Get ready to dive into the captivating history of the American Basketball Association (ABA) with the eye-opening documentary, 'Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association'. This four-part series, now streaming on Prime Video, takes us on a journey through the vibrant world of the ABA, showcasing its unique players, controversial owners, and innovative ideas that revolutionized professional basketball as we know it.
Director Kenan Kamwana Holley has crafted a captivating tapestry of sports history, bringing together a talented team, many of whom were new to the ABA's story. "We had a diverse group of young people working on this project," Holley shared. "Their fresh perspective and enthusiasm were exactly what I was looking for to bring this league's legacy to life."
The ABA served as a launching pad for some of the NBA's greatest players, including Hall of Famers like Julius 'Doctor J' Erving, Coach George Karl, Connie 'The Hawk' Hawkins, and Spencer Haywood. It was a league that embraced risk and innovation, allowing players like Rick Barry to jump between the NBA and ABA, and introducing early draft picks like Haywood and Ralph Simpson, which was unheard of at the time.
But here's where it gets controversial... The ABA's impact extended beyond the court. It challenged societal norms and embraced cultural expression. As baseball Hall of Famer Bob Costas, who began his broadcasting career with the Spirits of St. Louis, explains, "The ABA was a league that celebrated Black culture. It encouraged players to express themselves through their hairstyles, with contests for the biggest afro. In contrast, the NBA actually discouraged such expressions."
Erving, the legendary 'Dr. J', reminisces about the ABA's unique spirit: "It was about more than just the game. The afros, the free-flowing style, the persistence of the smaller players - it was a league that celebrated individuality."
The ABA featured a diverse range of players, from high-flying acts like Hawkins and Erving, to tough defenders like Warren Jabali and John Brisker. It had owners who were frugal (like Roy Boe of the Nets) and those with questionable ethics, such as trucking magnate Bill Ringsby of the Denver Rockets, as revealed by Haywood in the series. The league even had its fair share of mismanagement, as seen in the botched attempt to sign Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which led to the dismissal of NBA Hall of Famer George Mikan.
And this is the part most people miss... The ABA's impact extended beyond its players and owners. It was a league on the move, with teams constantly relocating. The Brooklyn Nets, for example, started as the New Jersey Americans, then became the New York Nets based in Long Island, before returning to New Jersey and eventually settling in Brooklyn.
Despite its nomadic nature, the ABA's legacy is strong, with players like George 'Iceman' Gervin, Artis Gilmore, Larry Brown, Roger Brown, Billy Cunningham, Mel Daniels, Dan Issel, Moses Malone, George McGinnis, Charlie Scott, and David Thompson all leaving their mark on the game and earning their place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
'Soul Power' is a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts and anyone interested in the untold stories that shaped the sport. It's a reminder that sometimes, the road less traveled can lead to incredible transformations. So, what do you think? Is the ABA's impact on basketball and culture often overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
