George Karl, the renowned NBA head coach known for guiding the Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals and securing 1,175 wins during his coaching career, has not only made his mark on the basketball court but is also making waves in the world of documentary filmmaking. Karl, a former point guard with the ABA’s San Antonio Spurs before the league’s merger with the NBA in 1976, is the executive producer of “Soul Power,” a four-part documentary that explores the rise and decline of the ABA, now available for streaming on Prime Video.
In a recent interview, Karl discussed his journey to the ABA, revealing that he was drafted by both the NBA and the ABA. He ultimately chose to play for the Spurs after negotiating a favorable three-year contract. Reflecting on the era, Karl noted the basketball landscape was much different back then, with the ABA emerging as an exciting alternative to a more conservative NBA. He described the ABA as a revolutionary force for sports, particularly for Black athletes during a tumultuous time in American history marked by civil rights movements and social upheaval.
Karl emphasized that the ABA opened doors for many players who might not have made it into the NBA, allowing them the opportunity to showcase their talents. The league was instrumental in elevating the sport’s popularity and aiding in the integration of Black athletes into professional basketball.
He shared fond memories of playing alongside George Gervin, highlighting Gervin’s incredible scoring efficiency and skill. Karl expressed admiration for the evolution of the game, particularly the introduction and popularity of the slam dunk contest, which was born in the ABA. He reminisced about how athletic powerhouses like David Thompson and Julius Erving changed the dynamics of basketball, making dunks a staple of the sport’s appeal.
When discussing the current state of the NBA, Karl expressed optimism for its future, although he noted that the focus on three-point shooting has softened the game. He pointed out the potential of younger teams and stars, like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokić, whose versatility reflects the evolving nature of the sport.
Karl believes that the legacy of the ABA is significant in shaping modern basketball, particularly in breaking racial barriers and changing the landscape of professional sports. He hopes that the NBA will recognize this legacy by acknowledging ABA statistics and even bringing back the classic red, white, and blue basketball.
As a testament to the relevance of the ABA’s impact, Karl’s insights shed light on the historical and cultural significance of the league, celebrating how it paved the way for the diverse and dynamic game we see today.