The Greatest Black Stars in ABA History – The Root

The American Basketball Association was defined by its vibrant energy, fast pace, and above-the-rim athleticism, a culture spearheaded notably by its transcendent Black superstars. From 1967 to 1976, these trailblazers brought unmatched style, swagger, and playmaking to the court, ensuring that the legacy of Black excellence in the ABA permanently reshaped modern basketball. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 ABA–NBA merger, here are the best Black ABA players in history.

Julius “Dr. J” Erving

Julius “Dr. J” Erving was the undisputed heart and soul of the ABA. His above-the-rim game and iconic dunks popularized the league and fundamentally transformed modern basketball play. A three-time ABA MVP, he led the New York Nets to the ABA championship in the league’s final season and was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

George “The Iceman” Gervin

​Renowned for his effortless finger-roll and smooth scoring repertoire, George Gervin began his legendary career in the ABA before taking the NBA by storm. He was a three-time ABA All-Star, an All-ABA Second Team member, and was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

David “Skywalker” Thompson

Nicknamed “Skywalker” for his vertical leap, David Thompson took the final ABA season by storm, showcasing explosive transition play and competing in the iconic 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest. He was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

George McGinnis

A powerhouse forward who combined brute physical strength with open-court speed, George McGinnis led the Pacers to back-to-back titles and was the prototype for modern-day point forwards. He was Co-ABA MVP in 1975, a three-time ABA All-Star, and was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

Artis “A-Train” Gilmore

​Known as “The A-Train,” Artis Gilmore was a towering  7-foot-2 center and the most physically imposing defensive presence in ABA history. He dominated the paint with elite rim protection, rebounding, unmatched post efficiency, and led the Kentucky Colonels to the 1975 championship. He was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

Moses Malone

In 1974, Moses Malone made history as modern basketball’s first prep-to-pro player, skipping college to join the ABA’s Utah Stars from Petersburg High School. An All-Star rookie (18.8 PPG, 14.6 RPG), he later finished his ABA tenure with St. Louis and was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

Mel Daniels

​A relentless rebounder and interior anchor, Mel Daniels was the cornerstone of the Indiana Pacers dynasty. He remains the ABA’s all-time total rebound leader, a three-time ABA champion, and was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

Spencer Haywood

In just one season, Spencer Haywood delivered one of the most dominant single seasons in basketball history as a rookie in 1969–70, winning the MVP.  He also famously paved the way legally for hardship early-entry draft rules and was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

Connie “The Hawk” Hawkins

​A playground legend in New York City, Connie Hawkins’ high-flying playmaking ability made him the MVP of the ABA’s inaugural 1967–68 season, giving the young league immediate star power and credibility. He also won the ABA championship that season with the Pittsburgh Pipers. He was also named to the ABA All-Time Team.

Maurice Lucas

Drafted in 1974, 6-foot-9 power forward Maurice Lucas split two ABA seasons between St. Louis and Kentucky. Known as a premier interior “enforcer,” he earned 1976 All-Star honors (17.0 PPG, 11.3 RPG). He was named to the ABA All-Time Team

Charlie Scott

In two explosive ABA seasons with the Squires, Charlie Scott won 1970–71 Co-Rookie of the Year (27.1 ppg) and set the league’s single-season scoring record the following year (34.6 ppg). His dominant play earned him two All-Star selections and a spot on the ABA All-Time Team.

Marvin “Bad News” Barnes

Possessing incredible talent and agility, Barnes averaged over 24 points and 15 rebounds as a rookie, epitomizing the raw talent, flair, and colorful nature of the ABA’s final years. By his nickname alone, Barnes was a force to be reckoned with and was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

Warren Jabali

A fiery competitor and physical guard, Warren Jabali led the Oakland Oaks to the 1969 championship while establishing himself as one of the league’s top two-way guards. He won the ABA Playoff MVP in 1969 and was ABA Rookie of the Year. He was named to the ABA All-Time Team.

Roger Brown

Known as “The Rajah,” Roger Brown was the Indiana Pacers’ first signed player in 1967 and the cornerstone of their franchise. A four-time All-Star renowned for clutch scoring, he led the Pacers to three ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973), won the 1970 ABA Playoffs MVP, and was named to the ABA All-Time Team.