Author: abfcommish

by abfcommish

1978 ABF Preview

Introduction – Dominance at the Top

All three tiers of the ABF saw dominance at the top. Unlike last year that brought some drama in the Premier with a one game playoff for the championship, the league started to settle in with the cream rising to the top. The season also brought seismic shifts in the pyramid again with former titans relegated to the Championship and Founder’s Cup. All of this promises to bring even more action in wthe 1978 season.

Premier League

The Questions: The Phoenix Suns were dominant, coasting to a 14 game cushion and easily running off with the second ever ABF championship. Can they reclaim that form and repeat? 11 other teams will be gunning for the champs. Boston, runners up in 1976 shocked the league by drafting Larry Bird’s rights even though the team can’t sign him until next year. The bold move cost the Celtics future draft picks, but many agree the move was the right one. The question: What does this next season bring to bridge the gap? Chicago, runners up last season, added Artis Gilmore. This provides them a defensive anchor, but are the truly contenders now?

The Frontcourt: Denver, champions in 1976 and a 4th place last year, refuse to stand pat. After a trade for Moses Malone, they now have Malone, Thompson, and Issel. Is this the greatest frontcourt ever assembled in basketball and do any other teams have a hope next year?

The Heartbreaks: After a hugely successful first season in the Championship and a promotion, Buffalo proved that they aren’t quite ready for prime time. After a 19-47 season and an immediate relegation, the Braves need to prove that they aren’t just one hit wonders. Meanwhile, Los Angeles came up in last with only 14 wins. This wasn’t enough and the Lakers fired their coach to bring in Paul Westhead. They are eying Magic next year and an immediate promotion back into the Premier makes them a worthy target for the young man.

Championship

The Questions: Oklahoma and Baltimore both secured back to back promotions and now bring their rivalry to the Premier League. Do they both belong in the top tier or will they suffer the same fate as Buffalo and Houston? The Spurs, Colonels, and Cavs all found themselves in the promotion tournament and all fell short. The Spurs fell to sub .500 Kentucky and the loss will sting all offseason. The Cavs have now bowed out of the tournament in both ABF seasons. Can either team overcome the loss this year for either automatic promotion or another shot in the tournament? Salt Lake and Mid Atlantic find themselves promoted to the Championship this year. Can either team survive the 66 game grind in the second tier?

The Rebounds: Pardon our pun there, but all three relegated teams this year will also be fighting for promotion again back to the Premier. Houston hired Tex Winter and his potentially powerful offensive scheme. We already mentioned Westhead in Los Angeles. And the Braves want to show that they belong back in the Premier after their quick exit.

Founder’s Cup

After four original FC team find themselves promoted, the bottom tier of the league has only two of the original six in the league. Replacing the promoted teams are The Spirits of St. Louis, Atlanta, and Portland. The Blazers brought back Bill Walton in an attempt to push back into the Championship and, perhaps, even the Premier some day. Hubie Brown and the Spirits also look to get back into the Championship after what will be a second season in the Founder’s Cup. The other relegated team this year, Atlanta faces some stiff competition and may just find themselves in the FC for a couple of more years. Because Tampa Bay and Memphis also both hope to prove themselves after they lost out in a promotion tournament brought about by a three way tie in the league. That leaves Detroit. The Pistons went 0-20 and find themselves in a massive uphill battle to reverse their fortunes.

by abfcommish

1978 Offseason Moves

Trades, Coaching Carousel, and a Brief Preview

Denver acquires: Moses Malone  

*Houston receives: 1978 first-round pick, 1979 first-round pick, 1978 second-round pick, cash considerations*

The Nuggets already had one of the ABF’s most potent offenses. Now they have the most terrifying frontcourt in league history.

Moses Malone, the 22-year-old rebounding machine, joins David Thompson and Dan Issel in Denver. That’s three All-Stars in one lineup — a frontcourt that can score, rebound, and defend with anyone. For Houston, it’s a painful but necessary move. The Rockets are headed to the Championship after a disappointing 23–43 season, and Malone is their most valuable asset. Two first-round picks and a second give Houston a head start on their rebuild under new coach Tex Winter.

What it means: Denver is the team to beat in the Premier. Thompson, Issel, and Malone are an unstoppable trio.

Portland acquires: Bill Walton  

*Buffalo receives: 1978 first-round pick, 1979 first-round pick, 1978 second-round pick, future considerations*

This is the one that changes everything.

Bill Walton — the generational talent who spent one disastrous year in Buffalo — is coming home. Portland, stuck in the Founders Cup after a 7–13 season, brings back its franchise player to lead the rebuild. For Buffalo, it’s a divorce. The Walton-McAdoo experiment produced 19 wins in the Premier. The Braves cut their losses, extract a haul of picks, and build around McAdoo instead under new coach Kevin Loughery.

What it means: Portland is back. The Blazers are immediately the favorites to win the Founders Cup — and Walton gets a chance to lead his franchise back to relevance.

Chicago acquires: Artis Gilmore  

*Kentucky receives: 1978 first-round pick, 1979 second-round pick, 1978 second-round pick, young player to be named*

The Bulls have been building toward something. Now they have their anchor.

Artis Gilmore — the 29-year-old defensive stalwart — gives Chicago a veteran presence and a dominant big to pair with their young core. For Kentucky, it’s the end of an era. The Colonels are rebuilding in the Championship after relegation, and Gilmore was their biggest asset. They get a first-round pick, two seconds, and a young player to start their rebuild under returning coach Babe McCarthy.

What it means: Chicago is a legitimate Premier contender. Gilmore gives them the defensive identity they’ve been missing.

 Buffalo Stays the Course

While the other moves made headlines, Buffalo made the quietest — and smartest — decision of the offseason.

The Braves kept Bob McAdoo. They used the picks from the Walton trade to add complementary pieces. They didn’t panic. They didn’t blow it up. They proved they can win in the Championship, and they’re aiming to prove they can *stay* in the Premier under new coach Kevin Loughery.

What it means: Buffalo is the favorite to win the Championship and earn promotion back to the Premier.

 Detroit Cleans House

The Situation: 0–20 in the Founders Cup. No wins. No hope. No identity.

The Moves:

– Front Office: Complete reset. New GM brought in to oversee the rebuild.

– Coaching: Herb Brown is out. A new coach will be hired to lead the rebuild.

– Roster: Anyone not nailed down is available. The Pistons are starting from scratch.

What it means: Detroit is the ABF’s biggest project. They have nowhere to go but up — and they’re finally ready to start climbing.

 Coaching Carousel

Los Angeles Lakers  

*In:* Paul Westhead – The offense will run through Kareem. Westhead’s system is the bridge to trying to get Magic in 1980.

Buffalo Braves  

*In:* Kevin Loughery – ABA flair, up-tempo offense, perfect for a team with McAdoo and a young supporting cast.

Houston Rockets  

*In:* Tex Winter – The Triangle offense architect returns to Houston to lead the rebuild in the Championship.

Detroit Pistons  

*Out:* Herb Brown (fired after 0–20 season)  

*In:* To be announced – The Pistons are conducting a full coaching search.

 Front Office Shakeups

Detroit Pistons  

– New GM: Hired to oversee the full rebuild.

– Scouting department: Expanded to identify young talent.

– Philosophy: Build through the draft, develop young players, and establish a culture.

Los Angeles Lakers  

– Front office: Stable. Westhead is the big move. The Lakers are patient, building for 1980.

Houston Rockets  

– Front office: Stable. Winter is the big move. The Rockets are rebuilding around young talent.

Kentucky Colonels  

– Front office: Stable. McCarthy is the big move. The Colonels are embracing their ABA roots.

 What It Means for 1978

– Denver is the Premier favorite. Thompson, Issel, and Malone are an unstoppable trio.

– Chicago is a Premier contender. Gilmore gives them the defensive anchor they’ve been missing.

– Portland is the Founders Cup favorite. Walton is back where he belongs.

– Buffalo is the Championship favorite. McAdoo stays, picks are used to build around him.

– Los Angeles is patient. Westhead’s system, Kareem’s dominance, and the promise of Magic in 1980.

– Detroit is starting over. New GM, new coach, new roster.

by abfcommish

1977 ABF Season Fallout

Promotion/Relegation Summary

Premier League

Promoted:

  • Oklahoma City: The Stampede did the unthinkable — back-to-back promotions from Founders Cup to Premier. 57–9 in the Championship. They’re not just happy to be here.
  • Baltimore: The Ravens followed right behind OKC, going 52–14 in the Championship. Balanced, disciplined, and ready for the big stage.
  • Indiana: Doug Moe’s run-and-gun attack won the promotion tournament. The Pacers are back in the Premier after one year away.

Relegated:

  • Houston: The Malone-Murphy experiment produced 23 wins. They’re headed to the Championship to figure out what went wrong.
  • Buffalo: Walton and McAdoo never clicked. 19 wins. Back to the drawing board in the Championship.
  • Los Angeles: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had no help. 14–52. The Lakers are in the second tier for the first time in ABF history.

Championship

Promoted from Founders Cup:

  • Salt Lake: 17–3 in the Founders Cup. LaDell Andersen has them playing like a Championship team already.
  • Mid Atlantic: Won the Founders mini-tournament. The barnstormers are moving up.

Relegated to Founders Cup:

  • Atlanta: 20–46 in the Championship. Cotton Fitzsimmons needs to rebuild.
  • Memphis: 16–50. The Cinderella story is over — for now.

Founders Cup

Promoted to Championship:

  • Salt Lake
  • Mid Atlantic

Relegated from Championship:

  • Atlanta
  • Memphis

What This Means

The pyramid has shifted. Three Premier teams — Houston, Buffalo, and Los Angeles — now find themselves in the Championship, each with a different set of problems. Kareem, Walton, and Malone are all playing in the second tier next season. That’s not just a storyline — it’s a crisis for those franchises.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City and Baltimore have done something no team has ever done: back-to-back promotions. They’re the new standard for how to build a winner in the ABF.

And then there’s Detroit. 0–20 in the Founders Cup. That’s not a rebuild — that’s an exhumation.

Coaching, Roster, and Front Office Implications

Premier League

Oklahoma City (↑ Promoted)

  • Coach: Safe – Back-to-back promotions. Legend status.
  • Front Office: Expansion mode – Premier revenue means more scouts, analytics, and staff
  • Key Roster Question: Can they keep their core together, or do they need to add veterans to survive?

Baltimore (↑ Promoted)

  • Coach: Safe – Dominated the Championship. Earned the right.
  • Front Office: Growth – Time to build a Premier-level front office
  • Key Roster Question: Can they find a second star to pair with Rocky Risien?

Indiana (↑ Promoted)

  • Coach: Safe – Doug Moe won the promotion tournament. He’s earned his shot.
  • Front Office: Upgrading – Premier demands a deeper scouting network
  • Key Roster Question: Will their run-and-gun style translate to the Premier?

Houston (↓ Relegated)

  • Coach: Warm – 23 wins with Moses Malone and Calvin Murphy. Someone has to answer for that.
  • Front Office: Downsizing – Premier-level staff on Championship budget
  • Key Roster Question: Do they trade Moses Malone or build around him in the Championship?

Buffalo (↓ Relegated)

  • Coach: Hot – 19 wins with Walton and McAdoo. That’s a disaster.
  • Front Office: Restructuring – New GM? New direction?
  • Key Roster Question: Do they trade Walton or McAdoo, or try to make it work one more year?

Los Angeles (↓ Relegated)

  • Coach: Hot – 14 wins with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. That’s inexcusable.
  • Front Office: Overhaul likely – The Lakers need a complete reset
  • Key Roster Question: Does Kareem demand a trade, or does he stay to lead the Lakers back?

Championship

Salt Lake (↑ Promoted from Founders)

  • Coach: Safe – 17–3 in the Founders Cup. LaDell Andersen has them ready.
  • Front Office: Expansion – First real front office build
  • Key Roster Question: Do they add veterans or trust their Founders Cup core?

Mid Atlantic (↑ Promoted from Founders)

  • Coach: Safe – Won the Founders mini-tournament. Earned the promotion.
  • Front Office: Growth – Time to hire a dedicated GM
  • Key Roster Question: Can they find a second scorer to pair with their balanced attack?

Atlanta (↓ Relegated to Founders)

  • Coach: Hot – 20 wins in the Championship. Cotton Fitzsimmons is on thin ice.
  • Front Office: Downsizing – Championship-level staff on Founders budget
  • Key Roster Question: Do they rebuild around young talent or try to bounce back immediately?

Memphis (↓ Relegated to Founders)

  • Coach: Warm – The Cinderella story ended in relegation. The coach is safe for now, but the roster needs work.
  • Front Office: Retooling – Time to figure out how to climb back
  • Key Roster Question: Do they keep the core together or start fresh?

Founders Cup

Detroit (0–20)

  • Coach: Ice cold – 0–20 in the Founders Cup. No one is safe.
  • Front Office: Complete reset – New GM, new coach, new roster
  • Key Roster Question: Who’s the first building block? They need to start from scratch.

St. Louis (12–8)

  • Coach: Safe – Hubie Brown has them competitive. They just need to get over the hump.
  • Front Office: Stable – No major changes expected
  • Key Roster Question: Can they find a star to lead them to promotion?

Tampa Bay (12–8)

  • Coach: Safe – Zelmo Beaty has them in the mix. They just need to finish the job.
  • Front Office: Stable – No major changes expected
  • Key Roster Question: Can they add a piece to push them over the top?

Portland (7–13)

  • Coach: Warm – Jack Ramsay has talent, but 7–13 isn’t good enough.
  • Front Office: Pressure – The Blazers need to show improvement
  • Key Roster Question: Is Rickey Green the future, or do they need another star?

by abfcommish

1977 ABF Season in Review: Phoenix Races to a Title, Surprising Relegations, and Two Historic Promotions

Domination at the Top, Heartbreak at the Bottom

The American Basketball Federation’s second season saw teams run away with their respective tier leads. The Premier League title was never in question. However, the other end of the table saw both dramatic races and historic heartbreak. The second chapter of the league brought the same intensity that the fight for promotion and against relegation can deliver.

For complete standings, visit the 1977 ABF Standings Page.

Premier League

Last year saw a one game playoff to crown the champions. This year needed no such pageantry. The Phoenix Suns, led by Rich Laurel, Bernard King, and head coach John MacLeod, absolutely dominated the competition. They won a stunning 59 games against only 7 losses and ended the season on a 15 game winning streak. The Suns finished in the top five in both offensive and defensive scoring.

Their dynamic duo of Rich Laurel and Bernard King led the pace. Laurel led the team in scoring with 31 points per game. King added 28.9 points per game and averaged a double double for the season with 12.6 rebounds. Laurel was second in the league in scoring with King fourth and 3rd in rebounds.

With such a strong core, the Suns start next season as favorites to repeat. However, last year’s finalists, Boston and Denver await in the wings with newcomers Chicago and Milwaukee. The 1978 season promises to be a fun one.

However, the Premier will have to do so without the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers thudded to a dismal 14-52 record for dead last in the Premier League. They now face relegation with one of the most famous players on the planet, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Will the big man settle for a season in the Championship league or will he demand a trade to one of the Premier League contenders? With the first pick in the draft, maybe the Lakers can keep Kareem happy for one season to get back into the Premier League.

Joining the Lakers are two promoted teams from last year, Buffalo and Houston. In spite of making some big moves in the offseason in the hopes of staying in the Premier League, they both showed that they aren’t quite ready for prime time yet. Another season in the championship gives them time to work out their strategies and learn to play together as a team. Meanwhile, their promoted third, the 76ers finished right in the middle of the Premier League at .500 and look ready to stay and eventually compete for a championship

Championship League

The Championship saw similar domination at the top. Oklahoma City, who made their intentions to secure double promotion known, finished almost as strong as the Suns. They went 57-9 and are now in the Premier League only two years after starting in the Founder’s Cup. Their Founders Cup rivals, always second fiddle to the Stampede, the Baltimore Ravens finished five games below them in the finals. Still, they find themselves in the Premier right alongside OKC. These stories are what makes the ABF unique in all of American Sports.

The third promotion spot, determined by an end of season tournament among the 3rd-6th place teams, provided some intrigue at the top of the league. San Antonio, Cleveland, Indiana, and Kentucky were all separated by only 8 games. Kentucky entered the tournament under .500 and heavy underdogs. They clipped the favored Spurs by 1 point to move on to the promotion game. Meanwhile, Cleveland again saw themselves in the tournament. This time they played Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Cavs by 7 points to move on. Two years and two losses don’t quite make a curse yet. But Cleveland fans are understandably frustrated by this repeat. In the promotion game, Indiana handled Kentucky to secure the third promotion spot.

The Champioinship is where stories are made and another brewed at the bottom of the table. Recently promoted Memphis along with Atlanta took the bottom two relegation spots. Seattle and Kansas City tied for 10th, requiring a single game playoff to determine who was safe and who had to play in the Founder’s Challenge. Seattle romped Kansas City 122-78 to avoid relegation. Kansas City then went on to handle challenger Tampa Bay to keep their spot.

Founder’s Cup

With the two powerhouses from last year out of the league, Salt Lake City rose to the top this year to take the first promotion spot into the Founder’s Cup. The second two promotions required some extra basketball. Mid Atlantic, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay all finished the season at 12-8. A mini tournament between the three saw Tampa edge St. Louis by 4 before losing to Mid Atlantic, who received the second automatic bid. Tampa then went on to lose to Kansas City, as mentioned, to remain in the Founder’s Cup for another year. However, they start next year as the favorites along with Memphis and Atlanta for promotion.

While the Founder’s Cup doesn’t have relegation, it does have it’s share of heartbreak. Detroit, relegated last year after only 20 wins, saw their season fall apart completely. They finished winless, 0-20, and with plenty of questions about next year. How does a team recover from two horrible years like this. They may need to relocate to a smaller arena for a season or two to try to save some money and build up their capital.

by abfcommish

1977 Season First Half

Founder’s Cup

The Founder’s Cup brought an exciting first half in their second season. Stalwarts from last year Salt Lake City, Mid Atlantic, and Tampa Bay are showing the relegated teams from last year just how different this tier is. The Spirits have adjusted to the pace of play and vintage ball. Portland and Detroit are both struggling in the tier and are in danger of repeating in the Founder’s again next year. The second half of the season promises to be even more exciting as those four teams fight for the three promotion spots. Portland still has an outside chance. Detroit just needs a win.

Championship

Oklahoma City and Baltimore both proved in the first half that they belong. They ran through the Founder’s last season with a combined 31 wins. In the first half of the Championship, they lead the tier by 6 games and are shoo ins for two promotions in two years to find themselves in the top tier of the league next year. Meanwhile, their promotion third, Memphis, is joined by Seattle and Atlanta on the bottom of the tier. None of them have double digit wins. If this continues, it’s going to be a long season for the three of them. Fire sales may occur sooner rather than later.

Premier

The Premier League saw a bit of a shake up in the first half as well. Phoenix, firmly in the middle of the pack last season, has rushed out to a scorching 29-4 pace to lead the league. Right behind them is Chicago, a team that finished below .500 last year. Last year’s co-leaders, Boston and champion Denver, are lurking in the top 5, ready to strike should either or both of the top teams falter. The race for the championship promises to be a fun one this year. Philadelphia, one of the members of the first class to promote to the top tier, is firmly at .500. They are only one solid piece or two away from being true contenders. Meanwhile, the other teams Houston and Buffalo are struggling in their new league. And the surprise of the league is served last. Los Angeles has won only 6 games and is on an inside track for relegation at the end of the season. The Lakers need to find Kareem some help soon or they could be looking at a full tear down and rebuild. Kareem will not accept multiple years in the Championship.

What To Watch For – Second Half

Founder’s Promotion: What three teams out of the four that are currently competitive for promotion will come through in the end? Also, can Portland maybe spoil the proceedings?

Winless Detroit: From last place, with only 20 wins, in the Championship to last and winless in the Founder’s, Detroit is facing a full blown crisis.

Can Baltimore and OKC pull off the double double? OKC looked prime in the offseason to become the first team to earn promotion twice in two seasons. Baltimore, right behind them last season, is showing that they are no fluke either.

Can Phoenix Finish? The Suns are running away from the league right now. But, some familiar faces wait in the wings. Will they be able to fight off the more established clubs or can they win their first championship this year?

by abfcommish

1977 Season Preview

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.

by abfcommish

1976 ABF Offseason Moves

Three Blockbuster Moves Reshape the ABF

Houston acquires: Moses Malone
St. Louis receives: 1977 first-round pick, 1978 second-round pick, cash considerations

The Rockets made it to the Premier League the hard way , through the promotion playoff. Now they’re making sure they stay there.

Moses Malone, the 21-year-old rebounding machine, returns to the franchise that drafted him. Houston pairs him with Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich, giving the Rockets a frontline that can bang with anyone. For St. Louis, it’s a painful but necessary move. The Spirits are headed to the Founders Cup and need assets. Malone would have been wasted in the third tier. Now they build around draft picks and cap space.

What it means: Houston isn’t just happy to be in the Premier. They’re building for keeps.

Denver acquires: James Silas
San Antonio receives: 1977 first-round pick, young player to be named

The ABF’s first champion just got better.

James Silas — “The Captain” — was the Premier League’s highest-scoring guard (28.7 per 48) despite playing for a relegated Spurs team. Now he joins David Thompson and Dan Issel in Denver, giving the Nuggets a backcourt threat to match their dominant frontcourt.

For San Antonio, it’s a gut punch. Silas was the face of the franchise. But with relegation to the Championship, the Spurs faced a choice: build around him or sell high and stockpile assets. They chose the latter. Denver’s first-round pick and a young rotation player give San Antonio a head start on their return bid.

What it means: The rich get richer. Denver just reloaded.

Buffalo acquires: Bill Walton
Portland receives: 1977 first-round pick, 1978 second-round pick, future considerations

This is the one that changes everything.

Buffalo already had Bob McAdoo, the Championship’s most dominant scorer. Now they add Bill Walton — a generational talent who somehow ended up in the Founders Cup after Portland’s shocking relegation. Together, McAdoo and Walton form arguably the best frontcourt in the Premier League.

For Portland, it’s a fire sale. Walton had no business playing 20 games in the Founders Cup. The Blazers extract what they can — future picks, cap flexibility — and begin a full rebuild from the third tier.

What it means: Buffalo isn’t just happy to be in the Premier. They’re immediate title contenders.

OKC Refuses to Wait

The Founders Cup champions (17–3) aren’t content to simply survive in the Championship. Oklahoma City has made two aggressive moves:

1. Signing veteran guard Geoff Petrie – The former Portland scorer brings Championship experience and perimeter shooting to a young Stampede roster.

2. Hiring head coach Tom Nissalke – The veteran tactician replaces the interim staff, giving OKC a system-minded leader for their 66-game grind.

“We’re not here to participate,” a team source said. “We’re here to win.”

What it means: OKC believes they can pull off back-to-back promotions. The Championship just got a lot more interesting.

Coaching Moves

Portland (↓ to Founders Cup)

  • Out: Lenny Wilkens (resigns to move to front office)
  • In: Jack Ramsay – Perfect for a rebuild; defensive mind, respected veteran

St. Louis (↓ to Founders Cup)

  • Out: Rod Thorn
  • In: Hubie Brown – Defensive genius for young roster with Moses Malone gone

Indiana (↓ to Championship)

  • Out: Bob “Slick” Leonard
  • In: Doug Moe – Run-and-gun style for a full rebuild; exciting, player-friendly

San Antonio (↓ to Championship)

  • Out: Bob Bass (steps down and moves to front office)
  • In: Stan Albeck – Disciplined, system-oriented; perfect for a retooling team

Oklahoma City (↑ to Championship)

  • Out: Interim staff (implied)
  • In: Tom Nissalke – Veteran coach with Championship experience; system mind for young, hungry team

Buffalo

  • With Jack Ramsay now in Portland, who coaches the Braves?
  • Options: Promote assistant? Hire Kevin Loughery (ABA flair)? Cotton Fitzsimmons (veteran)?

Kentucky (↓ to Championship)

  • Hubie Brown moves to St. Louis for a change of scenery
  • Who replaces him? Internal promotion? 
by abfcommish

1976 ABF Season Fallout

Promotion/Relegation

Premier League

Promoted:

  • Buffalo: The Braves arrive in the Premier League with the best record in the Championship and All-Star Bob McAdoo. What can they do for an encore?
  • Philadelphia: The 76ers proved they belong with the elites with their young core and a hunger for a Premier League championship.
  • Houston: The battle tested Rockets rose into the Premier League with momentum and a chip on their shoulders.

Relegated:

  • Kentucky: The Colonels showed they aren’t quite ready for prime time just yet. Can they rebound in the Championship or wil they fall further?
  • San Antonio: The Spurs face a building project in the Championship before they can challenge for a title in the Premier.
  • Indiana: The last place Pacers probably have the most questions of any team going into the offseason. They can’t possibly keep together the team next year. Another relegations seems possible.

Championship

Promoted:

  • Oklahoma City: The Stampede lived up to their name by wining 85% of their games in the Founder’s cup. The excitement around this team next year is feverish.
  • Baltimore: The Ravens made a name for themselves with a balanced game. Several prominent players have expressed a desire to come to Baltimore.
  • Memphis: Already proved themselves by defeating Portland in the Founder’s Challenge to earn promotion into the Championship.

Relegated:

  • Portland: Probably the most surprising of the relegations. Bill Walton has no place on a Founder’s Cup team next year. Trade offers will be plentiful.
  • Spirits of St. Louis: One of the gems of the former ABA ends the year on a down note. Can they find their identity again in the Founder’s Cup?
  • Detroit: Of the three teams, even though they finished last, they probably have the best chance to rise again next year for another shot at the Premier.

We will keep a close eye on all teams that have been promoted and relegated. They will need to consider the new reality of their situation. New Premier League teams need to shore up their rosters against the increased competition of the new league. Relegated teams from the Premier to the Championship must balance their desires to rise back into the top tier with the reality that they may face some financial restrictions due to a decrease in ticket sales or a need to restructure their pricing model. The biggest shocks, however, come from the shift from Championship to Founder’s and vice versa. Teams face either a threefold increase or decrease in games and potential revenue that completely upends their financials. How do they navigate this change to remain or return to the championship and continue their rise into the Premier League.

Coaching, Roster, and Front Office Implications

Premier League

Buffalo (↑ Promoted)

  • Coach: Safe – Promoted with best record
  • Front Office: Expansion mode – Premier revenue means more scouts, analytics
  • Key Roster Question: Can they keep Bob McAdoo happy long-term?

Philadelphia (↑ Promoted)

  • Coach: Safe – Young core delivered
  • Front Office: Upgrading – Premier demands deeper front office
  • Key Roster Question: Which veteran joins to mentor the kids?

Houston (↑ Promoted)

  • Coach: Safe – Battle-tested playoff winner
  • Front Office: Growth – Time to add staff for Premier grind
  • Key Roster Question: Does Calvin Murphy get a max extension?

Kentucky (↓ Relegated)

  • Coach: Warm – Hubie Brown respected, but relegation stings
  • Front Office: Downsizing – Premier-level staff on Championship budget
  • Key Roster Question: Do they trade Artis Gilmore or build around him?

San Antonio (↓ Relegated)

  • Coach: Hot – Relegated despite Silas’s All-Star year
  • Front Office: Restructuring – New GM? New direction?
  • Key Roster Question: Is James Silas part of the rebuild or trade bait?

Indiana (↓ Relegated)

  • Coach: Hot – Last place, relegated, no identity
  • Front Office: Overhaul likely – Full teardown expected
  • Key Roster Question: Who stays? Anyone?

Championship

Oklahoma City (↑ Promoted from Founders)

  • Coach: Safe – Dominated Founders Cup
  • Front Office: Expansion – First real front office build
  • Key Roster Question: Do they add veterans or trust the 17–3 core?

Baltimore (↑ Promoted from Founders)

  • Coach: Safe – Balanced, effective, promoted
  • Front Office: Growth – Time to hire a dedicated GM
  • Key Roster Question: Can they find a Robin to Rocky Risien’s Batman?

Memphis (↑ Promoted from Founders)

  • Coach: Hero – Won Founders Challenge
  • Front Office: Thrilled – From lean to legit
  • Key Roster Question: How do they celebrate a Cinderella promotion?

Portland (↓ Relegated to Founders)

  • Coach: Hot – Lost Challenge, now Founders Cup
  • Front Office: Crisis mode – Walton doesn’t belong in Tier 3
  • Key Roster Question: Do they trade Bill Walton or beg him to stay?

St. Louis (↓ Relegated to Founders)

  • Coach: Warm – Talent underachieved
  • Front Office: Retooling – Keep core or cash in?
  • Key Roster Question: Moses Malone trade rumors already swirling

Detroit (↓ Relegated to Founders)

  • Coach: Safe (for now) – Thin roster, full rebuild
  • Front Office: Blank slate – Building from scratch
  • Key Roster Question: Who’s the first building block?
by abfcommish

ABF Inaugural All-Stars

The Best of 1976

Note: This is a work in progress.

Premier League

Guards

James Silas (San Antonio Spurs):

Paul Westphal (Phoenix Suns):

George Gervin (San Antonio Spurs):

Earl Monroe (New York Knicks):

Forwards

Robert Hawkins (Golden State Warriors):

Billy Knight (Indiana Pacers):

David Thompson (Denver Nuggets):

Spencer Haywood (New York Knicks):

Jamaal Wilkes (Golden State Warriors):

Centers

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers):

Artis Gilmore (Kentucky Colonels):

Dan Issel (Denver Nuggets):

Challengers All Stars (Championship and Founders Cup)

Guards

Pete Maravich (New Orleans Jazz):

Nate Archibald (Kansas City Kings):

Calvin Murphy (Houston Rockets):

Joe Hamilton (SLC):

Forwards

Julius Erving (New York Knicks):

BobMcAdoo (Buffalo Braves):

John Drew (Atlanta Hawks):

Rocky Risen (Baltimore Ravens):

George McGinnis (Philadelphia 76ers):

Center

Bob Lanier (Detroit Pistons):

Moses Malone (Spirits of St. Louis):

Bill Walton (Portland Blazers):

Honorable Mentions

Premier

  • Walt Frazier (NYK) – 21.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 7.4 APG, 2.9 SPG — legendary, but numbers slightly lower.
  • Phil Chenier (Was) – 26.5 PPG — squeezed at guard.
  • Bob Dandridge (Mil) – 27.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG — deep forward group.
  • Elvin Hayes (Was) – 26.7 PPG, 13.6 RPG — but Kareem, Gilmore, Issel, Cowens all in.
  • Alvan Adams (Phx) – 27.4 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 8.2 APG — could swap for Cowens if you want more passing.

Championshp and Founders

George McGinnis (Phi – Champ) – 29.7 PPG, 16.7 RPG, 6.1 APG.

  • Fred Brown (Sea – Champ) – 32.5 PPG, 2.5 3PG.
  • Darryl Dawkins (Phi – Champ) – 31.9 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 2.8 BPG.
  • Campy Russell (Cle – Champ) – 30.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG.
  • Maurice Lucas (StL – Champ) – 23.3 PPG, 15.2 RPG.
  • Russell Mitchell (OKC – Founders) – 32.0 PPG.
  • Swen Nater (MAM – Founders) – 17.1 PPG, 14.5 RPG.
by abfcommish

1976 Inaugural Season: Denver Reigns, Memphis Rises, ABA Giants Fall

A Premier Thriller, a Cinderella Climb, and shocking relegations define the ABF’s first year

The American Basketball Federation’s inaugural season promised competition and drama. It delivered on both. From a photo-finish in the Premier that led to a one game playoff to a Cinderella run through the Founder’s Cup, 1976 wrote a new chapter in basketball history. A chapter rife with games that carried the weight of promotion, relegation, and legacy.

For the complete standings, visit the 1976 ABF Standings Page.

Premier League

With relegation looming at the bottom, the ABF Premier League saw an equally compelling race at the top. The race ended with a dead heat between the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets at 41-25. The two teams played a one game playoff to determine the champion. Denver relied on a nearly 80 point advantage in shooting percentage and 18 more free throw attempts to take down the Celtics and become crowned as the inaugural ABF champion.

The Nuggets, who became an ABA powerhouse under coach Larry Brown, continued that trend in the ABF Premier League. Coming off of a heartbreaking loss in last year’s ABA finals to the Nets, they entered the new league with a chip on their shoulder. With some deriding the ABA as a lesser league, they also felt like they had something to prove that the ABF is an entirely different league where any team can rise to become champion.

Meanwhile, Boston, NBA blueblood and last year’s NBA champion also wanted to show that the NBA, as the older and more established league, would rule the ABF for the foreseeable future. While they ultimately fell short in that goal, it gives them fuel to motivate them next year. After only one year, a new rivalry is born at the top of the ABF.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Premier League table, three teams saw their Premier League dreams postponed. The Kentucky Colonels, San Antonio Spurs, and Indiana Pacers all became the first teams to relegate to the Championship League. They will need to adjust their rosters and strategies to compete in the new league and prove that they belong in the Premier. The battle does not end with this relegation. Instead, it now becomes a way to show their versatility and resilience. Fans of these teams, don’t fret. They still play among basketball legends and promise to deliver an exciting season in 1977.

Champions League

Two teams that rise to take their place are the Buffalo Braves and Philadelphia 76ers. They finished within one game of each other to earn their spots in the Premier League. The goal now becomes to tweak their rosters and strategies to compete and prove that they belong in the elite competition of the Premier League. The Championship tournament to promote the third team saw blowouts in the first round (Cleveland over Kansas City 83-61 and Houston over Atlanta 93-85) before Houston edged Cleveland in the deciding game 94-91 to earn the third promotion spot.

The Portland Trailblazers, Spirits of St. Louis, and Detroit Pistons all found themselves relegated to the Founder’s Cup. This gives these teams a chance to reassess and reapply their principles in a new environment for a chance to rejoin the Championship and make another push for promotion to the Premier League. The relegation, rather than a sign of failure, should be seen as an opportunity for the teams to show their resilience and versatility in a different competitive environment.

Founder’s Cup

The ABF’s third tier saw dominance at the top. The Oklahoma City Stampede lived up to their name, rushing to a 17-3 record with a 9 game winning streak to end the season. Their three game lead over the second place Baltimore Ravens was the largest of any tier leader. Baltimore, another new market for professional basketball earned their spot at the Champions League table. Two teams with losing records, the Memphis Sounds and Mid Atlantic Monarchs went into a single elimination playoff with th 10th ranked team in the Championship, Portland. Memphis edged Mid-Atlantic 66-65 in their match and then shocked Portland 91-85 behind lights out shooting to take their place in the Championship.

The Big Picture

The inaugural ABF season provided proof of concept. The pyramid worked. Underdogs rose and giants fell. Some teams cemented their legacy with championships and promotions. Others saw an opportunity to write a new chapter in their legacy by succeeding in an entirely new environment. All three tiers provided drama through playoffs, tournaments, and close races right to the end. Thank you for joining us for this season and we look forward to bringing you much more entertainment in the future.

Looking Ahead

Speaking of the future, 1977 comes with several questions:

  • Can Denver repeat?
  • How long does the Celtics dynasty have left?
  • Will Kentucky, San Antonio, or Indiana bounce back?
  • Does OKC have what it takes to get promoted twice in two years, perhaps setting an impossible standard?
  • Who among the promoted Champions League teams can remain to compete for the Premier League title?

Links: 1976 Standings | Team Directory | About the ABF