Amidst the massive resistance to racial desegregation and rising calls for Black Power in the 1970s, the NBA became a symbol of national disorder. Young Black players faced blame for the league's perceived chaos, associated with drugs, violence, and greed. This decline in pro basketball mirrored the tumultuous early years of integration in America, where the influx of Black athletes was seen as detrimental to a previously white-dominated sport. However, this period was crucial for the NBA's evolution into the star-studded powerhouse it is today, largely due to the efforts of Black players who challenged the existing white basketball establishment. Highlighting icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bernard King, and Connie Hawkins, scholar Theresa Runstedtler reexamines this so-called "Dark Ages" of basketball, blending her expertise with sharp social and political insights. Black players introduced an aerial, improvisational style rooted in their neighborhood playgrounds, laying the groundwork for the league's later popularity and profitability. They also revolutionized labor relations in pro basketball, advocating for better pay and autonomy through lawsuits and union organizing. The legacy of these players paved the way for future stars like Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, and LeBron James.
