The Top 10 Players in ABA History: Legends of a Revolutionary League

The American Basketball Association (ABA), which existed from 1967 to 1976, was a brash, exciting, and trailblazing alternative to the NBA. Known for its red, white, and blue basketball, wide-open style, and emphasis on flash and flair, the ABA launched careers that would become legendary. While only four teams merged into the NBA after the league’s dissolution (Spurs, Nuggets, Pacers, and Nets), the ABA’s impact on basketball remains profound. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 players in ABA history — based on dominance, influence, and contributions to the league during its brief but unforgettable run.

1. Julius “Dr. J” Erving (Virginia Squires, New York Nets)

• ABA Years: 1971–1976

• Accolades: 3× ABA MVP, 2× ABA Champion, 5× All-Star

• Legacy: Erving was the face of the ABA and its most iconic player. With high-flying dunks, graceful athleticism, and uncontainable charisma, Dr. J brought legitimacy to the league. He led the Nets to two championships and won three MVPs, including a shared award with George McGinnis in 1975. His revolutionary play helped bridge the gap between the ABA and NBA.

Julius Erving ABA Highlights

2. Artis Gilmore (Kentucky Colonels)

• ABA Years: 1971–1976

• Accolades: 1× MVP, 1× Champion, 5× All-Star, 5× All-ABA First Team

• Legacy: The most dominant big man in ABA history, Gilmore led the league in rebounds four times and was a two-way force. He averaged over 22 points and 17 rebounds per game in the ABA and was a key factor in the Colonels’ 1975 title. Gilmore brought size, power, and skill, and transitioned seamlessly into the NBA.

Artis Gilmore ABA Highlights

3. Mel Daniels (Indiana Pacers)

• ABA Years: 1967–1974

• Accolades: 2× MVP, 3× Champion, 7× All-Star

• Legacy: A rugged and relentless rebounder, Daniels was the heart and soul of the Pacers dynasty. He won two MVPs and anchored the frontcourt on three title teams. Though he never played in the NBA, his dominance in the ABA earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Remember The ABA: Mel “Slim” Daniels (1973-74)

4. George Gervin (Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs)

• ABA Years: 1972–1976

• Accolades: 3× ABA All-Star, 2× All-ABA Second Team

• Legacy: “The Iceman” brought cool scoring efficiency to the league. Though his prime came in the NBA, Gervin’s silky-smooth finger rolls and scoring touch were honed in the ABA. He averaged 23 points per game over his ABA years and helped build the Spurs into a powerhouse.

George Gervin: A.K.A. “The Iceman” Career Mixtape

5. George McGinnis (Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers [ABA])

• ABA Years: 1971–1975

• Accolades: 1× Champion, 1× Co-MVP, 3× All-Star

• Legacy: A bruising, powerful forward, McGinnis was a dominant force in the early 1970s, leading the Pacers to a title in 1973 and sharing MVP honors with Erving in 1975. His ABA success made him a high-profile signing for the NBA’s 76ers.

6. Dan Issel (Kentucky Colonels)

• ABA Years: 1970–1976

• Accolades: 1× Champion, 6× All-Star, 1971 Scoring Champion

• Legacy: One of the most consistent and durable stars of the ABA, Issel could score from anywhere and was lethal in transition. He averaged 25.6 points and 10.9 rebounds per game in the ABA and won a title in 1975. His scoring versatility carried over into a long NBA career.

Remember The ABA: Dan “The Horse” Issel (1971-73)

7. Roger Brown (Indiana Pacers)

• ABA Years: 1967–1975

• Accolades: 3× Champion, 4× All-Star, 1969 Playoff MVP

• Legacy: Brown was a smooth, intelligent forward and a clutch postseason performer. Despite being banned from the NBA due to alleged gambling ties (he was later vindicated), Brown made his mark in the ABA as a key member of the Pacers’ championship core.

Roger Brown Career Highlight Video

8. Louie Dampier (Kentucky Colonels)

• ABA Years: 1967–1976

• Accolades: 7× All-Star, 1975 Champion, All-Time ABA Assists and 3PT Leader

• Legacy: One of the most beloved and enduring stars in ABA history, Dampier was a deadly shooter and a fantastic leader. He led the ABA all-time in points, assists, games played, and three-pointers made. Dampier was the Colonels’ steady hand for the league’s entire run.

Remember The ABA: Louie Dampier

9. Mack Calvin (Several Teams)

• ABA Years: 1969–1976

• Accolades: 5× All-Star, 5× All-ABA Selections

• Legacy: One of the best pure point guards in ABA history, Calvin led the league in assists multiple times and was a dynamic scorer when needed. Though he played for five ABA teams, he consistently made an impact wherever he went.

Remember The ABA: Mack Calvin

10. Willie Wise (Los Angeles/Utah Stars)

• ABA Years: 1969–1975

• Accolades: 2× All-Star, 1× Champion

• Legacy: A tremendous two-way forward, Wise was known as one of the best defenders in the ABA and an unselfish offensive contributor. He helped the Utah Stars win the 1971 title and was considered one of the most complete forwards of his era.

Remember The ABA: Willie Wise

Honorable Mentions

• Rick Barry – Only played two full ABA seasons with the Oakland Oaks and New York Nets, but averaged over 30 PPG and won a title.

• Zelmo Beaty – Dominant center who led Utah to the 1971 championship.

• Donnie Freeman – Consistent scorer and multiple-time All-Star.

• Ron Boone – Played in every ABA game ever (662), an ironman and key contributor.

Conclusion

The ABA was a bold league that gave players freedom, creativity, and an opportunity to shine. Many of its stars transitioned to the NBA and continued their legacies, while others left their entire mark within the ABA’s electric nine-season run. From Dr. J’s gravity-defying artistry to Artis Gilmore’s brute force, these players helped reshape basketball and laid the foundation for the modern, fast-paced game we know today.

Let their legacy live on — in highlights, in history, and in the enduring swagger of the red, white, and blue ball.