The Pittsburgh Pipers of the A.B.A. lasted 2 seasons in Pittsburgh. 1967-1968 and 1969-1970. The 68-69 team relocated to Minnesota for a year.
In the upstart ABA, the Pittsburgh Pipers had the good fortune of having the best player in the league during the inaugural season Connie Hawkins. Connie Hawkins won the ABA's inaugural MVP award with 26.8 ppg and 13.5 rpg (Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame 1992). Also having big years for the Pipers were Charles Williams who averaged 20.8 ppg, Art Heyman who averaged 20.1 ppg and Chico Vaughn who had 19.9 ppg.
At the Pittsburgh Civic Center in Game 7, the Pipers offense was at its best as they beat the Bucs 122-113 to win the ABA's first Championship, with Connie Hawkins winning the ABA Finals MVP.
The last year in Pittsburgh was rough. Without Hawkins,who jumped to the N.B.A. the Pipers now coached by John Clark had trouble getting fans back after spending a season in Minnesota. The Pipers would struggle from the start of the season, as Clark is fired after a 14-25 start. The team would not fare any better with replacement Buddy Jeanette as they finished in fifth place with a record of 29-55.
C.O. note: I was 7 and 9 years old when the Pipers played. My Dad hated basketball so there was never a shot to see a game in person. As I am not like my Dad, I have taken my kids to see a number of Duquesne Dukes basketball games and even Pittsburgh Piranhas (GC63VG0) games and I have been to a Indiana Pacers game. Basketball games seen in person are pretty good stuff.