Established in 1967, the American Basketball Association featured 11 teams and a go-getter attitude to rival the bigger NBA. The league introduced concepts like the three-point shot and shot clock to basketball, eventually merging with the NBA in 1976.
Here are 20 nostalgic photos of the ABA, along with some of basketball's most iconic stars.
1
Julius Erving
Grabbing a rebound against the Spurs.
2
George McGinnis
Taking a shot against the Kentucky Colonels for the Pacers, 1972.
3
Doug Moe
The Carolina Cougars, 1969–70.
4
Dr. J
Putting on his moves.
5
Julius Erving
Scoring against the Spirits of St. Louis, 1974.
6
Roger Brown
Dunking for the Virginia Squires, 1973.
7
Moses Malone
Guarding under the rim.
8
Rick Barry
On the Sports Illustrated cover.
9
The Utah Stars
George Stone and his team.
10
Rick Barry
The future Hall of Famer on the Oakland Oaks.
11
Spirits of Saint Louis
A team disbanded after the NBA merger.
12
Julius Erving
Scoring for the Virginia Squires.
13
Kentucky Colonels
Posing for a young fan.
14
The New York Nets
1873-1974 champions.
15
Julius Erving
Show stopping.
16
The Kentucky Colonels
The 1975 ABA champions.
17
George Carter
Virginia Squires star.
18
Neil Johnson
Squires Starter
19
Utah Stars
At the Salt Palace.
20
Connie Hawkins
With his 1967–68 ABA MVP award for the Pittsburgh Pipers.
