George Karl Reflects on How the ABA Transformed Basketball

The former player and coach discusses the rise and fall of the pioneering basketball league in a new documentary.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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George Karl, a former ABA player and longtime NBA coach, served as an executive producer on a new documentary about the American Basketball Association. In an interview, Karl delves into how the ABA was a "godsend" for sports, especially for Black athletes who were slowly being integrated into the NBA at the time. He discusses the league's impact on the game, including the creation of the dunk contest, and shares his thoughts on the current state of the NBA.

Why it matters

The ABA was a trailblazing league that challenged the NBA's dominance and helped accelerate the integration of professional basketball. Karl's insights provide a unique perspective on the ABA's legacy and its lasting influence on the sport.

The details

Before becoming an NBA head coach, Karl was a point guard for the San Antonio Spurs in the ABA. He explains that the ABA offered opportunities to many players who may not have made it in the NBA at the time, including Connie Hawkins and Doug Moe. Karl believes the ABA's faster pace and emphasis on athleticism helped popularize the dunk and contributed to the NBA's rise in global popularity. However, the ABA ultimately couldn't compete financially with the NBA and merged with the league in 1976.

  • Karl was drafted by the NBA's New York Knicks and the ABA's Memphis Tams in the 1960s.
  • The ABA was founded in the late 1960s and merged with the NBA in 1976.

The players

George Karl

A former ABA player who went on to have a successful coaching career in the NBA, including leading the Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals.

Connie Hawkins

An ABA player who was not welcomed in the NBA at the time, but the ABA gave him an early opportunity to showcase his talents.

George Gervin

A legendary ABA player known as the "Iceman" who Karl played with on the San Antonio Spurs and considers one of the greatest scorers of all time.

David Thompson

An ABA player who could reportedly touch the top of the backboard, showcasing the league's athleticism that was lacking in the NBA at the time.

Julius Erving

An ABA star who won the first NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1976 after the leagues merged, helping popularize the dunk.

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What they’re saying

“I thought the ABA was a godsend for sports, but especially for basketball and especially for the Black athlete. Because the '60s and the early '70s was a very troubled time in America.”

— George Karl, Former ABA player and NBA coach (Sports Illustrated)

“I know no one wants to hear this, but I think George Gervin might be one of the top five greatest scorers of all time. I played with him every day, and the guy made the offensive end of the court look easy.”

— George Karl, Former ABA player and NBA coach (Sports Illustrated)

“I think LeBron [James], I think he'd be a great dunker, but he doesn't want to take a chance of not being successful with doing it. One of the greatest dunkers I ever saw in the Slam Dunk Contest is Larry Nance.”

— George Karl, Former ABA player and NBA coach (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

Karl hopes the NBA will incorporate ABA stats and bring back the league's iconic red, white, and blue basketball as a marketing move.

The takeaway

The ABA played a pivotal role in integrating professional basketball and accelerating the sport's growth, showcasing the athleticism and talent of Black players who were previously marginalized. Karl's insights highlight the ABA's lasting impact on the game and the NBA's evolution.