How the ABA Changed the NBA

[REBROADCAST FROM February 12, 2026] Founded in 1967, the American Basketball League stood in contrast to the NBA with a looser, flashier, more entertaining approach to the game. It produced superstars, especially Julius Irving, aka "Dr. J" before merging with the NBA in 1976. "Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association," a new docuseries executive produced by Julius Irving about the league debuts tonight on Amazon Prime. Director, Kenan Kamwalla Holley talks about making the comprehensive series.  

Photo via Bettmann/Getty Images: Milwaukee Bucks center Lew Alcindor, making his debut in the National Basketball Association, used the head of Detroit Piston #20 Otto Moore for leverage as he shoots a basket in the Bucks-Pistons game. Bucks #50 Len Chappell watches.

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