Long Shots: The Life and Times of the American Basketball Association

Long Shots: The Life and Times of the American Basketball Association is a captivating 1997 documentary directed by Martin Davidson, well-known for presenting engrossing, reality-based films about popular culture. This 108-minute documentary takes us deep into the history of the American Basketball Association (ABA), offering nostalgic doses of the energetic, sometimes outlandish, yet undeniably captivating world of the old ABA.

Long Shots combines archival footage, exhaustive research, and exclusive interviews with prominent figures from the ABA era to provide incredible insights into what made the now-defunct ABA unique and unforgettable. It goes beyond the usual scope of the sport and delves into the sociopolitical factors that played a part in defining the ABA’s culture, appeal, and eventual downfall.

Featuring leading figures from the basketball world, including Red Auerbach, Boston Celtics former coach and executive, and sports broadcaster Bob Costas, the documentary is narrated in a manner that blends both historical analysis and personal anecdotes, creating an engaging viewing experience. It also offers influential voices from the larger world of basketball, such as Julius 'Dr. J' Erving, whose career and individuality elegantly embody the spirit of the ABA. Their stories serve to enrich the narrative, illustrating the innovative and rebellious spirit that sets the ABA apart from the more conventional National Basketball Association (NBA).

Long Shots documents the birth of the ABA in 1967, as an alternative to the NBA, with its aesthetic characterized by the use of a red, white, and blue basketball. The documentary accurately captures the ABA’s spirit of innovation and challenge, as the league introduced game aspects well ahead of their time, including the three-point shot and the Slam Dunk Contest, which are now standards in basketball games worldwide.

This documentary provides a comprehensive retrospective of the ups and downs of the ABA, from its inception to its merging with the NBA in 1976. It covers the unique and vibrant aspects of the ABA, taking viewers on a journey through memories of sell-out games, dramatic on-court moments, flamboyant styles, innovations in tactics and game, and eccentric personalities that defined the league.

Through this film, viewers will get to understand the less-than-ideal financial situation of the ABA, and the challenges it faced, often executing seasons precariously. It also takes us through the complex negotiations that led to the ABA-NBA merger, thereby providing an overall journey through the struggles, triumphs, innovations, and tremendous influence the ABA has had on modern basketball.

In many ways, Long Shots: The Life and Times of the American Basketball Association can be seen as a tribute to a league that significantly impacted basketball, enhancing the game’s appeal with its focus on entertainment and charisma. While the ABA may have been short-lived, this riveting documentary illustrates its enduring legacy on basketball as we know it today.

The documentary presents an immersive depiction of the ABA era that is likely to resonate with not just basketball enthusiasts, but also with anyone who loves a riveting narrative of underdogs challenging the establishment, bringing about change and leaving an indelible mark in the process. So, whether you’re a die-hard basketball fanatic, a sports history buff, or just someone who loves an engaging documentary, Long Shots: The Life and Times of the American Basketball Association is sure to leave a lasting impression.