Cincinnati Royals Golden Age
The Queen City's first NBA team, marked by brilliance and tragedy.
The Cincinnati Royals were a professional basketball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the NBA from 1957 to 1960. The team originated as the Rochester Royals and relocated to Cincinnati in April 1957.
Quick Facts
- Years in city
- 1957–1972
- Arena
- Cincinnati Gardens
- Key player
- Oscar Robertson
- Notable coach
- Jack Ramsay
- Franchise status
- Predecessor to Sacramento Kings
- League
- NBA
Lore & Background
The Royals moved to Cincinnati after a well-received regular-season game at Cincinnati Gardens in February 1957. The team featured stars like Maurice Stokes and Jack Twyman. In the 1957–58 season, Stokes suffered a head injury that led to his permanent hospitalization, a tragedy that shook the team. Twyman later legally adopted Stokes and raised funds for his medical treatment.
Reader's Guide
The Cincinnati Royals played their home games at Cincinnati Gardens. Key players included Maurice Stokes, Jack Twyman, Clyde Lovellette, and George King. The team struggled after Stokes' injury, posting two 19-win seasons in 1958–59 and 1959–60.
Did You Know?
- Maurice Stokes was second in the NBA in rebounds and third in assists in the 1957–58 season, a double feat only matched by Wilt Chamberlain and Nikola Jokić for a full season.
- The Royals' move to Cincinnati was partly suggested by players Jack Twyman and Dave Piontek, who were from the area.
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