The untold story of basketball’s foundational league, the American Basketball Association (ABA), is brought to light in the compelling new documentary, “The Waiting Game,” now showing at the Gaslight Twin Cinema in Durango. This insightful film delves deep into the often-overlooked legacy of the ABA and its profound impact on the National Basketball Association (NBA), revealing how many of its pioneering players were left behind despite their contributions to the modern billion-dollar enterprise.
While the National Basketball Association currently boasts record-high player contracts, unprecedented team valuations, and lucrative television deals, this era of immense prosperity would not have been possible without the vibrant and innovative American Basketball Association. The ABA, with its distinctive red, white, and blue ball, laid much of the groundwork for the spectacle and financial success that defines today’s NBA, yet the narrative of its players’ struggles for recognition and compensation remains largely unheard.
Many of the thrilling elements that characterize the contemporary NBA, such as the electrifying slam dunk and the strategic 3-point shot, originated within the ABA. The league fostered a unique blend of creativity and flair, setting a precedent for the dynamic and entertaining style of play that captivates audiences worldwide. These trailblazing aspects of the ABA product were instrumental in shaping the NBA into the global phenomenon it is today.
Filmmaker Michael Husain, the visionary director and producer behind “The Waiting Game,” embarks on an investigative journey to uncover how the ABA significantly contributed to the NBA’s current billion-dollar status. His film meticulously explores the complex aftermath of the ABA-NBA merger, shedding light on the plight of numerous ABA players who, despite their pivotal roles, were largely excluded from the subsequent financial rewards and widespread recognition of the transformed NBA.
Husain’s personal connection to the ABA stems from his upbringing in Indiana, where the Indiana Pacers were one of the four ABA teams successfully integrated into the NBA following the landmark 1976 merger. This regional awareness provided a crucial starting point for his exploration into the league’s history and the challenges faced by its former athletes, driving his commitment to bring their stories to a broader audience.
A significant catalyst for the documentary was Husain’s encounter in December 2021 with Scott Tarter, a co-founder of the Dropping Dimes Foundation. This Indianapolis-based nonprofit is dedicated to the well-being and betterment of former ABA players and their families, particularly those experiencing financial or medical difficulties and significant hardship. The foundation’s critical work underscores the ongoing need for support and acknowledgment for these basketball pioneers.
The poignant title, “The Waiting Game,” directly reflects the grim reality faced by many former ABA players. As Husain discovered, many of these athletes, now elderly and often ailing, were engaged in a literal waiting game, anxiously hoping for their long-deserved pensions to materialize. This human element forms the emotional core of the documentary, highlighting the profound personal sacrifices and enduring struggles behind the professional basketball landscape.
This powerful documentary serves as a vital historical record, ensuring that the legacy of the American Basketball Association and the contributions of its remarkable players are finally acknowledged. By presenting these compelling narratives, “The Waiting Game” encourages a deeper understanding of basketball history and advocates for the rightful recognition and support of those who paved the way for today’s global basketball success story.
