American Basketball Association

Introduction

Professional basketball league (1967–1976) The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a men's professional basketball league from 1967 to 1976.Professional basketball league (1967–1976) The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a men's professional basketball league from 1967 to 1976.

The ABA merged into the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976, resulting in four ABA teams joining the NBA and the introduction of the NBA 3 point shot in 1979.The ABA merged into the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976, resulting in four ABA teams joining the NBA and the introduction of the NBA 3 point shot in 1979.

League history

The ABA was conceived at a time stretching from 1960 through the mid 1970s when numerous upstart leagues were challenging, with varying degrees of success, the established major professional sports leagues in the United States.The ABA was conceived at a time stretching from 1960 through the mid 1970s when numerous upstart leagues were challenging, with varying degrees of success, the established major professional sports leagues in the United States.

Basketball was seen as particularly vulnerable to a challenge; its major league, the National Basketball Association, was the youngest of the Big Four major leagues, having only played 21 seasons to that point, and was still fending off contemporary challenging leagues (it had been less than five years since the American Basketball League (ABL) shut down).Basketball was seen as particularly vulnerable to a challenge; its major league, the National Basketball Association, was the youngest of the Big Four major leagues, having only played 21 seasons to that point, and was still fending off contemporary challenging leagues (it had been less than five years since the American Basketball League (ABL) shut down).

According to one of the owners of the Indiana Pacers, its goal was to force a merger with the more established league.According to one of the owners of the Indiana Pacers, its goal was to force a merger with the more established league.

Potential investors were told that they could get an ABA team for half of what it cost to get an NBA expansion team at the time.Potential investors were told that they could get an ABA team for half of what it cost to get an NBA expansion team at the time.

When the merger occurred, ABA officials said their investment would more than double.When the merger occurred, ABA officials said their investment would more than double.

The ABA distinguished itself from its older counterpart with a more wide open, flashy style of offensive play, as well as differences in rules — a 30 second shot clock (as opposed to the NBA's 24 second clock, though the ABA did switch to the 24 second shot clock for the 1975–76 season) and use of a three point field goal arc, pioneered in the earlier ABL.The ABA distinguished itself from its older counterpart with a more wide open, flashy style of offensive play, as well as differences in rules — a 30 second shot clock (as opposed to the NBA's 24 second clock, though the ABA did switch to the 24 second shot clock for the 1975–76 season) and use of a three point field goal arc, pioneered in the earlier ABL.

Also, the ABA used a colorful red, white and blue ball, instead of the NBA's traditional orange ball.Also, the ABA used a colorful red, white and blue ball, instead of the NBA's traditional orange ball.

The ABA also had several "regional" franchises, such as the Virginia Squires and Carolina Cougars, that played "home" games in several cities.The ABA also had several "regional" franchises, such as the Virginia Squires and Carolina Cougars, that played "home" games in several cities.

In the 1973–74 season, the ABA also adopted the no disqualification foul rule: instead of fouling out after six infractions, when a player is charged with his seventh or succeeding fouls, the opposing team retains possession and the offended team attempts any free throw.In the 1973–74 season, the ABA also adopted the no disqualification foul rule: instead of fouling out after six infractions, when a player is charged with his seventh or succeeding fouls, the opposing team retains possession and the offended team attempts any free throw.

The ABA also went after four of the best referees in the NBA: Earl Strom, John Vanak, Norm Drucker and Joe Gushue, getting them to "jump" leagues by offering them far more in money and benefits.The ABA also went after four of the best referees in the NBA: Earl Strom, John Vanak, Norm Drucker and Joe Gushue, getting them to "jump" leagues by offering them far more in money and benefits.

In Earl Strom's memoir Calling the Shots, Strom conveys both the heady sense of being courted by a rival league with money to burn — and also the depression that set in the next year when he began refereeing in the ABA, with less prominent players performing in inadequate arenas, in front of very small crowds.In Earl Strom's memoir Calling the Shots, Strom conveys both the heady sense of being courted by a rival league with money to burn — and also the depression that set in the next year when he began refereeing in the ABA, with less prominent players performing in inadequate arenas, in front of very small crowds.

Nevertheless, the emergence of the ABA boosted the salaries of referees just as it did the salaries of players.Nevertheless, the emergence of the ABA boosted the salaries of referees just as it did the salaries of players.

However ABA Teams like Nets, Colonels, Pacers, Spurs, Nuggets and Stars, especially in latest seasons, registered higher attendance on average than most of NBA teams at that time (excluding Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, SuperSonics and Bucks).However ABA Teams like Nets, Colonels, Pacers, Spurs, Nuggets and Stars, especially in latest seasons, registered higher attendance on average than most of NBA teams at that time (excluding Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, SuperSonics and Bucks).

The freewheeling style of the ABA eventually caught on with fans, but the lack of a national television contract and protracted financial losses would spell doom for the ABA as an independent circuit.The freewheeling style of the ABA eventually caught on with fans, but the lack of a national television contract and protracted financial losses would spell doom for the ABA as an independent circuit.

In 1976, its last year of existence, the ABA pioneered the now popular slam dunk contest at its all star game in Denver.In 1976, its last year of existence, the ABA pioneered the now popular slam dunk contest at its all star game in Denver.

The league succeeded in forcing a merger with the NBA in the 1976 offseason.The league succeeded in forcing a merger with the NBA in the 1976 offseason.

Four ABA teams were absorbed into the older league: the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs.Four ABA teams were absorbed into the older league: the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs.

As part of the merger agreement, the four teams were not permitted to participate in the 1976 NBA draft.As part of the merger agreement, the four teams were not permitted to participate in the 1976 NBA draft.

The merger was particularly hard on the Nets; the New York Knicks were firmly established in their arena, Madison Square Garden, and would not permit the Nets to share dates there.The merger was particularly hard on the Nets; the New York Knicks were firmly established in their arena, Madison Square Garden, and would not permit the Nets to share dates there.

For drawing audience away from the Knicks, the Nets were forced to pay $4.3M to the Knicks organization.For drawing audience away from the Knicks, the Nets were forced to pay $4.3M to the Knicks organization.

The Nets offered league superstar Julius Erving instead but the Knicks declined.The Nets offered league superstar Julius Erving instead but the Knicks declined.

The Nets had to settle for an arena in Piscataway, New Jersey and, to meet expenses, were forced to sell the contract of Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers.The Nets had to settle for an arena in Piscataway, New Jersey and, to meet expenses, were forced to sell the contract of Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Two other clubs, the Kentucky Colonels and the Spirits of St. Louis, were disbanded upon the merger, with each getting a buyout: the Colonels received a one time buyout that owner John Y.Two other clubs, the Kentucky Colonels and the Spirits of St. Louis, were disbanded upon the merger, with each getting a buyout: the Colonels received a one time buyout that owner John Y.

Brown, Jr. used to purchase the NBA's Buffalo Braves, while the Spirits owners negotiated a cut of the other ABA teams' television revenues in perpetuity.Brown, Jr. used to purchase the NBA's Buffalo Braves, while the Spirits owners negotiated a cut of the other ABA teams' television revenues in perpetuity.

This deal netted the ownership group of the Spirits over $300M over nearly four decades due to a large increase in television revenues.This deal netted the ownership group of the Spirits over $300M over nearly four decades due to a large increase in television revenues.

In 2014, the NBA and the Spirits ownership agreed to phase out future payments in exchange for a one time payment of $500M, making the total value for the deal over $800M.In 2014, the NBA and the Spirits ownership agreed to phase out future payments in exchange for a one time payment of $500M, making the total value for the deal over $800M.

The seventh remaining team, the Virginia Squires, received nothing, as they had ceased operations shortly before the merger.The seventh remaining team, the Virginia Squires, received nothing, as they had ceased operations shortly before the merger.

The players from the Colonels, Spirits, and Squires were made available to NBA teams through a dispersal draft; the four teams absorbed by the NBA were allowed to choose players from this draft.The players from the Colonels, Spirits, and Squires were made available to NBA teams through a dispersal draft; the four teams absorbed by the NBA were allowed to choose players from this draft.

One of the more significant long term contributions of the ABA to professional basketball was to tap into markets in the southeast that had been collegiate basketball hotbeds (including North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky).One of the more significant long term contributions of the ABA to professional basketball was to tap into markets in the southeast that had been collegiate basketball hotbeds (including North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky).

The NBA was focused on the urban areas of the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast.The NBA was focused on the urban areas of the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast.

At the time, it showed no interest in placing a team south of Washington, D. C, other than the Atlanta metropolitan area where the NBA's Hawks franchise relocated from St. Louis in 1968.At the time, it showed no interest in placing a team south of Washington, D. C, other than the Atlanta metropolitan area where the NBA's Hawks franchise relocated from St. Louis in 1968.

Spencer Haywood Hardship Rule

One of the primary contributions of the ABA to modern NBA was the introduction of the Spencer Haywood Hardship Rule, which would later become the framework for the current NBA draft eligibility system that allows players to declare for the NBA after being one year removed from their high school graduation.One of the primary contributions of the ABA to modern NBA was the introduction of the Spencer Haywood Hardship Rule, which would later become the framework for the current NBA draft eligibility system that allows players to declare for the NBA after being one year removed from their high school graduation.

The origin of the Hardship Rule was a result of the NBA prohibiting players from joining the league until they had completed their four years of college eligibility.The origin of the Hardship Rule was a result of the NBA prohibiting players from joining the league until they had completed their four years of college eligibility.

In 1969, Spencer Haywood left the University of Detroit as a sophomore and signed with the Denver Rockets.In 1969, Spencer Haywood left the University of Detroit as a sophomore and signed with the Denver Rockets.

The ABA believed that in extenuating circumstances, such as a financial situation or familial needs, players should be able to leave for professional leagues early.The ABA believed that in extenuating circumstances, such as a financial situation or familial needs, players should be able to leave for professional leagues early.

Haywood paved the way for other players to enter the ABA before they had completed their collegiate careers such as George McGinnis and Julius Erving.Haywood paved the way for other players to enter the ABA before they had completed their collegiate careers such as George McGinnis and Julius Erving.

Today, the "one and done" rule in the NBA can be traced back to the ABA's decision to allow players to leave college early and pursue a professional career before they had completed their collegiate careers.Today, the "one and done" rule in the NBA can be traced back to the ABA's decision to allow players to leave college early and pursue a professional career before they had completed their collegiate careers.

Slam Dunk Contest

The ABA pioneered the advent of the now popular NBA slam dunk contest at the final ABA All Star Game in 1976.The ABA pioneered the advent of the now popular NBA slam dunk contest at the final ABA All Star Game in 1976.

The game was held in Denver, and the owners of the ABA teams wanted to ensure that the event would be entertaining for the sellout crowd of 15,021 people.The game was held in Denver, and the owners of the ABA teams wanted to ensure that the event would be entertaining for the sellout crowd of 15,021 people.

and the ABA owners wanted to establish the viability and success of their league.and the ABA owners wanted to establish the viability and success of their league.

+Overview of American Basketball Association teams Franchise Cities/Names Years Fate Anaheim AmigosLos Angeles StarsUtah Stars Anaheim Amigos 1967–1968 Folded, 1975 NBA relocated New Orleans Jazz to Utah as Utah Jazz in 1979.+Overview of American Basketball Association teams Franchise Cities/Names Years Fate Anaheim AmigosLos Angeles StarsUtah Stars Anaheim Amigos 1967–1968 Folded, 1975 NBA relocated New Orleans Jazz to Utah as Utah Jazz in 1979.

Los Angeles Stars 1968–1970 Utah Stars 1970–1976 Dallas ChaparralsTexas ChaparralsSan Antonio Spurs Dallas Chaparrals 1967–1970 Joined the NBA, 1976, as San Antonio SpursNBA added a franchise in Dallas (Mavericks) in 1980.Los Angeles Stars 1968–1970 Utah Stars 1970–1976 Dallas ChaparralsTexas ChaparralsSan Antonio Spurs Dallas Chaparrals 1967–1970 Joined the NBA, 1976, as San Antonio SpursNBA added a franchise in Dallas (Mavericks) in 1980.

Texas Chaparrals 1970–1971 Dallas Chaparrals 1971–1973 San Antonio Spurs 1973–1976 Houston MavericksCarolina CougarsSpirits of St. Louis Houston Mavericks 1967–1969 Folded, 1976 (NBA buyout) NBA relocated San Diego Rockets to Houston as Houston Rockets in 1971.Texas Chaparrals 1970–1971 Dallas Chaparrals 1971–1973 San Antonio Spurs 1973–1976 Houston MavericksCarolina CougarsSpirits of St. Louis Houston Mavericks 1967–1969 Folded, 1976 (NBA buyout) NBA relocated San Diego Rockets to Houston as Houston Rockets in 1971.

NBA added a franchise in Charlotte (Hornets) in 1988.NBA added a franchise in Charlotte (Hornets) in 1988.

Carolina Cougars 1969–1974 Spirits of St. Louis 1974–1976 Indiana Pacers Indiana Pacers 1967–1976 Joined NBA, 1976, as Indiana Pacers Kansas CityDenver Larks /Rockets /Nuggets Kansas City (unnamed) 1967 Joined the NBA, 1976, as Denver Nuggets Denver Larks 1967 Denver Rockets 1967–1974 Denver Nuggets 1974–1976 Kentucky Colonels Kentucky Colonels 1967–1976 Folded, 1976 (NBA buyout) Minnesota MuskiesMiami Floridians Minnesota Muskies 1967–1968 Folded, 1972NBA added a franchise in Miami (Heat) in 1988.Carolina Cougars 1969–1974 Spirits of St. Louis 1974–1976 Indiana Pacers Indiana Pacers 1967–1976 Joined NBA, 1976, as Indiana Pacers Kansas CityDenver Larks /Rockets /Nuggets Kansas City (unnamed) 1967 Joined the NBA, 1976, as Denver Nuggets Denver Larks 1967 Denver Rockets 1967–1974 Denver Nuggets 1974–1976 Kentucky Colonels Kentucky Colonels 1967–1976 Folded, 1976 (NBA buyout) Minnesota MuskiesMiami Floridians Minnesota Muskies 1967–1968 Folded, 1972NBA added a franchise in Miami (Heat) in 1988.

NBA added a franchise in Minnesota (Timberwolves) in 1989.NBA added a franchise in Minnesota (Timberwolves) in 1989.

Miami Floridians 1968–1970 Floridians 1970–1972 New Orleans /Louisiana BuccaneersMemphis Pros /Tams /SoundsBaltimore Hustlers /Claws New Orleans Buccaneers 1967–1970 Folded, 1975NBA relocated Charlotte Hornets to New Orleans as New Orleans Hornets (now New Orleans Pelicans) in 2002.

NBA relocated Vancouver Grizzlies to Memphis as Memphis Grizzlies in 2001.NBA relocated Vancouver Grizzlies to Memphis as Memphis Grizzlies in 2001.

Louisiana Buccaneers 1970 Memphis Pros 1970–1972 Memphis Tams 1972–1974 Memphis Sounds 1974–1975 Baltimore Hustlers 1975 Baltimore Claws 1975 New York/New Jersey AmericansNew York Nets New York Americans 1967 Joined NBA, 1976, with name changes to reflect move to New Jersey (1977) and currently Brooklyn Nets (2012).Louisiana Buccaneers 1970 Memphis Pros 1970–1972 Memphis Tams 1972–1974 Memphis Sounds 1974–1975 Baltimore Hustlers 1975 Baltimore Claws 1975 New York/New Jersey AmericansNew York Nets New York Americans 1967 Joined NBA, 1976, with name changes to reflect move to New Jersey (1977) and currently Brooklyn Nets (2012).

New Jersey Americans 1967–1968 New York Nets 1968–1976 Oakland Americans/OaksWashington CapitalsVirginia Squires Oakland Americans 1967 Folded, 1976 (prior to merger)NBA relocated San Francisco Warriors to Oakland as Golden State Warriors in 1971.

NBA relocated Baltimore Bullets to Washington as Capital Bullets (now Washington Wizards) in 1973.NBA relocated Baltimore Bullets to Washington as Capital Bullets (now Washington Wizards) in 1973.

Oakland Oaks 1967–1969 Washington Capitals 1969–1970 Virginia Squires 1970–1976 Pittsburgh Pipers /Pioneers /CondorsMinnesota Pipers Pittsburgh Pipers 1967–1968 Folded, 1972 NBA added a franchise in Minnesota (Timberwolves) in 1989.Oakland Oaks 1967–1969 Washington Capitals 1969–1970 Virginia Squires 1970–1976 Pittsburgh Pipers /Pioneers /CondorsMinnesota Pipers Pittsburgh Pipers 1967–1968 Folded, 1972 NBA added a franchise in Minnesota (Timberwolves) in 1989.

Minnesota Pipers 1968–1969 Pittsburgh Pipers 1969–1970 Pittsburgh Pioneers 1970 Pittsburgh Condors 1970–1972 San Diego Conquistadors /Sails San Diego Conquistadors 1972–1975 Folded, 1975NBA operated in San Diego from 1967 to 1971 with the San Diego Rockets (now the Houston Rockets) and from 1978 to 1984 with the San Diego Clippers (now the Los Angeles Clippers).Minnesota Pipers 1968–1969 Pittsburgh Pipers 1969–1970 Pittsburgh Pioneers 1970 Pittsburgh Condors 1970–1972 San Diego Conquistadors /Sails San Diego Conquistadors 1972–1975 Folded, 1975NBA operated in San Diego from 1967 to 1971 with the San Diego Rockets (now the Houston Rockets) and from 1978 to 1984 with the San Diego Clippers (now the Los Angeles Clippers).

San Diego Sails 1975

Scoring leaders

SeasonPlayerTeam(s)GamesplayedPointsPointsper game1967–68 *Pittsburgh Pipers70187526.81968–69 *Oakland Oaks35119034.01969–70*Denver Rockets84251930.01970–71 *Kentucky Colonels83248029.91971–72*Virginia Squires73252434.61972–73 *Virginia Squires71226831.91973–74 Julius Erving* (2)New York Nets84229927.41974–75*Indiana Pacers79235329.81975–76 Julius Erving* (3)New York Nets84246229.3

Rebounding leaders

SeasonPlayerTeam(s)GamesplayedOffensivereboundsDefensivereboundsTotalreboundsReboundsper game1967–68 *Minnesota Muskies78502711121315.61968–69 Mel Daniels* (2)Indiana Pacers76383873125616.51969–70 Spencer Haywood*Denver Rockets845331104163719.51970–71 Mel Daniels* (3)Indiana Pacers823941081147518.01971–72 * Kentucky Colonels844211070149117.81972–73 Artis Gilmore* (2)Kentucky Colonels844491027147617.61973–74 Artis Gilmore* (3)Kentucky Colonels844781060153818.31974–75San Antonio Spurs78369910127916.41975–76 Artis Gilmore* (4)Kentucky Colonels84402901130315.5

Assists leaders

SeasonPlayerTeam(s)GamesplayedAssistsAssistsper game1967–68 *New Orleans Buccaneers785066.51968–69 Larry Brown* (2) Oakland Oaks775447.11969–70 Larry Brown* (3)Washington Caps825807.11970–71New York Nets816728.31971–72 Bill Melchionni (2)New York Nets806698.41972–73 Bill Melchionni (3) New York Nets614537.41973–74 Denver Rockets766198.11974–75 Denver Nuggets745707.71975–76 Indiana Pacers846898.2

Steals leaders

SeasonPlayerTeam(s)GamesplayedStealsStealsper game1972–73 Virginia Squires782102.691973–74 Denver Rockets842502.981974–75 New York Nets792212.801975–76 Don Buse Indiana Pacers843464.12

Blocks leaders

SeasonPlayerTeam(s)GamesplayedBlocksBlocksper game1971–72Kentucky Colonels844225.021972–73Artis Gilmore (2)Kentucky Colonels842593.081973–74San Diego Conquistadors793164.001974–75 Caldwell Jones (2) San Diego Conquistadors762463.241975–76 San Antonio Spurs832533.05

Succession

In 1999, a new league calling itself the ABA 2000 was established.In 1999, a new league calling itself the ABA 2000 was established.

The new league uses a similar red, white and blue basketball as the old ABA, but unlike the original ABA, it does not feature players of similar caliber to the NBA, nor does it play games in major arenas or on television as the original ABA did.The new league uses a similar red, white and blue basketball as the old ABA, but unlike the original ABA, it does not feature players of similar caliber to the NBA, nor does it play games in major arenas or on television as the original ABA did.