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25 Greatest Players in ABA History

By Maxwell Ogden

SPRINGFIELD, MA - AUGUST 12: Artis Gilmore shakes hands with Hall of Fame Player Julius Erving during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - AUGUST 12: Artis Gilmore shakes hands with Hall of Fame Player Julius Erving during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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11. Spencer Haywood

Position: Power Forward
Years Active: 1969-1970
Team(s): Denver Rockets
ABA Averages: 45.3 MPG, 30.0 PPG, 19.5 RPG, 2.3 APG
Accolades: ABA MVP, 1970 Scoring Title, 1970 Rebounds Leader

Spencer Haywood played just one season in the ABA, and that’s an easy way to argue that he should be disqualified from this list. The reality is, Haywood’s one and only season in the ABA was one of the greatest in the history of the league.

It’d be fair to argue that one season isn’t enough for an all-time ranking in the NBA, but the ABA only lasted so long as an association. Thus, Haywood’s brevity is somewhat forgiven.

Haywood averaged 30.0 points and nearly 20 rebounds per game, which is insane enough production to warrant a place in the Top 25. He led the league in points and rebounds per game in 1970, which helped him win an eternally prestigious MVP award.

Haywood also led the Denver Rockets to a record of 51-33, which was good for the organization’s highest win count during its seven seasons with the “Rockets” nickname.

Haywood was skilled, explosive, and tenacious when he took the floor. He was strong enough to bang down low, and had the agility to take his man off the bounce and attack the rim when facing up from midrange and beyond.

Haywood was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, and his legendary ABA season played a genuine factor in his selection.

Next: No. 10