Philadelphia Warriors were the first NBA Champs when the league was
known as BAA (Basketball Association of America).

The Basketball Association of America (BAA) was a professional basketball
league founded in New York City. Maurice Podoloff (below), who was already
serving as president of the American Hockey League, was appointed president
of the BAA, becoming the first person to simultaneously lead two professional
leagues. The league merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in
1949, forming the National Basketball Association (NBA).

 

Maurice Podoloff