1969–70 ABA season
The 1969–70 ABA season was the third season of the American Basketball Association. Prior to the start of the season, the Minnesota Pipers moved back to Pittsburgh, the Oakland Oaks moved to Washington, D.C. and became the Washington Caps and the Houston Mavericks moved to North Carolina and became the Carolina Cougars. For the regular-season, the schedule was increased from 78 to 84 games per team. The season ended with the Indiana Pacers capturing their first ABA Championship.
Spencer Haywood, a rookie from the University of Detroit, led the ABA in scoring and rebounding for the Denver Rockets. Haywood was professional basketball's first "hardship case", leaving college after his sophomore season. The NBA prohibited him from declaring for its draft, and he signed with the Rockets instead, leading them to the Western Division championship.Final standings
Eastern Division
Western Division
Asterisk Denotes playoff teamPlayoffs
Awards and honors
- ABA Most Valuable Player Award: Spencer Haywood, Denver Rockets
- Rookie of the Year: Spencer Haywood, Denver Rockets
- Coach of the Year: Bill Sharman, Los Angeles Stars & Joe Belmont, Denver Rockets
- Playoffs MVP: Roger Brown, Indiana Pacers
- All-Star Game MVP: Spencer Haywood, Denver Rockets
- All-ABA First Team
- * Rick Barry, Washington Caps
- * Spencer Haywood, Denver Rockets
- * Mel Daniels, Indiana Pacers
- * Bob Verga, Carolina Cougars
- * Larry Jones, Denver Rockets
- All-ABA Second Team
- * Roger Brown, Indiana Pacers
- * Bob Netolicky, Indiana Pacers
- * Red Robbins, Indiana Pacers
- * Louie Dampier, Kentucky Colonels
- * Donnie Freeman, Miami Floridians
- All-ABA Rookie Team
- * Mike Barrett, Washington Caps
- * John Brisker, Pittsburgh Pipers
- * Mack Calvin, Los Angeles Stars
- * Spencer Haywood, Denver Rockets
- * Willie Wise, Los Angeles Stars
Finals
