A pair of rookies named Smith gave Buffalo fans reason for a bright future.
The Braves repeated their 22–60 record from their inaugural season, and occupied the Atlantic Division basement.
[1] Elmore Smith and Randy Smith each had out standing rookie seasons with Elmore averaging 17.3 points per game and 15.2 rebounds per game, while Randy added 13.4 points per game.
[1] Note: GP= Games played; MPG = Minutes per game; FG% = Field goal percentage; FT% = Free throw percentage; RPG = Rebounds per game; APG = Assists per game; PPG = Points per game [2] The Braves were involved in the following transactions during the 1971–72 season.