The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a league that dared to be different, and its influence on the NBA is undeniable. In this article, we explore how the ABA changed basketball forever, focusing on the stories of George Gervin and Julius "Dr J" Erving. We delve into the league's innovations, its impact on players, and its lasting legacy.
A League of Its Own
The ABA was founded in the late 1960s as a rival to the more established NBA. It quickly became known for its high-flying dunks, a red-white-and-blue basketball, and fashion-forward players, from muttonchop sideburns to afros. Dr J, a star on and off the court, symbolized the ABA's cultural heft.
The Rise of the Scoring Wing
George Gervin, known as the Iceman, was one of basketball's great scorers. His finger roll is still studied by the best in the game. Before the ABA, Gervin was considered damaged goods due to a fistfight in college and a lack of NBA prospects. But the ABA provided him with guidance and self-confidence, helping him understand his ability to play in the league.
The First Modern Dunk Contest
On January 27, 1976, the ABA All-Star game featured the first modern pro basketball dunk contest. Dr J won the trophy, flying from the free-throw line like Superman. Despite not being known as a creative dunker, Gervin participated in the contest, knowing his name would draw eyeballs.
Pushing the Game Forward
The NBA in the early 1970s was resistant to change. The ABA, on the other hand, took on the job of pushing the game forward. It drafted underclassmen like Spencer Haywood, who won both the Rookie of the Year and MVP trophies in Denver. The ABA also introduced the three-point shot, which would later become a staple of the NBA.
A League of Unforgettable Personalities
The ABA was known for its larger-than-life personalities, from the troubled Marvin "Bad News" Barnes to the politically minded Warren Jabali. Despite the fleeting nature of the teams, the players formed strong camaraderie, and the league offered a chance to develop and prove oneself.
The Merger and Its Impact
In the summer of 1976, the ABA merged with the NBA. Four of the remaining seven ABA teams were absorbed, and many of the league's innovations and stars permanently reshaped professional basketball. Gervin and Erving remain close friends, and their paths have crossed countless times since those one-on-one practices in Virginia.
A Lasting Legacy
Fifty years after the merger, players like Gervin and Simpson remain living reminders of the ABA's enduring influence. The league's innovations and personalities have left a lasting impact on the NBA, and its story continues to inspire new generations of basketball fans and players.
