Joe Taub was a prominent figure in the world of basketball, known for his contributions as a team owner and executive. He began his career in the sport as a player, but quickly transitioned to the business side of things. Taub was a co-founder of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and served as the owner of several teams throughout his career.
Taub's first foray into team ownership came in the 1960s, when he purchased the Los Angeles Jets of the ABA. He later became a co-owner of the San Diego Conquistadors, and eventually took over as the sole owner of the team. Taub was known for his innovative approach to running a basketball team, and was one of the first owners to offer players guaranteed contracts.
In the 1980s, Taub became involved with the NBA when he purchased the New Jersey Nets. He served as the team's president and oversaw a period of success for the franchise, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2002. Taub was also instrumental in the creation of the NBA's first salary cap, which helped to level the playing field for smaller-market teams.
Throughout his career, Taub was known for his willingness to take risks and his ability to think outside the box. He was a pioneer in the world of sports marketing, and was one of the first owners to recognize the potential of television as a revenue stream for professional sports. Taub was also a strong advocate for player rights, and was instrumental in the creation of the NBA Players Association.
Despite his success as a team owner and executive, Taub never lost his love for the game of basketball. He remained a fixture at games and was known for his passion and enthusiasm for the sport. Taub passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on in the many contributions he made to the world of basketball.
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