Ep 10. Free Spirits (Daniel H. Forer)

In the 1970s, a group of renegade basketball players from the American Basketball Association (ABA) formed the Spirits of St. Louis, an upstart team that defied the odds and shook up the established order of professional hoops. This fascinating episode of the acclaimed sports documentary series 30 For 30 delves into the wild world of the ABA, a league known for its zany antics, flashy style, and a shoot-first-ask-questions-later mentality that was in stark contrast to the precise, methodical nature of the NBA. Director Daniel H. Forer delves into the story of the Spirits, a team that was a reflection of the anything-goes atmosphere that permeated the ABA in the 1970s.

Like many ABA teams, the Spirits were an underdog squad made up of castoffs, misfits, and players on the fringes of the established basketball world. But what set the Spirits apart was their irreverent attitude and free-wheeling style of play, which often frustrated their opponents and delighted ABA fans. Led by the likes of Marvin Barnes, a big man with a big personality who was equally adept at scoring points and stirring up trouble, and James "Fly" Williams, a high-flying guard with a knack for making highlight-reel plays, the Spirits were a team that played with passion, heart, and a sense of fun that was hard to resist.

But the Spirits' success was not just a matter of style over substance. Under the leadership of coach Bob MacKinnon and with a roster that also included the likes of Steve "Snapper" Jones, a savvy guard and media favorite, and Rich "The Ack" Yunkus, a sharpshooting big man with a no-nonsense approach, the Spirits became a force to be reckoned with in the ABA. They made the playoffs in both of their seasons in the league, and were even poised to make the jump to the NBA when the ABA merged with its rival in 1976, only to be left out in the cold when the league decided to absorb only four ABA teams.

Despite their ultimate demise, the Spirits left a lasting legacy in the world of professional basketball. Their wild and woolly style of play influenced a generation of players and fans, and their colorful personalities and off-court antics made them some of the most beloved figures in the game. Free Spirits tells their story with skill and verve, capturing the spirit of an era when anything seemed possible in the world of sports. Whether you're a basketball fanatic or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode of 30 For 30 is not to be missed.