The ABA— Basketball With Spirit, Flair, and Game
A pioneer league that changed the face and essence of pro basketball
As the 2020 NBA Finals arrive, it’d be remiss not to give the ABA — the American Basketball Association, a shoutout. A thank you and homage to an old school style of basketball with its funk and style in full bloom.
The legacy of the ABA travels far beyond their red, white, and blue basketball. Today’s NBA as well as the NCAA are shaped and influenced by the American Basketball Association.
Formed in 1966 as a pro basketball league, the ABA began with 11 teams. By 1976, the ABA’s final season, the league was reduced to seven. In lieu of a merger, the NBA absorbed four ABA franchises. For financial reasons, the NBA brought them in as expansion teams.
Starting in the 1977 Season, the New York Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers began their NBA tenures. The NBA also held a draft for the ABA free agents, independent of their folded and former teams.
Many ABA players enjoyed great and storied NBA careers. All-Stars, MVPs, champions, and league-leaders in various statistical categories. Many have also reached the Basketball Hall-of-Fame. In subsequent seasons, most of the Eastern and Western Conference rosters at the NBA All-Star…
