The NBA returned to Chicago after 11 years after the Stags , who made it to the first championship series folded. The new team, known as the Packers, who are the first expansion team to join the NBA in 12 years, were not very good as they finished in last place with an awful 18-62 record.

However, first-round draft pick Walt Bellamy became an instant star winning the Rookie of the Year while finishing second to Wilt Chamberlain with an impressive 31. 6 ppg, and finishing third in rebounds to Chamberlain and Bill Russell with a 19.

0 per game.