Picked up this miniature basketball at Goodwill and it’s signed by Connie Hawkins “The Hawk” #42. Don’t know if the signature is legit. $2.99 is worth it.

ABA trading cards

Can’t wait to binge it on a day off.

• ABL (American Basketball League): At ~19 years old, he played with the Pittsburgh Rens, won the ABL MVP (1962) and made All-ABL First Team.

• Harlem Globetrotters: Spent several years touring with them; this was during the time his NBA prospects were blocked.

• ABA (American Basketball Association) with the Pittsburgh Pipers (and later Minnesota Pipers / Condors):

  • In the inaugural ABA season (1967-68), he led the Pipers to the ABA Championship.

  • He was ABA MVP that season, and also Playoffs MVP.

  • He made All-ABA First Team in both of his ABA seasons.

NBA

• After a lawsuit, his NBA ban was lifted, and he joined the Phoenix Suns in 1969.

• His rookie NBA season (1969-70) was very strong: he made the All-NBA First Team right away.

• He was a 4-time NBA All-Star (1970–73) while with the Suns.

• Overall NBA career stats: about 16.5 points per game, ~8 rebounds, ~4 assists.

Legacy & Honors

• His playing style—above the rim, athletic, acrobatic—helped pioneer what’s come to define modern basketball, influencing players like Julius Erving and even Michael Jordan.

• His number 42 has been retired by the Phoenix Suns.

• Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.

• Named to the ABA All-Time Team.