INDIANAPOLIS — This week marks the global premiere of "The Waiting Game," a documentary exploring the pivotal moments when the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) came together. The film highlights the efforts of three Indianapolis men to advocate for recognition of the league's pioneering ABA players.
"What the league meant to pro basketball and what it meant to today’s NBA is an incredible story," said Scott Tarter, one of the documentary's subjects.
Featuring former Indiana Pacers player Darnell Hillman, the documentary showcases the contributions of ABA players, who introduced innovations such as the red, white and blue basketball and halftime entertainment.
"We changed the fun in the game," Hillman said. "Our family members don’t always get a chance to see what we’ve done."
Hillman, a two-time ABA champion, also highlighted the cultural impact of the league.
"We had platform shoes, big afros and bell-bottom pants," Hillman said.
Known as "Dr. Dunk," Hillman made history by winning the first NBA slam dunk competition.
Despite their contributions, many former ABA players, including Hillman, did not receive a pension from the NBA after the league’s expansion in 1976.
"In 1967-68, there was an unspoken rule in the NBA that limited the number of Black players on the floor," Tarter said.
As the ABA players age, many struggle with medical and financial issues. Former Pacers Mel Daniels and Bob Netolicky sought to address these challenges, sharing stories of neglected players with Tarter, an Indianapolis attorney. This led to the formation of the Dropping Dimes Foundation, which advocates for former ABA players in a David-and-Goliath battle against the NBA.
"It’s a human dignity, somewhat social justice story wrapped in sports clothing," said Michael Husain, another contributor to the film, emphasizing the fight for recognition is about more than money.
The 90-minute documentary details these players' ongoing negotiations and struggles.
"No one person, no three people did this. This was just a very large group of very Indiana-centered people," Tarter said.
The world premiere of "The Waiting Game" is Friday, Oct. 18 at The Toby Theater at Newfields as part of the Heartland International Film Festival. Former ABA players and sports legends are expected to attend.
A second showing is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Living Room Theaters at 12:15 p.m. Director Michael Husain and producers Bryan Boyd and Amy Pauszek will attend both screenings.
