A new docuseries aims to re-establish the legacy of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and shed light on its significant contributions to professional basketball. “Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association,” created in collaboration with former NBA coach George Karl and local business partner Brett Goldberg, will debut on February 12 on Prime Video.
The series is a response to the misrepresentation of the ABA, particularly as depicted in the 2008 film “Semi-Pro,” where actor Will Ferrell played the character Jackie Moon, a player-coach-owner of the fictional Flint Tropics. Many former ABA players expressed their discontent with the movie, feeling that it reinforced a caricatured view of the league, overshadowing its players’ talents and the league’s historical significance. Chuck Williams, a former ABA All-Star, voiced frustration over how the film made the league’s players appear foolish rather than the skilled athletes they were. Ralph Simpson echoed this sentiment, asserting that the ABA was about real people striving to elevate the game.
George Karl, who played in the ABA and has always been vocal about the league’s impact, found inspiration to produce the docuseries while reviewing old playoff footage during the COVID pandemic in 2020. His exploration of the quality of play in the 1976 ABA Finals compared to the NBA Finals of the same year led him to advocate for a project dedicated to telling the untold stories of the ABA. “The ABA’s story deserves to be told,” Karl stated, highlighting the league’s legacy of innovation, from the introduction of the three-point line to its style of play synonymous with the modern NBA.
The ABA’s history is marked by groundbreaking achievements, including its pioneering role in promoting diversity within professional sports. By 1969, more than half of the ABA’s players were Black, significantly advancing opportunities for players who previously faced barriers in the NBA. Simpson fondly recalled the camaraderie and brotherhood forged among players in the league, an enduring legacy acknowledged by many of his peers, including Williams, who noted the sense of opportunity the ABA provided.
Despite its eventual merger with the NBA, which saw teams like the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs join the league, much of the ABA’s history remained underappreciated for years. Recent efforts, such as those by the Dropping Dimes Foundation, are beginning to rectify this by securing recognition payments for former ABA players, affirming their contributions to the game.
The uncovering of the ABA’s influence has never felt timelier. The game today continues to carry traces of its legacy, from high-flying dunks to vibrant fashion choices in the arenas, reminiscent of stars like Julius Erving. As the docuseries unfolds, it promises a celebration of a league that defied norms and redefined basketball culture. With the spotlight turned on the ABA, fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to appreciate the rich history that helped shape the NBA into what it is today.