Introduction – The Pyramid Shifts
The inaugural season of the ABF brought us plenty of action. The premier league brought a one game playoff for the championship. Promotion and relegation races gave some surprises in the teams that rose or fell. See the side bar for the first classes of promotion and relegation. Click the News link above for our coverage of the 1976 offseason team, player, and coaching moves.
These changes offer new stories and questions for the 1977 season. Fresh faces ensure a shake up at all levels of the pyramid. New teams will grow new rivalries at the top and geographically that are sure to last even through promotion and relegation. As ever, the stakes in the professional ranks of basketball remain high and all teams will bring their best to give fans an enjoyable experience.
Premier League – The Title Chase
After Denver’s single game playoff victory against Boston for the Premier League Title last year, they refused to stand on their laurels. They brought in James Silas to play beside Thompson and Issel. Their window is still wide open. The Celtics, by their identity, had a quiet offseason. However, the still remain a challenger to the title. Joining them are three promoted teams. Buffalo now has McAdoo and Walton, contenders for the best front court in the league. Houston added Moses Malone and became immediate threats. And Philadelphia, young and hungry now have Ernie Grunfeld.
The Lakers, Warriors, Suns, and Bullets all remain within striking distance. If they get hot, make a move at the right time, or teams at the top stumble, they can definitely play spoiler. Under the right circumstances, they might even join the contender’s group. The remaining three (Chicago, Milwaukee, and New York) need to hope that their rookies keep them afloat so that they can remain in the Premier. From there, they can continue to rebuild and climb the ranks.
The Championship – The Pressure Cooker
The first relegation class saw a huge surprise in the Kentucky Colonels. They kept Gilmore and added T.R Dunn and Babe McCarthy. Their goal is promotion and no less. The Indiana Pacers hired Doug Moe, so scoring will not be a problem for the team. Meanwhile, San Antonio unloaded Silas. But, they picked up Tree Rollins and Brad Davis. The rebuild is in full swing.
In the middle of last year’s pack and the teams that have the inside track to promotion this year due to their experience in the Championship last year, we have Long Island, Seattle, and New Orleans. These teams also sport veteran players and coaches in Dr. J, Rod Thorn, Bill Russell, and Pistol Pete. Teams to watch for sure. Some of the most exciting basketball last year came out of Oklahoma City. Promoted to the Championship, some experts pencil them in for another promotion to the Premier this year. Meanwhile, Baltimore looks to build on their success last year and Memphis escaped the Founder’s with a losing record. They have something to prove.
Founder’s Cup – The Proving Ground
The Founders Cup is where teams are built from the ground up — and this season’s crop is the most intriguing yet. Portland, St. Louis, and Detroit all dropped from the Championship, each with a different timeline for climbing back. Portland is in full rebuild mode under Jack Ramsay, with Rickey Green and James Edwards as the new foundation. St. Louis is retooling under Hubie Brown, and Detroit is trying to find any footing after a winless preseason.
Salt Lake, Mid Atlantic, Tampa Bay, and Oklahoma City’s former Founders Cup rivals are all hungry for promotion. The Founders Cup is no longer just a third tier — it’s a proving ground for teams that want to climb the pyramid. And if OKC and Baltimore proved anything last year, it’s that promotion is not only possible — it’s inevitable for teams that get it right.