Fred Zollner Enshrined 1999 Little Falls, MN January 22, 1901 - June 21, 1982 Biography Fred Zollner, namesake of the NBA's Western Conference trophy, played a key role in the early development of the NBA. Helping to oversee the merger of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the National Basketball Association, Zollner was instrumental in the early NBA's survival. He contributed financial support, transportation, and personnel to keep the league alive. Zollner was also a strong advocate for rule changes which helped to improve basketball. He advocated for the adoption of the 24-second clock, the six-foul rule, and the widening of the free-throw lane. Through 1974, Zollner owned the NBL's Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (1941-48), later known as the Fort Wayne Pistons (BAA: 1948-49, NBA: 1949-57) and eventually the NBA's Detroit Pistons (1957-present). He was the first owner to hire a bench coach and, in 1952, the first to buy a DC-3 airplane to transport his team to games. Career Highlights NBL championship with Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, 1944, 1945 Key figure in the merger of the BAA and NBL to form the NBA NBA Finals with Fort Wayne Pistons, 1955, 1956 Named "Mr. Pro Basketball" at the 1975 Silver Anniversary All-Star Game for his status as a founder and long-time supporter of the NBA