Edit filter log

'{{short description|American former basketball player (born 1950)}} {{use American English|date=August 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}} {{Infobox basketball biography | name = Julius Erving | image = Julius Erving 2016.jpg | caption = Erving in 2016 | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 7 | weight_lb = 210 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1950|2|22}} | birth_place = [[Roosevelt, New York]], U.S. | high_school = [[Roosevelt High School (Roosevelt, New York)|Roosevelt]] (Roosevelt, New York) | college = [[UMass Minutemen basketball|UMass]] (1969–1971) | draft_year = 1972 | draft_round = 1 | draft_pick = 12 | draft_team = [[Milwaukee Bucks]] | career_start = 1971 | career_end = 1987 | career_position = [[Small forward]] | career_number = 32, 6 | years1 = {{abay|1971|start}}–{{abay|1972|end}} | team1 = [[Virginia Squires]] | years2 = {{abay|1973|start}}–{{abay|1975|end}} | team2 = [[New York Nets]] | years3 = {{nbay|1976|start}}–{{nbay|1986|end}} | team3 = [[Philadelphia 76ers]] | highlights = * [[NBA champion]] ({{nbafy|1983}}) * 2× [[ABA champion]] ([[1974 ABA Playoffs|1974]], [[1976 ABA Playoffs|1976]]) * 2× [[ABA Playoffs MVP]] ([[1974 ABA Playoffs|1974]], [[1976 ABA Playoffs|1976]]) * [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]] ({{nbay|1980|end}}) * 3× [[ABA Most Valuable Player]] ([[1973–74 ABA season|1974]]–[[1975–76 ABA season|1976]]) * 11× [[NBA All-Star]] ({{nasg|1977}}–{{nasg|1987}}) * 5× [[ABA All-Star]] ([[1971–72 ABA season|1972]]–[[1975–76 ABA season|1976]]) * 2× [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|NBA All-Star Game MVP]] ({{nasg|1977}}, {{nasg|1983}}) * 5× [[All-NBA First Team]] ({{nbay|1977|end}}, {{nbay|1979|end}}–{{nbay|1982|end}}) * 2× [[All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|1976|end}}, {{nbay|1983|end}}) * 4× [[All-ABA First Team]] ([[1972–73 ABA season|1973]]–[[1975–76 ABA season|1976]]) * All-ABA Second Team ([[1971–72 ABA season|1972]]) * [[ABA All-Defensive First Team]] ([[1975–76 ABA season|1976]]) * [[ABA All-Rookie First Team]] ([[1971–72 ABA season|1972]]) * 3× [[American Basketball Association scoring champions|ABA scoring champion]] ({{abay|1972|end}}, {{abay|1973|end}}, {{abay|1975|end}}) * [[ABA Slam Dunk champion]] ([[1975–76 ABA season|1976]]) * [[J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award]] ({{nbay|1982|end}}) * No. 32 [[Brooklyn Nets retired numbers|retired by Brooklyn Nets]] * No. 6 [[Philadelphia 76ers retired numbers|retired by Philadelphia 76ers]] * [[ABA All-Time Team]] * [[ABA All-Time Team |ABA All-time MVP]] * [[NBA anniversary team]] ([[NBA 35th Anniversary Team|35th]], [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|50th]], [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th]]) * Third-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] – [[National Association of Basketball Coaches|NABC]], [[United Press International|UPI]] ([[1971 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1971]]) * No. 32 [[UMass Minutemen men's basketball retired numbers|retired by UMass Minutemen]] | stats_league = ABA and NBA | stat1label = [[Point (basketball)|Points]] | stat1value = 30,026 (24.2 ppg) | stat2label = [[Rebound (basketball)|Rebounds]] | stat2value = 10,525 (8.5 rpg) | stat3label = [[Assist (basketball)|Assists]] | stat3value = 5,176 (4.2 apg) | bbr = ervinju01 | HOF_player = julius-erving | CBBASKHOF_year = 2006 }} '''Julius Winfield Erving II''' (born February 22, 1950), commonly known by the nickname '''Dr. J''', is an American former professional [[basketball]] player. Erving helped legitimize the [[American Basketball Association]] (ABA),<ref>{{cite web|title=Julius Erving Biography and Interview |publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]]|url=https://www.achievement.org/achiever/julius-erving/}}</ref> and he was the best-known player in that league when it [[ABA–NBA merger|merged]] into the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA) after the 1975–1976 season. Erving won three championships, four [[Most Valuable Player]] awards, and three scoring titles with the ABA's [[Virginia Squires]] and [[New York Nets]] (now the NBA's Brooklyn Nets) and the NBA's [[Philadelphia 76ers]]. During his 16 seasons as a player, none of his teams ever missed the postseason. He is the eighth-highest scorer in ABA/NBA history with 30,026 points (NBA and ABA combined). He was well known for [[slam dunk]]ing from the free-throw line in [[Slam Dunk Contest]]s and was the only player voted Most Valuable Player in both the ABA and the NBA. The basketball slang of being [[posterized]] was first coined to describe his moves. In 1993, Erving was inducted into the [[Basketball Hall of Fame]]. In 1994, Erving was named by ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' as one of the 40 most important athletes of all time. In 1996, Erving was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the [[NBA 50th Anniversary Team]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA at 50: Top 50 Players|website=NBA.com|url=https://www.nba.com/history/nba-at-50/top-50-players|access-date=February 18, 2022}}</ref> In 2004, he was inducted into the [[Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame]]. In October 2021, Erving was again honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA's 75 Anniversary Team Players|website=NBA.com|url=https://www.nba.com/75|access-date=February 18, 2022}}</ref> Many consider him one of the most talented players in the history of the NBA; he is widely acknowledged as one of the game's best dunkers. While [[Connie Hawkins]], [[Johnny Green (basketball)|"Jumping" Johnny Green]], [[Elgin Baylor]], [[Jim Pollard]], and [[Gus Johnson (basketball)|Gus Johnson]] performed spectacular dunks before Erving's time, Erving brought the practice into the mainstream.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/sports/basketball/12dunk.html?_r=0 For Some N.B.A. Players, There’s No Such Thing as a Slam Dunk], ''The New York Times''</ref> His signature was the slam dunk, since incorporated into the vernacular and basic skill set of the game in the same manner as the crossover dribble and the no look pass. Before Erving, dunking was a practice most commonly used by the big men, usually standing close to the hoop, to show their brutal strength which was seen as style over substance, even unsportsmanlike, by many purists of the game;<ref>J. Ted Carter. (September 1, 1971). [https://books.google.com/books?id=pO1WAAAAYAAJ&q=dunking+unsportsmanlike+basketball "Patterned fast-break basketball"]. Retrieved July 20, 2015.</ref> however, the way Erving utilized the dunk more as a high-percentage shot made at the end of maneuvers generally starting well away from the basket and not necessarily a show of force helped to make the shot an acceptable tactic, especially in trying to avoid a blocked shot.<ref>Golliver, Ben. (June 11, 2013). [https://www.si.com/nba/point-forward/2013/06/11/julius-erving-the-doctor-documentary-nba-finals-2013-miami-heat-san-antonio-spurs "Video: Julius 'Dr. J' Erving can still dunk a basketball at age 63"]. ''Sports Illustrated''. Retrieved July 20, 2015.</ref> Although the slam dunk is still widely used as a show of power, a method of intimidation, and a way to fire up a team and spectators, Erving demonstrated that there can be great artistry and grace in slamming the ball into the hoop, particularly after a launch several feet from that target.<ref>Carson, Dan. (June 11, 2013). [http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1668980-this-video-of-julius-erving-dunking-at-the-age-of-63-is-life-changing "This Video of Julius Erving Dunking at the Age of 63 Is Life-Changing"]. ''Bleacher Report''. Retrieved July 20, 2015.</ref> ==Early life== Erving was born February 22, 1950, in [[East Meadow, New York|East Meadow]], on [[Long Island]],<ref name="google1939">{{cite book| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Y6yuwT54mA0C&q=%22julius+erving%22+born+%22east+meadow%22&pg=PA273 |title=The Columbia Guide to African American History Since 1939 |first1=Robert L. Jr. | last1= Harris| first2= Rosalyn | last2=Terborg-Penn| author-link2= Rosalyn Terborg-Penn|date= September 5, 2008|access-date= March 22, 2011|isbn=9780231138116 }}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014177.html |title=Dr. J operated above the rest |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 22, 2011}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/erving_summary.html |title= Julius Erving Summary |work= NBA.com |access-date=March 22, 2011}}</ref> and raised from the age of 13 in [[Roosevelt, New York]]. Prior to that, he lived in nearby [[Hempstead (village), New York|Hempstead]]. He attended [[Roosevelt High School (Roosevelt, New York)|Roosevelt High School]] and played for its basketball team. He received the nickname "Doctor" or "Dr. J" from a high school friend named Leon Saunders. He explains: "I started calling [Saunders] 'the professor', and he started calling me 'the doctor'. So it was just between us...we were buddies, we had our nicknames and we would roll with the nicknames. <!--Lo and behold we graduate from high school together, we both go to U-Mass, and we separated for many years 'cause he went over to Africa and did some stuff, and I went my way. But now he's my golf buddy in Atlanta...and I love him. He's just like a little brother to me even though, you know, there's only months between us. But he's the professor and he was the first one to call me 'the doctor'.--> ... And that's where it came from."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.classactsports.com/sports/nba/dr-j-julius-erving-explains-nickname-exclusively-class-act-sports/ | title = Dr. J' Julius Erving explains his nickname exclusively to Class Act Sports | access-date = May 21, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120329023034/http://www.classactsports.com/sports/nba/dr-j-julius-erving-explains-nickname-exclusively-class-act-sports/ | archive-date = March 29, 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Erving recalled that "later on, in the [[Rucker Park]] league in Harlem, when people started calling me 'Black Moses' and 'Houdini', I told them if they wanted to call me anything, call me 'Doctor'".<ref>Vincent Mallozzi. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=D1nQC_6XBw8C&dq=%22julius+erving%22+%22rucker+park%22+houdini&pg=PA61 Doc: The Rise and Rise of Julius Erving]''. 60–61.</ref> Over time, the nickname evolved into "Dr. Julius" and finally "Dr. J."<ref>Bill Rhoden. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=K865AHIk5H0C&dq=%22dr.+j.%22+sojourner&pg=PA44 The Incredible Dr. J]". ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]''. March 1975. 47.</ref> Erving was first called "Dr. J" by his friend and future teammate on the Nets and Squires, [[Willie Sojourner]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2005/10/23/sojourner-dead-at-58/|title=SOJOURNER DEAD AT 58|date=October 23, 2005|website=nypost.com}}</ref> ==College career== [[File:Julius_Erving_UMass.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Erving at [[UMass Minutemen basketball|Massachusetts]], c. 1970–71]] Erving enrolled at the [[University of Massachusetts Amherst]] in 1968. In two varsity [[college basketball]] seasons, he averaged 26.3 points<ref>{{cite web|url=http://umasshoops.com/history/alumni/julius_erving/|title=Julius Erving|website=umasshoops.com}}</ref> and 20.2 rebounds per game, becoming one of only six players<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/spencer-haywood-1.html|title=Spencer Haywood College Stats — College Basketball|website= Sports-Reference.com}}</ref> to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds per game in [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|NCAA Men's Basketball]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.org/library/records/basketball/m_basketball_records_book/2003/p007-066.pdf |title=NCAA Basketball Records |access-date=October 11, 2006 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703094953/http://www.ncaa.org/library/records/basketball/m_basketball_records_book/2003/p007-066.pdf |archive-date=July 3, 2007 }}</ref> In 1968, the NCAA passed a rule that prohibited [[Slam dunk|dunking]]. Thus, Erving's fabulous dunking was only seen and known to teammates at practice.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tfTXAQAAQBAJ&dq=julius+erving+umass&pg=PA388|isbn = 9780313397530|title = American Sports: A History of Icons, Idols, and Ideas &#91;4 volumes&#93;: A History of Icons, Idols, and Ideas|date = May 23, 2013|publisher = Abc-Clio}}</ref> He then sought “hardship” entry into professional basketball in 1971. Fifteen years later, Erving fulfilled a promise he had made to his mother by earning a bachelor's degree in creative leadership and administration from the school through the [[University Without Walls]] program.<ref name="viewer.zmags.com">[http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/c8aaed6f#/c8aaed6f/22 Patricia Sullivan, UMass Magazine], {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105022451/http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/c8aaed6f#/c8aaed6f/22 |date=November 5, 2014 }}</ref><ref>[[Phil Jasner]], [[Philadelphia Daily News]], [http://articles.philly.com/1986-05-23/sports/26050647_1_honorary-degree-promise-ring The Graduate On Sunday, Julius Erving Gets His College Degree], May 23, 1986. Retrieved November 17, 2013.</ref> Erving also holds an honorary doctorate from the school.<ref name="viewer.zmags.com"/> In September 2021, Massachusetts honored Erving by unveiling a statue outside the [[Mullins Center]] on the university's campus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/umassbasketball/2021/09/umass-unveils-statues-of-basketball-icons-john-calipari-marcus-camby-julius-erving-and-jack-leaman.html|title = UMass unveils statues John Calipari, Marcus Camby, Julius Erving and Jack Leaman|date = September 10, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazettenet.com/UMass-basketball-statue-Dr-j-marcus-camby-John-calipari-42417318|title=UMass basketball legends Julius Erving, Marcus Camby honored with statues}}</ref> ==Professional career== ===Virginia Squires (ABA)=== Although NBA rules at the time did not allow teams to draft players who were fewer than four years removed from high school, the ABA instituted a “hardship” rule that would allow players to leave college early.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://articles.latimes.com/1990-04-22/sports/sp-285_1_professional-sports/2 |title=The Evolution of Younger Athletes in Professional Sports |publisher=Washington Post, archived at LATimes.com |date=September 22, 1990}}</ref> Erving took advantage of the rule change and left [[UMass Minutemen basketball|Massachusetts]] after his junior year to sign a four-year contract worth $500,000 spread over seven years with the [[Virginia Squires]].<ref>[http://espn.go.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/4130/julius-erving Julius Erving Biography], ESPN.com Retrieved November 17, 2013.</ref><ref name="Switch">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/02/27/archives/erving-of-squires-may-switch-to-the-nba.html |title= Erving of Squires May Switch to the N.B.A. |work= The New York Times |date=February 27, 1972}}</ref> Erving quickly established himself as a force and gained a reputation for hard and ruthless dunking. He scored 27.3 points per game as a rookie, was selected to the All-ABA Second Team, made the ABA All-Rookie Team, led the ABA in offensive rebounds, and finished second to [[Artis Gilmore]] for the ABA Rookie of the Year Award. He led the Squires into the Eastern Division Finals, where they lost to the [[Rick Barry]]-led [[1971–72 New York Nets season|New York Nets]] in seven games. The Nets would eventually go to the finals, losing to the star-studded Indiana Pacers team.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYA/1972.html?mobile=false "1971–72 New York Nets Roster and Stats"]. ''basketball-reference.com''. Retrieved July 20, 2015.</ref> ===ABA–NBA contract dispute=== Under NBA rules, he became eligible for the [[1972 NBA draft]] and the [[1972–73 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]] picked him in the first round (12th overall), a move that would have brought him together with [[Oscar Robertson]] and [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]. Prior to the draft, he signed a contract with the [[1972–73 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]] worth more than $1 million with a $250,000 bonus.<ref name="NetsDeal">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/02/archives/nets-erving-deal-costs-4million-1175000-sent-to-squires-hawks8year.html |title=Nets' Erving Deal Costs $4‐Million |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=August 2, 1973}}</ref> The signing with the Hawks came after a dispute with the Squires where he demanded a renegotiation of the terms.<ref name="Switch"/> He discovered that his agent at the time, Steve Arnold, was employed by the Squires and convinced him to sign a below-market contract.<ref name=nbabio>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/erving_bio.html |title=NBA.com: Julius Erving Bio|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|access-date=December 16, 2008}}</ref> This created a dispute between three teams in two leagues. The Bucks asserted their rights to Erving via the draft, while the Squires went to court to force him to honor his contract. He joined [[Pete Maravich]] at the Hawks' training camp, as they prepared for the upcoming season. He played two exhibition games with the Hawks until NBA Commissioner [[J. Walter Kennedy]] ruled that the Bucks owned Erving's rights via the draft. Kennedy fined the Hawks $25,000 per game in violation of his ruling. Atlanta appealed Kennedy's decision to the league owners, who also supported the Bucks’ position.<ref name="League">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/21/archives/erving-awarded-to-bucks-by-nba-former-aba-star-is-taken-from-hawks.html |title=Erving Awarded to Bucks By N.B.A. |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 21, 1972}}</ref> While waiting for the owners’ decision, Erving played in one more preseason game, earning the Hawks another fine. Erving enjoyed his brief time with Atlanta, and he would later duplicate with [[George Gervin]] his after-practice playing with Maravich.<ref name="Out">{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/hawks/history/DrJ.html |title=The Doctor is Out |work=NBA.com |access-date=July 20, 2018}}</ref> On October 2, Judge [[Edward Raymond Neaher|Edward Neaher]] issued an injunction that prohibited him from playing for any team other than the Squires. The judge then sent the case to arbitration because of an arbitration clause in Erving's contract with Virginia.<ref name="Out"/> He agreed to report to the Squires while his appeal of the injunction made its way through the court.<ref name="Report">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/10/20/archives/erving-rejoins-squires-tonight-star-ready-to-face-nets-in-nassau.html |title=Erving Rejoins Squires Tonight |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 20, 1972}}</ref> Back in the ABA, his game flourished, and he achieved a career-best 31.9 points per game in the 1972–1973 season. The following year, the cash-strapped Squires sold his contract to the New York Nets.<ref>Frederick J. Day. (2004). [https://books.google.com/books?id=oI_RlRvfAucC&dq=squires+sold+julius+erving&pg=PA198 "Clubhouse Lawyer: Law in the World of Sports"]. Retrieved July 20, 2015.</ref> ===New York Nets (ABA)=== [[File:Julius Erving Nets (3).jpeg|thumb|Erving in 1974]] The Squires, like most ABA teams, were on rather shaky financial ground. The cash-strapped team sent Erving to the Nets in a complex deal that kept him in the ABA. Erving signed an eight-year deal worth a reported $350,000 per year. The Squires received $750,000, [[George Carter (basketball)|George Carter]], and the rights to [[Kermit Washington]] for Erving and [[Willie Sojourner]]. The Nets also sent $425,000 to the Hawks to reimburse the team for its legal fees, fines and the bonus paid to Erving. Finally, Atlanta would receive draft compensation should a merger of the league result in a common draft.<ref name="NetsDeal"/> Erving went on to lead the Nets to their first ABA title in 1973–1974, defeating the [[Utah Stars]].<ref>basketball-reference.com "[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYA/1974.html 1973–1974 New York Nets Roster and Stats]" – Accessed September 16, 2013</ref> Erving established himself as the most important player in the ABA. His spectacular play established the Nets as one of the better teams in the ABA, and brought fans and credibility to the league.<ref>NBA TV – Greatest NBA Rivalries. (Available on {{YouTube|_CcY_ecX00U}}), Accessed September 16, 2013.</ref> The end of the [[1975–76 ABA season]] finally brought the [[ABA–NBA merger]]. The Nets and Nuggets had applied for admission to the NBA before the season, in anticipation of the eventual merger that had first been proposed by the two leagues in 1970 but which was delayed for various reasons, including the [[Oscar Robertson suit|Oscar Robertson free agency suit]] (which was not resolved until 1976). The Erving-led Nets defeated the [[Denver Nuggets]] in the ABA's final championship. In the postseason, Erving averaged 34.7 points and was named Most Valuable Player of the playoffs. That season, he finished in the top 10 in the ABA in points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, steals per game, blocks per game, free throw percentage, free throws made, free throws attempted, three-point field goal percentage and three-point field goals made.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html Julius Erving] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604224851/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html |date=June 4, 2011 }}. basketball-reference.com</ref> ===Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)=== {{BLP sources section|date=February 2013}} [[File:Julius Erving – 76ers (1).jpeg|thumb|left|Erving in 1976]] The Nets, [[1976–77 Denver Nuggets season|Nuggets]], [[1976–77 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana Pacers]], and [[1976–77 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]] joined the NBA for the [[1976–1977 NBA season|1976–1977 season]]. With Erving and [[Nate Archibald]] (acquired in a trade with [[1976–77 Kansas City Kings season|Kansas City]]), the Nets were poised to pick up right where they left off. However, the [[1976–77 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] upset the Nets' plans when they demanded that the Nets pay them $4.8 million for "invading" the Knicks' NBA territory. Coming on the heels of the fees the Nets had to pay for joining the NBA, owner [[Roy Boe]] reneged on a promise to raise Erving's salary. Erving refused to play under these conditions and held out in training camp.<ref>Pluto, Terry, ''Loose Balls: The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association'' (Simon & Schuster, 1990), {{ISBN|978-1-4165-4061-8}}, pp. 433–434</ref> After several teams such as the [[1976–77 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]], [[1976–77 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]] and [[1976–77 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]] lobbied to obtain him, the Nets offered Erving's contract to the [[1976–77 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] in return for waiving the indemnity, but the Knicks turned it down. This was considered one of the worst decisions in franchise history.<ref>Simmons, Bill (2009). The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy. ESPN Books. {{ISBN|978-0-345-51176-8}}</ref> The Sixers then decided to offer to buy Erving's contract for $3 million—in addition to paying roughly the Nets same amount as their expansion fee—and Boe had little choice but to accept the $6 million deal.<ref>Watanabe, Ben. (August 7, 2012). [http://nesn.com/2012/08/julius-erving-wore-no-6-with-sixers-to-be-like-bill-russell-one-of-my-heroes-video/ "Julius Erving Wore No. 6 With Sixers to Be Like Bill Russell, ‘One of My Heroes’ (Video)"]. Retrieved July 20, 2015.</ref> For all intents and purposes, the Nets traded their franchise player for a berth in the NBA. The Erving deal left the Nets in ruin; they promptly crashed to a 22–60 record, the worst in the league.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1977.html?mobile=false "1976–77 NBA Season Summary"]. ''basketball-reference.com''. Retrieved July 20, 2015.</ref> Years later, Boe regretted having to trade Erving to join the NBA, saying, "The merger agreement killed the Nets as an NBA franchise."<ref>Pluto, Terry, ''Loose Balls: The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association'' (Simon & Schuster, 1990), {{ISBN|978-1-4165-4061-8}}, pp.433–434</ref> Erving quickly became the leader of his new club and led them to an exciting 50-win season. However, playing with other stars-such as former ABA standout [[George McGinnis]], future NBA All-Star [[World B. Free|Lloyd Free]], and aggressive [[Doug Collins (basketball)|Doug Collins]] allowed him to focus on playing more team-oriented ball. Despite a smaller role, Erving stayed unselfish. The Sixers won the Atlantic Division and were the top drawing team in the NBA. They defeated the defending champions, the [[1976–77 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]], to win the Eastern Conference. Erving took them into the [[1977 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] against the [[1976–77 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]] of [[Bill Walton]]. After the Sixers took a 2–0 lead, however, the Blazers ran off four straight victories after the famous brawl between [[Maurice Lucas]] and [[Darryl Dawkins]] which ignited the Blazers' team.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19761977.html "Walton, Lucas Ignite 'Blazermania'"]. Retrieved July 20, 2015.</ref> [[File:JuliusErvingSlamDunk1981.jpg|thumb|200px|Erving playing against the Atlanta Hawks in 1981]] Erving enjoyed success off the court, becoming one of the first basketball players to endorse many products and to have a shoe marketed under his name. He also starred in the 1979 basketball comedy film, ''[[The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh]]''. In the following years, Erving coped with a team that was not yet playing at his level. It took a few years for the Sixers franchise to build around Erving. Eventually, coach [[Billy Cunningham]] and top-level players like [[Maurice Cheeks]], [[Andrew Toney]], and [[Bobby Jones (basketball, born 1951)|Bobby Jones]] were added to the mix and the franchise was very successful. The Sixers were still eliminated twice in the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] Finals. In 1979, [[Larry Bird]] entered the league, reviving the [[Boston Celtics]] and the storied [[Celtics–76ers rivalry]]; these two teams faced each other in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1985. The Bird vs. Erving matchup became arguably the top personal rivalry in the sport (along with Bird vs. [[Magic Johnson]]), inspiring the early [[Electronic Arts]] [[video game]] ''[[One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird]]''. In 1980, the 76ers prevailed over the Celtics to advance to [[1980 NBA Finals|the NBA Finals]] against the [[1979–80 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]]. There, Erving executed the legendary "Baseline Move", a behind-the-board reverse layup. However, the Lakers won the series 4–2 with superb play from, among others, Magic Johnson. Erving was again among the league's best players in the 1980–1981 and 1981–1982 seasons, although more disappointment came as the Sixers stumbled twice in the playoffs: in 1981, the [[1980–81 Boston Celtics season|Celtics]] eliminated them in seven games in the 1981 Eastern Finals after [[1981–82 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] had a 3–1 series lead, but lost both Game 5 and Game 6 by 2 points and the deciding Game 7 by 1; and in 1982, the Sixers managed to beat the defending champion Celtics in seven games in the 1982 Eastern Finals but lost the NBA Finals to the [[1981–82 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]] in six games. Despite these defeats, Erving was named the NBA [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]] in 1981 and was again voted to the 1982 All-NBA First Team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1982|title=1982 NBA Awards – National Basketball Association – ESPN|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> For the [[1982–1983 NBA season|1982–1983 season]], the Sixers obtained the missing element to combat their weakness at their center position, [[Moses Malone]]. Armed with one of the most formidable and unstoppable center-forward combinations of all time, the [[1982–83 Philadelphia 76ers season|Sixers]] dominated the whole season, prompting Malone to make the famous playoff prediction of "fo-fo-fo (four-four-four)" in anticipation of the 76ers sweeping the three rounds of the playoffs en route to an NBA title.<ref>[http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2010/11/original-old-school-first-and-foremost/ Original Old School: First and Foremost SLAM 72: From high school to the pros, Moses Malone was on another level], by Alan Paul published in ''SLAM'', June 2003</ref> In fact, the Sixers went four-five-four, losing one game to the [[1982–83 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]] in the conference finals, then sweeping the [[1982–83 Los Angeles Lakers season|Lakers]] to win the NBA title. [[File:Erving Lipofsky.jpg|thumb|200px|Erving during his final season in 1987]] Erving maintained his all-star caliber of play into his twilight years, averaging 22.4, 20.0, 18.1, and 16.8 points per game in his final seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html|title=Julius Erving Stats|access-date=December 3, 2017|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604224851/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1986, he announced that he would retire after the season, causing every game he played to be sold out with adoring fans.{{citation needed|date = June 2012}} That final season saw opposing teams pay tribute to Erving in the last game Erving would play in their arenas, including in cities such as Boston and Los Angeles, his perennial rivals in the playoffs.{{citation needed|date = June 2012}} ===Retirement=== {{BLP unsourced section|date=February 2013}} Erving retired in 1987 at the age of 37. [[Johnny Kerr]] told ABA historian [[Terry Pluto]]: "A young Julius Erving was like Thomas Edison, he was always inventing something new every night." He is also one of the few players in modern basketball to have his number retired by two franchises: the Brooklyn Nets (formerly the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets) have retired his No. 32 jersey, and the Philadelphia 76ers his No. 6 jersey. He was an excellent all around player who was also an underrated defender. In his ABA days, he would guard the best forward, whether small forward or power forward, for over 40 minutes a game, and simultaneously be the best passer, ball handler, and clutch scorer every night. Many of Erving's acrobatic highlight feats and clutch moments were unknown because of the ABA's scant television coverage. He is considered by many as the greatest dunker of all time. In his ABA and NBA careers combined, he scored more than 30,000 points. In 1993, Erving was elected to the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] and in 1996 he was inducted into the [[NYC Basketball Hall of Fame]]. When he retired, Erving ranked in the top five in scoring (third), field goals made (third), field goals attempted (fifth) and steals (first). On the combined NBA/ABA scoring list, Erving ranked third with 30,026 points. {{As of|2022}}, Erving ranks eighth on the list, behind only [[LeBron James]], [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]], [[Karl Malone]], [[Kobe Bryant]], [[Michael Jordan]], [[Dirk Nowitzki]], and [[Wilt Chamberlain]]. ==Legacy== {{BLP sources section|date=February 2013}} ===1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest=== [[File:Philadelphia Sports Statues 10.jpg|thumb|220px|Erving statue in South Philadelphia]] In this memorable contest, Erving faced [[George Gervin|George "The Iceman" Gervin]], All-Star and former teammate [[Larry Kenon|Larry "Special K" Kenon]], MVP [[Artis Gilmore|Artis "The A-Train" Gilmore]], and [[David Thompson (basketball)|David "The Skywalker" Thompson]]. Erving started by dunking two balls in the hoop. Then, he performed a move that brought the slam dunk contest to the national consciousness. He ran to the opposite end of the court and back, and dunked the basketball from the free throw line. Although dunking from the foul line had been done by other players ([[Jim Pollard]] and [[Wilt Chamberlain]] in the 1950s, for example), Erving introduced the dunk from the foul line to a wider audience, when he demonstrated the feat in the [[1976 ABA All-Star Game]] Slam Dunk Contest. ===Dunk over Bill Walton=== This event transpired during game 6 of the [[1977 NBA Finals]]. After Portland scored a basket, Erving immediately ran the length of the court with the entire Blazers team defending him. He performed a crossover to blow by multiple defenders, seemingly gliding to the hoop with ease. With UCLA defensive legend [[Bill Walton]] waiting in the post, Erving threw down a vicious slam dunk over Walton's outstretched arms. This dunk is considered by many to be one of the strongest dunks ever attempted,{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} considering he ran full court with all five defenders running with him. This move was one of the highlights of his arrival to a more television-exposed NBA. ===Baseline move=== One of his most memorable plays occurred during the [[1980 NBA Finals]], when he executed a seemingly impossible finger-roll behind the backboard.<ref>{{YouTube|NjdEP7I2fRA|1980: Dr.J Baseline Scoop}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/erving_moment.html |title=Doctor's Shot Stuns Lakers |work=NBA.com |access-date=March 22, 2011}}</ref> He drove past Lakers forward [[Mark Landsberger]] on the right baseline and went in for a [[layup]]. Then 7′2″ center [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] crossed his way, blocking the route to the basket and forcing him outwards. In mid-air, it was apparent that Erving would land behind the backboard. But somehow he managed to reach over and score on a right-handed layup despite the fact that his whole body, including his left shoulder, was already behind the hoop. This move, along with his free-throw line dunk, has become one of the signature events of his career. It was called by ''Sports Illustrated'', "The, No Way, even for Dr J, Flying Reverse Lay-up". Dr J called it "just another move". ==="Rock the Baby" dunk over Michael Cooper=== Another of Erving's most memorable plays came in the final moments of a regular-season game against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983. After Sixers point guard [[Maurice Cheeks]] deflected a pass by Lakers forward [[James Worthy]], Erving picked up the ball and charged down the court's left side, with one defender to beat—the Lakers' top defender [[Michael Cooper]]. As he came inside of the 3-point line, he cupped the ball into his wrist and forearm, rocking the ball back and forth before taking off for what Lakers radio broadcaster [[Chick Hearn]] best described as a "Rock the Baby" [[slam dunk]]: he slung the ball around behind his head and dunked over a ducking Cooper. This dunk is generally regarded as one of the greatest dunks of all time.<ref>{{YouTube|SrlBgLdGKZM|Dr J's famous "Rock The Baby Dunk" Against Lakers}}</ref> ==Post-basketball career== [[File:Basketball Legends.jpg|thumb|left|210px|Erving (top left) with other former NBA players visit the New York [[NBA Store]] in January 2005]] Erving earned his bachelor's degree in 1986 through the [[University Without Walls]] at the [[University of Massachusetts Amherst]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.umassalumni.com/s/1640/rd17/leftCol.aspx?sid=1640&gid=2&pgid=633 |title=Notable Alumni |publisher=University of Massachusetts Amherst |access-date=March 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=NBA |title=Legends in Business Q&A |url=http://www.nba.com/careers/legends__erving.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=Business West |title=Breaking Down the Barriers |date=December 1, 2004 |url=http://www.allbusiness.com/specialty-businesses/1074099-1.html}}</ref> After his basketball career ended, he became a businessman, obtaining ownership of a [[Coca-Cola]] bottling plant in [[Philadelphia]] and doing work as a television analyst. In 1997, he joined the front office of the [[Orlando Magic]] as Vice President of RDV Sports and Executive Vice President.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/legends/julius-erving/index.html|url-status=dead|title=Legends profile: Julius Erving|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916011734/http://www.nba.com/history/legends/julius-erving/index.html|archive-date=September 16, 2016|access-date=March 30, 2022}}</ref> Erving and former NFL running back [[Joe Washington]] fielded a [[NASCAR]] [[Busch Series]] team from 1998 to 2000,<ref>{{cite web |last=Pockrass |first=Bob |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2013-01-31/super-bowl-2013-nfl-dan-marino-randy-moss-brett-favre-troy-aikman-joe-gibbs |title=NFL and NASCAR: Former NFL stars who dabbled in stock-car racing |work=[[Sporting News]] |date=January 31, 2014 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522121301/http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2013-01-31/super-bowl-2013-nfl-dan-marino-randy-moss-brett-favre-troy-aikman-joe-gibbs |archive-date=May 22, 2013 }}</ref> becoming the first ever NASCAR racing team at any level owned completely by minorities. The team had secure sponsorship from [[Dr Pepper]] for most of its existence. Erving, a racing fan himself, stated that his foray into NASCAR was an attempt to raise interest in NASCAR among African-Americans.{{citation needed|date=June 2012}} He has also served on the [[Board of Directors]] of [[Converse (company)|Converse]] (prior to their 2001 bankruptcy), [[Darden Restaurants]], [[Saks Incorporated]] and [[The Sports Authority]]. As of 2009, Erving was the owner of ''The Celebrity Golf Club International'' outside of Atlanta, but the club was forced to file for bankruptcy soon after.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Stevens|first=Alexis|date=April 1, 2010|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/dr-js-golf-course-in-foreclosure/nQdpQ/|url-status=dead|title=Dr. J's golf course in foreclosure|journal=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307214450/http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/dr-js-golf-course-in-foreclosure/nQdpQ/|archive-date=March 7, 2016|access-date=March 30, 2022}}</ref> He was ranked by [[ESPN]] as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. In 1991 he performed the narration in a performance of Copland's [[Lincoln Portrait]] with the [[Philadelphia Orchestra]] under [[Riccardo Muti]] in a concert to honor the 62nd birthday of the late [[ Dr Martin Luther King]]. The concert was broadcast and is available on [[YouTube]]. Erving made a cameo appearance in the 1993 movie ''[[Philadelphia (film)|Philadelphia]]'' starring [[Tom Hanks]] and [[Denzel Washington]], and in the sitcom ''[[Hangin' with Mr. Cooper]]'' in 1995.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Paisner|first1=Daniel|last2=Peete|first2=Holly Robinson|date=August 15, 2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gf5X7pDdGaIC|title=Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching the Game!: A Woman's Guide to Loving Pro Football|edition=illustrated|publisher=Rodale|page=12|isbn=978-1-59486-163-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Roveto|first1=Rosario J.|last2=Zwick|first2=Joel|date=September 18, 2016|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qD8ZDQAAQBAJ|title=Directing the Sitcom: Joel Zwick's Steps for Success|edition=illustrated|publisher=McFarland|page=136|isbn=978-1-4766-2517-1}}</ref> He also made a cameo appearance as himself in "[[Lice (The Office)|Lice]]", the tenth episode of the ninth season of the comedy series ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'' (2013).<ref name=tvequals>{{cite web |last=Trammell|first=Mark|title=The Office Season 9 Review 'Lice' |url=http://www.tvequals.com/2013/01/11/the-office-season-9-review-lice/ |work=TV Equals |publisher=Daemons Media Inc |access-date=January 11, 2013 |date=January 11, 2013}}</ref> Erving appeared as himself in the 2022 movie [[Hustle (2022 film)|''Hustle'']] starring Adam Sandler and [[Juancho Hernangómez]]. ==Career statistics== {{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}} {|class ="wikitable" |- |style="background:#afe6fa; width:3em;"|† |Denotes seasons in which Erving's team won an [[List of ABA champions|ABA championship]] |} ===Regular season=== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{abay|1971}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1971–72 Virginia Squires season|Virginia]] (ABA) | '''84''' || {{sort|-|—}} || 41.8 || .498 || .188 || .745|| '''15.7''' || 4.0 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || style="background:#cfecec;"|27.3* |- | style="text-align:left"|{{abay|1972}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1972–73 Virginia Squires season|Virginia]] (ABA) | 71 || {{sort|-|—}} || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''42.2'''* || .496 || .208 || .776 || 12.2 || 4.2 || '''2.5''' || 1.8 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''31.9'''* |- | style="text-align:left;background:#afe6fa;"|{{abay|1973}}† | style="text-align:left;"| [[1973–74 New York Nets season|New York]] (ABA) | '''84''' || {{sort|-|—}} || 40.5 || .512 || '''.395''' || .766 || 10.7 || 5.2 || 2.3 || '''2.4''' || 27.4 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{abay|1974}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1974–75 New York Nets season|New York]] (ABA) | style="background:#cfecec;"|'''84'''* || {{sort|-|—}} || 40.5 || .506 || .333 || .799 || 10.9 || '''5.5''' || 2.2 || 1.9 || 27.9 |- | style="text-align:left;background:#afe6fa;"| {{abay|1975}}† | style="text-align:left;"| [[1975–76 New York Nets season|New York]] (ABA) | '''84''' || {{sort|-|—}} || 38.6 || .507 || .330 || .801 || 11.0 || 5.0 || '''2.5''' || 1.9 || 29.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1976}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1976–77 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 82 || {{sort|-|—}} || 35.9 || .499 || {{sort|-|—}} || .777 || 8.5 || 3.7 || 1.9 || 1.4 || 21.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1977}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1977–78 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 74 || {{sort|-|—}} || 32.8 || .502 || {{sort|-|—}} || '''.845''' || 6.5 || 3.8 || 1.8|| 1.3 || 20.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1978}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1978–79 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 78 || {{sort|-|—}} || 35.9 || .491 || {{sort|-|—}} || .745 || 7.2 || 4.6 || 1.7 || 1.3 || 23.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1979}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1979–80 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 78 || {{sort|-|—}} || 36.1 || .519 || .200 || .787 || 7.4 || 4.6 || 2.2 || 1.8 || 26.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1980}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1980–81 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 82 || {{sort|-|—}} || 35.0 || .521 || .222 || .787 || 8.0|| 4.4 || 2.1 || 1.8 || 24.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1981}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1981–82 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 81 || '''81''' || 34.4 || '''.546''' || .273 || .763 || 6.9 || 3.9 || 2.0 || 1.7 || 24.4 |- | style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1982}}† | style="text-align:left;"| [[1982–83 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 72 || 72 || 33.6 || .517 || .286 || .759 || 6.8 || 3.7 || 1.6 || 1.8 || 21.4 |- | style="text-align:left;| {{nbay|1983}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1983–84 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 77 || 77 || 34.8 || .512 || .333 || .754 || 6.9 || 4.0 || 1.8 || 1.8 || 22.4 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1984}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1984–85 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 78 || 78 || 32.5 || .494 || .214 || .765 || 5.3 || 3.0 || 1.7 || 1.4 || 20.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1985}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1985–86 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 74 || 74 || 33.4 || .480 || .281 || .785 || 5.0 || 3.4 || 1.5 || 1.1 || 18.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1986}} | style="text-align:left;"| [[1986–87 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 60 || 60 || 32.0 || .471 || .264 || .813 || 4.4 || 3.2 || 1.3 || 1.6 || 16.8 |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| Career | 1243 || 442 || 36.4 || .506 || .298 || .777 || 8.5 || 4.2 || 2.0 || 1.7 || 24.2 |- class="sortbottom" | style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|All-Star | 16 || 11 || 40.9 || .496 || .667 || .793 || 9.6 || 5.3 || 1.8 || 1.4 || 29.1 {{S-end}} ===Playoffs=== {{NBA player statistics start}} |- | style="text-align:left;"|[[1972 ABA playoffs|1972]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1971–72 Virginia Squires season|Virginia]] (ABA) | 11 || {{sort|-|—}} || '''45.8''' || .518 || .250 || .835 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''20.4'''* || '''6.5''' || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || style="background:#cfecec;"|33.3* |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[1973 ABA playoffs|1973]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1972–73 Virginia Squires season|Virginia]] (ABA) | 5 || {{sort|-|—}} || style="background:#cfecec;"|43.8* || .527 || .000 || .750 || 9.0|| 3.2 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || style="background:#cfecec;"|29.6* |- | style="text-align:left;background:#afe6fa;"| [[1974 ABA playoffs|1974]]† | style="text-align:left;"| [[1973–74 New York Nets season|New York]] (ABA) | 14 || {{sort|-|—}} || 41.4 || .528 || '''.455''' || .741 || 9.6 || 4.8 || 1.6 || 1.4 || style="background:#cfecec;"|27.9* |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[1975 ABA playoffs|1975]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1974–75 New York Nets season|New York]] (ABA) | 5 || {{sort|-|—}} || 42.2 || .455 || .000 || .844 || 9.8 || 5.6 || 1.0 || 1.8 || 27.4 |- | style="text-align:left;background:#afe6fa;"| [[1976 ABA playoffs|1976]]† | style="text-align:left;"| [[1975–76 New York Nets season|New York]] (ABA) | style="background:#cfecec;"|13* || {{sort|-|—}} || style="background:#cfecec;"|42.4* || '''.533''' || .286 || .804 || 12.6 || 4.9 || 1.9|| 2.0 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''34.7'''* |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[1977 NBA playoffs|1977]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1976–77 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | style="background:#cfecec;"|19* || {{sort|-|—}} || 39.9 || .523 || {{sort|-|—}} || .821 || 6.4 || 4.5 || '''2.2''' || 1.2 || 27.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[1978 NBA playoffs|1978]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1977–78 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 10 || {{sort|-|—}} || 35.8 || .489 || {{sort|-|—}} || .750 || 9.7 || 4.0 || 1.5|| 1.8 || 21.8 |- | style="text-align:left;"|[[1979 NBA playoffs|1979]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1978–79 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 9 || {{sort|-|—}} || 41.3 || .517 || {{sort|-|—}} || .761 || 7.8 || 5.9 || 2.0 || 1.9 || 25.4 |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[1980 NBA playoffs|1980]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1979–80 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | style="background:#cfecec;"|18* || {{sort|-|—}} || 38.6 || .488 || .222 || .794 || 7.6 || 4.4 || 2.0 || 2.1 || 24.4 |- | style="text-align:left;"|[[1981 NBA playoffs|1981]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1980–81 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 16 || {{sort|-|—}} || 37.0 || .475 || .000 || .757 || 7.1 || 3.4 || 1.4 || '''2.6''' || 22.9 |- | style="text-align:left"| [[1982 NBA playoffs|1982]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1981–82 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | style="background:#cfecec;"|'''21'''* || {{sort|-|—}} || 37.1 || .519 || .167 || .752 || 7.4 || 4.7 || 1.8 || 1.8 || 22.0 |- | style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| [[1983 NBA playoffs|1983]]† | style="text-align:left;"| [[1982–83 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 13 || {{sort|-|—}} || 37.9 || .450 || .000 || .721 || 7.6 || 3.4 || 1.2 || 2.1 || 18.4 |- | style="text-align:left;"|[[1984 NBA playoffs|1984]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1983–84 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 5 || {{sort|-|—}} || 38.8 || .474 || .000 || '''.864''' || 6.4 || 5.0 || 1.6 || 1.2 || 18.2 |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[1985 NBA playoffs|1985]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1984–85 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 13 || '''13''' || 33.4 || .449 || .000 || .857 || 5.6 || 3.7 || 1.9 || 0.8 || 17.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|[[1986 NBA playoffs|1986]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1985–86 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 12 || 12 || 36.1 || .450 || .182 || .738 || 5.8 || 4.2 || 0.9 || 1.3 || 17.7 |- | style="text-align:left"|[[1987 NBA playoffs|1987]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[1986–87 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia]] (NBA) | 5 || 5 || 36.0 || .415 || .333 || .840 || 5.0 || 3.4 || 1.4 || 1.2 || 18.2 |-class="sortbottom" |style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| Career |189 || 30 || 38.9 || .496 || .224 || .784 || 8.5 || 4.4 || 1.7 || 1.7 || 24.2 {{S-end}} ===Records=== *One of seven players to record 1,300 steals and 1,300 blocked shots in their ABA/NBA career: **Also achieved by [[Kevin Garnett]], [[Bobby Jones (basketball, born 1951)|Bobby Jones]], [[Hakeem Olajuwon]], [[Clifford Robinson (basketball, born 1966)|Clifford Robinson]], [[David Robinson]], and [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]] *Only known NBA player to get: **42 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots while shooting 100% from the free-throw line in a game (October 10, 1973) **49 points, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocked shots in a game (January 10, 1976) **28 points, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocked shots (December 5, 1979, and November 27, 1981) **39 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals while shooting 87.5% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line (March 2, 1980) **34 points, 7 steals, and 3 blocked shots while shooting 72% from the field (November 12, 1980) **39 points, 3 steals, 3 blocked shots, and 2 or less turnovers while shooting 72% from the field and 92% from the free-throw line (February 25, 1981) **30 points, 7 assists, 5 steals, and 4 blocked shots while shooting 80% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line in a game (March 14, 1982) **44 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 8 blocked shots while shooting 68% from the field in a game (December 11, 1982) *Only known player in NBA history with multiple games of: **4 steals and 4 blocked shots while shooting 75% from the floor and 83% from the free-throw line line (March 14, 1982, and February 10, 1983) *One of two known players in NBA history with multiple games of: **7 assists, 5 steals, and 4 blocked shots while shooting 100% from the free-throw line (December 5, 1979, March 14, 1982) ***Other player is Hakeem Olajuwon, January 25, 1994, April 7, 1994 **42 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocked shots (December 11, 1982, and February 8, 1984) ***Other player is [[Michael Jordan]], who has three (January 26, 1985, February 16, 1987, and March 11, 1987) *One of two known NBA players to get: **49 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocked shots while shooting 90% from the free-throw line in a game (January 10, 1976) ***Other player is [[Anthony Davis]], October 26, 2016 **28 points, 10 assists, 8 steals, and 2 blocked shots in a game (November 12, 1976) ***Other player is [[Larry Bird]], February 18, 1985 **40 points, 8 assists, and 6 steals while shooting 100% from the free-throw line in a game (April 9, 1977) ***Other player is [[Rick Barry]], November 3, 1974 **40 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 6 steals in a game while shooting 100% from the free-throw line (April 9, 1979 – playoffs) ***Other player is Michael Jordan, Chicago at New York, May 13, 1989 – playoffs **40 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 steals (April 9, 1977) ***Other player is [[James Harden]], February 2, 2019 *10 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocked shots while shooting 100% from the free-throw line in a game (December 5, 1979) ***Other player is [[Jamaal Tinsley]], November 16, 2001 **30 points, 7 assists, and 4 blocked shots while shooting 80% from the field in a game (March 14, 1982) ***Other player is [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]], December 9, 1979 **13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals while shooting 80% from the floor in a game (March 14, 1982) ***Other player is [[Fat Lever]], November 24, 1987 **13 rebounds and 5 steals while shooting 80% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line in a game (March 14, 1982) ***Other player is [[Brian Grant]], March 29, 2002 **30 points and 5 steals while shooting 80% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line in a game (March 14, 1982) ***Other player is [[Amar'e Stoudemire]], November 5, 2008 **44 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 blocked shots while shooting 68% from the field in a game (December 11, 1982) ***Other player is [[Dwight Howard]], February 17, 2009 *One of three known players in NBA history to get: **49 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals in a game while shooting 100% from the free-throw line in a game (January 10, 1976) ***Other players are Rick Barry, March 26, 1974, and [[Amar'e Stoudemire]], November 5, 2008 **40 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals in a game (April 9, 1977) ***Other players are Larry Bird, January 10, 1982, and Michael Jordan, January 3, 1989, and May 13, 1989 – playoffs) **30 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals while shooting 80% from the field in a game (March 14, 1982) ***Other players are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, March 14, 1976, and [[Ben Simmons]], January 20, 2020 **13 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 blocked shots while shooting 80% from the field in a game (March 14, 1982) **7 assists and 4 blocked shots while shooting 80% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line in a game (March 14, 1982) ***Other players are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, December 9, 1979, and [[Jusuf Nurkic]], January 11, 2019 ***Other players are [[Darryl Dawkins]], November 3, 1983, and [[Buck Williams]], January 16, 1985 ==Personal life== Erving is a [[Christians|Christian]]. He has spoken about his faith, saying: "After searching for the meaning of life for over ten years, I found the meaning in [[Jesus Christ]]."<ref>{{Citation|year=1985|title=Dr. J.: What Keeps Julius Erving Going?|publisher=[[Good News Publishers]]|location=Wheaton, Illinois|page=2}}</ref> Erving is a second cousin of economist [[Walter E. Williams]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller |first=John J. |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2011/04/04/walter-williamss-big-classroom/ |title=Walter Williams's Big Classroom |publisher=National Review |date=March 17, 2011 |accessdate=February 28, 2022}}</ref> Erving was married to Turquoise Erving from 1972 until 2003. Together they had four children. In 2000, their 19-year-old son Cory went missing for weeks, until he was found drowned after driving his vehicle into a pond.<ref>{{cite news|author=CBC Sports |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2000/08/02/erving000802.html |title=Son of Julius Erving died of accidental drowning |publisher=CBC Sports |date=August 2, 2000 |access-date=March 22, 2011}}</ref> In 1979, Erving began an affair with sportswriter Samantha Stevenson, resulting in the 1980 birth of [[Alexandra Stevenson]], who would become a professional tennis player. Although Erving's fatherhood of Alexandra Stevenson was known privately to the families involved, it did not become public knowledge until Stevenson reached the semifinals at [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] in 1999, the first year she qualified to play in the tournament. Erving had provided financial support for Stevenson over the years, but had not otherwise been part of her life. The public disclosure of their relationship did not initially lead to contact between father and daughter; however, Stevenson contacted Erving in 2008 and they finally initiated a further relationship.<ref name=espn>{{cite web|last=Friend |first=Tom |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=drjandalexandra |title=Reaching Out |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 22, 2011}}</ref> Erving met Stevenson for the first time on October 31, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/sports/20081219_ESPN_shares_story_of_Doctor_J__daughter_Alexandra_Stevenson.html|title=ESPN shares story of Doctor J, daughter Alexandra Stevenson |work=Philadelphia Inquirer |last=Bausman |first=Chuck |date=December 19, 2008}}</ref> In 2009, Erving attended the [[Family Circle Cup]] tennis tournament to see Stevenson play, marking the first time he had attended one of her matches.<ref>{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|title=Stevenson loses in first round|date=April 14, 2009|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=4068541}}</ref> In 1988, Erving received the Golden Plate Award of the [[Academy of Achievement|American Academy of Achievement]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |website=www.achievement.org|publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]]|url=https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#sports}}</ref> In 2003, Erving fathered a second child outside of his marriage, Justin Kangas, with a woman named Dorýs Madden. Julius and Turquoise Erving were subsequently divorced and Erving continued his relationship with Madden, with whom he had three more children, Jules Erving and two others.<ref name=espn/> They married in 2008.<ref>Jackson, Patty. (January 2, 2009)."[http://philadelphiatribune.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/EntertainmentNow/2009012601?page=11 what's the 411?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305192912/http://philadelphiatribune.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/EntertainmentNow/2009012601?page=11 |date=March 5, 2012 }}", ''[[Philadelphia Tribune]]'', Page 11-E</ref> ==See also== *[[List of National Basketball Association career playoff blocks leaders]] *[[List of National Basketball Association career playoff scoring leaders]] *[[List of National Basketball Association career playoff steals leaders]] *[[List of National Basketball Association career playoff turnovers leaders]] *[[List of National Basketball Association career steals leaders]] ==References== {{reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090831071111/http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/tag/julius-w-erving Basketball Hall of Fame profile] * [http://www.nba.com/history/players/erving_summary.html nba.com: NBA History profile] * [https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html basketball-reference.com: Career statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604224851/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html |date=June 4, 2011 }} * {{IMDb name|0259973}} * {{YouTube|OeamFKPjcso|Julius Erving Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement speech}} {{Navboxes|list1= {{New York Nets 1973–74 ABA champions}} {{New York Nets 1975–76 ABA champions}} {{Philadelphia 76ers 1982–83 NBA champions}} {{Philadelphia 76ers}} {{1972 NBA draft}} {{1993 Basketball HOF}} {{Basketball Hall of Fame forwards}} {{NBA35}} {{NBA50}} {{NBA75}} {{ABAATT}} {{ABA Playoffs MVPs}} {{ABA MVPs}} {{ABA scoring leaders}} {{NBA MVP's}} {{NBA All-Star Game MVP Award}} {{J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award}} {{NBA on NBC}} }} {{Portal bar|Basketball|Biography|Sports}} {{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Erving, Julius}} [[Category:1950 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:African-American basketball players]] [[Category:African-American Christians]] [[Category:African-American sports announcers]] [[Category:African-American sports journalists]] [[Category:All-American college men's basketball players]] [[Category:American men's basketball players]] [[Category:Basketball coaches from New York (state)]] [[Category:Big3 coaches]] [[Category:Milwaukee Bucks draft picks]] [[Category:Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees]] [[Category:National Basketball Association All-Stars]] [[Category:National Basketball Association broadcasters]] [[Category:National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award winners]] [[Category:National Basketball Association players with retired numbers]] [[Category:New York Nets players]] [[Category:Orlando Magic executives]] [[Category:People from East Meadow, New York]] [[Category:People from Roosevelt, New York]] [[Category:Philadelphia 76ers players]] [[Category:Small forwards]] [[Category:Basketball players from Nassau County, New York]] [[Category:UMass Minutemen basketball players]] [[Category:Virginia Squires players]]'