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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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1. Julius Erving

Position: Small Forward
Years Active: 1971-1976
Team(s): Virginia Squires, New York Nets 
ABA Statistics: 40.7 MPG, 28.7 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.4 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Accolades: 2x ABA Champion, 2x ABA Playoffs MVP, 3x ABA MVP, 4x All-ABA First Team, All-ABA Second Team, ABA All-Defensive First Team, 3x Scoring Champion

One could hypothetically debate who the greatest player in ABA history is, but that would be time poorly spent. Julius Erving is the Michael Jordan of the ABA, distancing himself from the competition as the No. 1 athlete to ever grace the league.

Between the accolades, the influence, and the general impact, there is no question that Dr. J is the single greatest player in ABA history.

Erving spent five unfathomably successful seasons in the ABA. He was named an All-Star in all five of those campaigns, made the All-ABA Second Team in 1972, and then went on to make four consecutive All-ABA First Team appearances with an All-Defensive Team nod to build an unparalleled resume.

As if that weren’t enough, Erving won a record three MVP awards, two ABA Playoffs MVP honors, and two ABA championship rings.

In terms of accomplishments, there is no comparison to what Erving achieved during those five illustrious seasons. He scored 11,662 points in the ABA, which is good for No. 5 all-time, and posted a mark that sits just outside of the Top 10 in career rebounds.

Beyond the numbers, awards, and championships was a player whose style, grace, and professionalism put him in a class of his own.

More hoops habit: Who are the most underrated players in NBA history?

Dr. J is the greatest player in ABA history.