At the time, the NBA was staid, traditional, and, well...boring.

The ABA, on the other hand, was a colorful league which (in the words of Sports Illustrated) "valued big hair, flashy dunks, and second chances." The ABA encouraged individuality. The players, their fashions, and their lifestyles reflected the times -- from the big hair to the bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and farmer's overalls.

As can be seen from some of the photos in the pages above, Dennis Rodman wouldn't have received a second glance in the ABA.