The acclaimed sports documentary, “The Waiting Game,” currently captivating audiences at the Gaslight Twin Cinema, sheds critical light on a pivotal, yet often overlooked, chapter in NBA history. This powerful film delves into the profound influence of the American Basketball Association (ABA) on the modern National Basketball Association, while simultaneously exposing the poignant struggles faced by the very basketball players who pioneered its distinctive style and laid the groundwork for its current billion-dollar success.
Far from being a mere precursor, the ABA Basketball league was a crucible of innovation, introducing elements like the electrifying slam dunk and the strategic three-point shot that define today’s game. Without the audacious spirit and creative flair of the American Basketball Association, the spectacle, high-value contracts, and lucrative television deals that characterize the contemporary NBA would arguably not exist in their current form.
Filmmaker Michael Husain, the visionary behind “The Waiting Game,” brings a deeply personal connection to the project. Growing up in Indiana, Husain was intimately familiar with the ABA Basketball legacy, particularly through the Indiana Pacers, one of only four ABA teams that successfully transitioned into the NBA during the momentous 1976 merger.
Husain’s sports documentary meticulously explores the aftermath of this historic merger, revealing how, despite the influx of talent and innovation from the ABA, many of its groundbreaking basketball players were left behind. The film poignantly illustrates how these forgotten heroes, instrumental in building the foundation of what the NBA has become, largely missed out on the financial prosperity and recognition that followed.
The poignant title, “The Waiting Game,” directly alludes to the heartbreaking reality faced by numerous former ABA Basketball athletes. Many endured prolonged periods of uncertainty, literally playing a “waiting game” to see if their long-overdue player pensions would materialize, with some unfortunately passing away before receiving the financial security they had earned through their groundbreaking contributions.
In December 2021, Husain’s journey led him to Scott Tarter, co-founder of the Dropping Dimes Foundation. This Indianapolis-based nonprofit is dedicated to the well-being and betterment of former American Basketball Association players and their families, providing crucial financial and medical assistance to those who have encountered significant hardship or illness, underscoring the ongoing need for support.
Ultimately, “The Waiting Game” serves as a compelling and necessary re-evaluation of NBA history, demanding that proper credit and acknowledgment be given to the basketball players of the ABA Basketball league. It is a powerful narrative urging audiences to recognize the enduring legacy of these unsung heroes and the profound debt the NBA owes to their pioneering spirit and sacrifice, ensuring their contributions are no longer merely a footnote but a celebrated chapter in the annals of professional sports.
