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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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6. Connie Hawkins

Position: Power Forward
Years Active: 1967-1969
Team(s): Pittsburgh Pipers & Minnesota Pipers
ABA Averages: 42.7 MPG, 28.2 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 4.3 APG
Accolades: ABA Champion, ABA Playoffs MVP, ABA MVP, 2x All-ABA First Team, ABA All-Star, 1968 Scoring Title

One of the most exciting players in NBA history just so happens to be an ABA legend. After a college basketball scandal temporarily kept him out of the NBA, Hawkins proved to be one of the best players in the world during his brief ABA career.

There isn’t as much to go off of with Hawkins as there is with most other inclusions, but he’s one of the best players in league history.

Hawkins’ claim to fame is being the first ever regular season MVP in ABA history. He doubled down by leading the Pittsburgh Pipers to a championship during that 1967-68 season, and won Playoffs MVP to solidify his place in ABA history.

That season alone puts him in the discussion with the greatest ABA players of all-time.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much to evaluate beyond his legendary 1967-68 season. He played just 47 more games in the ABA before making the jump to the NBA, where he went on to become a four-time All-Star and All-NBA First Team honoree.

Nevertheless, Hawkins’ first season in the ABA is one that helped legitimize it as a genuine brand of competition with tremendous talents.

Hawkins is recognized today as one of the most powerful dunk artists in basketball history. Beyond the highlights was a player who could do it all and dominate in ways that few ever have—both physically and fundamentally.

The first MVP in league history will always have a special place.

Next: No. 5