Soul Power star drops truth bombs on how Julius Erving, ABA, revolutionized the NBA

Without a doubt, the NBA would not be what it is without the American Basketball Association (ABA). The Rebel League which presented some of the most influential ballersmost notably Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

A legacy that will be immortalized in the upcoming docu-series “Soul Power: A Basketball Legend.” The series is set to debut on Prime on February 12. It is directed by Kenan Kamwana Holly and produced by Dr. J, former NBA coach George Karl and rapper Common.

This is the new Soul Power trailer.

This series is so timely and important!

Ten more days until the release of the series… pic.twitter.com/jf22AEvtGV

— Soul Power: Legend of the ABA (@abathrovbacks) February 2, 2026

Examines the broader influence of the ABA on today’s NBA, particularly the style and game. ABA was responsible for inventing the 3-point shot and dunk contestand to bring a greater dimension of fun to the game.

All with that trademark red, white and blue ball in hand.

ABA hit at the right moment.

Furthermore, the ABA peaked at a time when black popular culture was beginning to make significant inroads. The League fit very well with the improvisational, rebel ball sensibility that came out of Urban America.

“ABA’s existence parallels the rise of funk music with longer instrumental sections, bigger bass and drum sounds, and a weird vibe different from soul,” writer/producer Nelson George told ClutchPoints exclusively. “Funk and later disco were the soundtrack to the ABA.”

The ABA has represented some notable teams, including the New York Nets, Kentucky Colonels, St. Louis Spirits and Virginia Squires.

Plus, the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets made their first appearances there.

Along the way, the league produced greats such as George “Iceman” Gervin, Spencer Haywood, David Thompson, Rick Barry and Artis Gilmore.

Dr. J was the man

It was Dr. J who became the face of the league. It was his dunk from the free throw line in the precedent-setting 1976 ABA All-Star Game.

“Julius Erving he was a definite ABA star,” George said. “With his trademark dunk, huge afro and awesome nickname, Dr. J was a legend before he ever stepped foot on an NBA court. He made the dunk a work of art. I have a Nets jersey number 32 that I wear every summer. I saw him twice as a kid on Long Island and always treasured those memories.”

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=vRv-mN-fiAk

ABA existed from 1967 to 1976. It eventually merged with the NBA in 1976 after an intense bidding war.

All in all, the ABA was the spark that lit the fuse, a legacy worth preserving.

“Look at game tape and look at Artis Gilmore, Rick Berry, David Thompson and the style they played with,” George said. “The ABA also had some fun jerseys worth collecting. I keep an ABA ball autographed by the great David ‘Skywalker’ Thompson on my desk for inspiration.”

The documentary contains all the legends of the game. Also has testimonials from George, Bob Costas, Hubie Brown, Ralph Sampson, Dr. Theresa Rundstedler and others.