How the ABA changed basketball forever: Dr J, George Gervin and the league that dared to be different

Fifty summers after the ABA-NBA merger, George Gervin, Ralph Simpson and others reflect on the league whose swagger and innovations changed basketball forever

After practice, George Gervin wanted to go home. He was a rookie playing for the Virginia Squires of the upstart American Basketball Association, and the sleek, Detroit-born hooper didn't yet know what being a pro quite meant. He didn't know that the real workouts often started after practice. But his teammate Julius Dr J" Erving quickly showed him the ropes.

Doc would say, Hey, young fella! Where you going? Me and you ain't done!'" Gervin tells the Guardian. Me and him would play one-on-one after practice. It was beautiful, probably one of the most beautiful experiences I had as a young pro."