1958-59 Cincinnati Royals
[edit] The Offseason
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The Cincinnati Royals headed into the their second season ever in the Queen City after the worst and most tragic off-season in NBA history. Star forward Maurice Stokes, who was on his way to one of the greatest pro careers ever, had a head injury badly escalated by an ill-advised airplane flight after Game One of the playoffs in March, 1958. The resulting swelling and other symptoms shut down his motor centers in his brain and left him wheelchair-bound and handicapped for his remaining days. In 1958, he was only 24 years old. Les Harrison had hastily sold his team to a new ownership group in Cincinnati. Star Clyde Lovellette demanded a trade to St. Louis. Five other players simply left the team and the league. Bobby Wanzer could not rally his remaining roster and was replaced by reserve Tom Marshall. Many leaving were incensed by Stokes treatment on the flight. Jack Twyman would be the only returning starter. Five rookies dotted the roster this year. No NBA team has ever been so decimated or as young and inexperienced. The team showed remarkable character this year and they slowly recovered from the shock of what happened to fallen teammate Stokes.
[edit] Preseason Predictions
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The most promising young NBA team a year ago, most expected a brutally tough year this season, and they were right. Some in the NBA now wondered if the team would fold in the wake of the Maurice Stokes tragedy.
[edit] Regular-Season Highlights
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[edit] Opening Night
[edit] November
[edit] December
[edit] January
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[edit] March
[edit] April
[edit] NBA Playoffs
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[edit] Player Data
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[edit] Salaries
[edit] Uniform Numbers
[edit] Trivia
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