Julius “Dr.J” Erving

Full Name: Julius Winfield Erving II
Born: February 22, 1950, Roosevelt, New York
Height: 6’7″
Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
Nicknamed: “Dr. J” for his smooth and electrifying playing style

NCAA Career (University of Massachusetts, 1968–1971)
Played two varsity seasons at UMass.
Averaged 26.3 points and 20.2 rebounds per game—one of only a few players in NCAA history to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds.
Despite his stellar performance, UMass did not receive significant national attention, as freshmen were not eligible for varsity play, and the NCAA Tournament was more limited.
Erving’s dominance and versatility hinted at his future as a professional basketball star.
ABA Career (1971–1976)
Teams:
Virginia Squires (1971–1973)
New York Nets (1973–1976)
Achievements in the ABA:
2× ABA Champion (1974, 1976) with the New York Nets
3× ABA MVP (1974, 1975, 1976)
5× ABA All-Star (1972–1976)
2× ABA Playoffs MVP (1974, 1976)
4× All-ABA First Team (1973–1976)
ABA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (1976) — famous for his free-throw line dunk
ABA Scoring Champion (3 times)
Led the ABA in revolutionizing the fast-break offense, acrobatic dunks, and fast-paced play.
ABA Career Stats:
Points: 11,662 (28.7 PPG)
Rebounds: 4,047 (10.7 RPG)
NBA Career (1976–1987)
Team:
Philadelphia 76ers (1976–1987)
Achievements in the NBA:
NBA Champion (1983)
NBA MVP (1981)
11× NBA All-Star (1977–1987)
5× All-NBA First Team (1978, 1980–1983)
2× All-NBA Second Team (1977, 1984)
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Icon: Revolutionized dunking in the modern era
Part of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Big Three alongside Moses Malone and Maurice Cheeks
Played a key role in leading the 76ers to the 1983 NBA Championship, sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals
NBA Career Stats:
Points: 18,364 (22.0 PPG)
Rebounds: 5,601 (6.7 RPG)
Assists: 3,224 (3.9 APG)
Games Played: 836
Playing Style and Legacy
Dr. J was a pioneer of modern basketball, combining artistry, athleticism, and competitive spirit.
His dunks, graceful layups, and acrobatic moves revolutionized the game and paved the way for players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Erving became a cultural icon, known for his elegance and sportsmanship on and off the court.
Hall of Fame Inductions
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993)
ABA Hall of Fame (part of Naismith Hall recognition)
College Basketball Hall of Fame (2006)
NBA 50th Anniversary Team (1996)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021)
Notable Accolades
ABA and NBA Combined Points: 30,026 points (23.9 PPG)
One of the few players to reach 30,000 career points
Sixth Most Points in Professional Basketball History
1983 NBA Finals MVP Runner-Up
Inducted into the UMass Hall of Fame
Post-Retirement Contributions
Philanthropy: Active in various charitable organizations.
Broadcasting: Worked as a commentator and analyst for NBA coverage.
Ambassadorship: Continues to represent the game globally, promoting basketball and mentoring younger athletes.
Dr. J’s legacy as one of basketball’s greatest and most electrifying figures remains undisputed, as he transcended leagues and became a defining figure for both the ABA and the NBA, helping to shape the sport into the global phenomenon it is today.