Hoops Habit
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 26
Next

18. Donnie Freeman

Position: Shooting Guard
Years Active: 1967-1975
Team(s): Minnesota Muskies, Miami Floridians, Utah Stars, Texas Chaparrals, Dallas Chaparrals, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs
ABA Averages: 33.5 MPG, 19.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 SPG
Accolades: ABA Champion, All-ABA First Team, 3x All-ABA Second Team, 5x ABA All-Star

Donnie Freeman wasn’t limited to just one strength, but his claim to fame is as one of the greatest scorers in ABA history. He’s No. 7 on the league’s all-time scoring list, averaging in excess of 20 points per game in four different seasons.

The accolades and influence match the individual prestige, and that makes Freeman one of the Top 25 players in ABA history.

The true testament to Freeman’s character is that he accepted a position as a role player for the Indiana Pacers. He proved capable of getting superstar-caliber numbers on non-contenders, and it takes intestinal fortitude to accept a diminished role.

For his selflessness, Freeman was rewarded by fate with being a key member of the 1973 ABA champions.

That ring helped Freeman round out an incredible career that included an All-ABA First Team nod in 1972, and three consecutive All-ABA Second Team appearances from 1969 to 1971. He averaged a career-best 27.4 points in 1969-70, and dished out 6.4 assists per game the season prior.

With the quickness to get by even the best of defenders, Freeman is one of the better off-guards in basketball history.

Next: No. 17