We welcome panelists Bob Costas, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, George McGinnis, & Dan Issel to tell stories of the American Basketball Association and how it shaped the current NBA style of basketball.

The legitimate rival to the NBA in its heyday, the American Basketball Association (ABA) captured a large and extremely loyal fan base with its unique style of play. What is now common play in the current NBA was pioneered by the ABA which was known for its high scoring, fast tempo and stylish plays—including popularizing the three-point shot and the dunk contest. The ABA and NBA merged in 1976 bringing several teams to the NBA and the 3-point shot to the NBA in 1979.

In 2014, the Dropping Dimes Foundation, Inc was created as a way to give back to ABA players. The foundation’s main focus and concern is for the well-being and betterment of former players of the American Basketball Association and their families, who are experiencing financial or medical difficulties and have encountered significant financial hardship or sickness. After the NBA-ABA Merger, the ABA itself ceased to exist as a going concern. Former ABA players who were not part of the Merger, or who did not play long enough in the NBA to receive vested pension benefits, were generally left in disadvantaged financial circumstances.

Moderated by Mike Abrams

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