Toronto Raptors Washington Bullets 1970 establishments