The 1977–78 NBA season marked the end of an era for the Buffalo Braves, as it was their last season before relocating to San Diego. This season was filled with challenges and significant changes that ultimately led to the team's departure from Buffalo. Despite a promising start, the Braves faced numerous obstacles that contributed to their final standing and eventual move.
A Promising Start and Early Challenges
The Buffalo Braves entered the 1977–78 season with hopes of improving their
performance and securing a strong foothold in the NBA. However, the team faced an early setback when Tiny Archibald, a key player acquired from the New Jersey Nets, suffered an Achilles tendon injury during the preseason. This loss was a significant blow to the team's prospects, as Archibald was expected to be a major contributor on the court.
Despite this challenge, the Braves managed to start the season competitively, achieving a .500 record with 10 wins and 10 losses in November. This promising start gave fans hope that the team could overcome its difficulties and make a strong showing in the league. However, the Braves struggled to maintain this momentum, winning only nine games over the next three months.
Ownership Changes and Relocation Plans
While the team was grappling with on-court challenges, significant changes were happening behind the scenes. John Y. Brown, the owner of the Braves, was negotiating a deal to take over the Boston Celtics. Celtics owner Irv Levin wanted to move the franchise to California, but the NBA opposed relocating such a historic team. As a compromise, NBA lawyer David Stern proposed a franchise swap, allowing Levin to take over the Braves and move them to San Diego.
This deal was approved by a 21–1 vote among the owners, sealing the fate of the Braves in Buffalo. The team played its last game on April 9, 1978, in Boston, marking the end of their time in the city. The Braves were then renamed the San Diego Clippers for the 1978–79 season.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The relocation of the Braves involved a significant player trade, with the Celtics acquiring Archibald, Billy Knight, and Marvin Barnes. In return, the San Diego-bound Braves received Freeman Williams, Kevin Kunnert, Kermit Washington, and Sidney Wicks. Notably, the Braves did not request a draft pick in the deal, allowing the Celtics to retain the draft rights to Larry Bird in 1979.
The departure of the Braves from Buffalo marked the end of a chapter in the city's sports history. Despite the challenges and changes, the team's legacy lives on, as they laid the groundwork for what would become the Los Angeles Clippers. The final season of the Buffalo Braves serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of professional sports and the impact of business decisions on teams and their fans.
