On Oct. 16, 1969, in Phoenix, 27-year-old Connie Hawkins made his NBA debut. The Suns beat the San Diego Rockets 116-114 in the season opener.

Hawkins had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists in 32 minutes. Jim Fox scored 29 and Gail Goodrich 28; Elvin Hayes had 25 and 16 for San Diego.

Linked only by rumor to a 1961 college betting probe, Hawkins was blacklisted. He won the ABA's first MVP and title with Pittsburgh in 1967-68.

A $6 million antitrust suit led the NBA to settle in 1969. Phoenix won a coin flip with Seattle for his rights.

In 1969-70 he averaged 24.6 points and made All-NBA First Team. His No. 42 was retired, and he entered the Hall of Fame in 1992.

Connie Hawkins with the ABA MVP trophy, 1968. Photo: The Sporting News Collection, resized.

Read the full article for more context and the latest details.