Dr. "J" in the NBA Finals
JULIUS ERVING
Notable Achievements: One of the most talented players ever to appear on a basketball court, Erving is one of the few players who literally changed the way the game is played. Signed as an undergraduate free agent by the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association in 1971, "Dr. J" combined superlative athletic and basketball skill with a high-flying style that brought new excitement to the sport. Erving played five years in the ABA, the first two with the Squires and the next three with the New York Nets. When the ABA merged with the senior NBA in 1976, Erving was acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent the next 11 years of his career. He led the Sixers to the 1983 NBA title.
Erving's career honors are numerous: twice ABA Most Valuable Player (1974, 1976), and co-MVP (1975); twice ABA Playoff MVP (1974, 1976); member of two ABA champions (New York Nets, 1974 and 1976); career ABA record for highest scoring average (28.7 ppg); NBA Most Valuable Player (1981); five-time All-NBA first-team (1978 and 1980-83); twice NBA All-Star game MVP (1977, 1983); and finally, inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993). In 1990, he was selected to the NBA 35th Anniversary All-time team. In his combined professional basketball career, Erving scored more than 30,000 points and averaged 24.2 ppg (22 ppg through his 11-year NBA career, 1976-87, with the 76ers).
Before turning professional, Erving played three seasons at the University of Massachusetts, scoring 1,370 points and averaging 26.3 ppg for his career.
Education: Erving attended the University of Massachusetts, from 1968-71.
Personal: A New York native, Erving and wife, Turquoise, have four children and live in the Philadelphia area.
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Updated 8/31/97