1. Overview
Julius Winfield Erving II, widely known by his iconic nickname "Dr. J," is an American former professional basketball player whose revolutionary playing style profoundly impacted the sport. Erving was instrumental in legitimizing the American Basketball Association (ABA) and became its most recognizable player before its merger with the National Basketball Association (NBA) after the 1975-1976 season. His distinctive aerial artistry, innovative slam dunks, and graceful maneuvers transformed the perception and execution of the dunk, making it an acceptable and artistic part of the game rather than merely a display of brute force.
Throughout his illustrious 16-season career, Erving won three championships, four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, and three scoring titles across both the ABA (with the Virginia Squires and New York Nets) and the NBA (with the Philadelphia 76ers). He is one of only six players in NCAA Men's Basketball history to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds per game in two varsity seasons. Erving is also the only player to be voted MVP in both the ABA and the NBA. He accumulated 30,026 points in his combined ABA/NBA career, placing him among the top scorers in professional basketball history. His influence extended beyond the court, as he became one of the first basketball players to successfully endorse numerous products and star in films. Erving's enduring legacy is recognized through his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 and his inclusion in the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams. He is widely considered one of the most talented and influential players in basketball history, inspiring generations of athletes including Michael Jordan.
2. Early Life and Education
Julius Erving's early life laid the foundation for his future athletic prowess, and it was during this period that he acquired his famous moniker. His college career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst showcased his immense talent, despite rules that limited his signature style.
2.1. Childhood and Nickname
Julius Winfield Erving II was born on February 22, 1950, in East Meadow, New York, on Long Island. He spent his early childhood in Hempstead before moving to Roosevelt, New York, at the age of 13, where he was raised by his mother after his father left the family when Erving was three and was later killed when Erving was seven. Erving found an outlet in basketball, which he began playing at age nine, leading his team to a regional championship by age ten.
His well-known nickname, "Doctor" or "Dr. J," originated during his high school years from a friend named Leon Saunders. Erving would call Saunders "the professor," and in return, Saunders began calling Erving "the doctor." This nickname initially remained between them but gained wider recognition in the Rucker Park league in Harlem. When others started calling him "Black Moses" or "Houdini," Erving insisted that if they were to call him anything, it should be "Doctor," which eventually evolved into "Dr. Julius" and then "Dr. J." The nickname was also first used by his future Nets and Squires teammate, Willie Sojourner.
2.2. College Career
Erving enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1968. During his two varsity seasons playing for the UMass Minutemen, he achieved remarkable statistics, averaging 26.3 points and 20.2 rebounds per game. This made him one of only six players in NCAA Men's Basketball history to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds per game. Despite his exceptional performance, his full potential for spectacular plays was somewhat constrained by an NCAA rule adopted in 1968 that prohibited dunking in games, meaning his dunking ability was primarily witnessed by teammates during practice.
In 1970, Erving also played for the United States Olympic Development Team, aiming to qualify for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. Wearing jersey number six, he played power forward and was recruited as the team's top rebounder. He emerged as the top vote-getter for MVP, a leading scorer for Team USA, and successfully competed against adult professional players from Russia, Finland, and other European countries alongside teammates Bob Nash and Paul Westphal. It was during this period that Erving became aware of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and its strategy to recruit undergraduates to compete with the National Basketball Association. After meeting with ABA general manager Johnny "Red" Kerr and future coach Al Bianchi, Erving decided to join the ABA in late 1971, a decision that later led to litigation regarding his NBA rights with the Atlanta Hawks.
Fifteen years after leaving college, Erving fulfilled a promise to his mother by earning a bachelor's degree in creative leadership and administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst through its University Without Walls program in 1986. He also holds an honorary doctorate from UMass. In September 2021, the university honored Erving by unveiling a statue of him outside the Mullins Center on campus, alongside statues of fellow UMass alumni and Basketball Hall of Fame members John Calipari, Marcus Camby, and Jack Leaman.
3. ABA Career
Julius Erving's professional basketball journey began in the American Basketball Association (ABA), where he quickly rose to prominence and became the league's most exciting and influential player.
3.1. Virginia Squires
In 1971, Julius Erving took advantage of the ABA's "hardship" rule, which allowed players to leave college early, unlike the NBA's rule prohibiting teams from drafting players fewer than four years removed from high school. He left the University of Massachusetts after his junior year to sign a four-year contract with the Virginia Squires, valued at 500.00 K USD spread over seven years. However, this move came at a cost for the Squires, who had to forfeit their first-round pick in the 1972 ABA draft.
Erving immediately made his presence felt, establishing himself as a dominant force known for his hard and ruthless dunking. In his rookie season (1971-72), he averaged 27.3 points per game, was selected to the All-ABA Second Team, and made the ABA All-Rookie Team. He led the ABA in offensive rebounds and finished second to Artis Gilmore for the ABA Rookie of the Year Award. The Squires, led by Erving and Charlie Scott, finished second in the Eastern Division with a 45-39 record. In the playoffs, despite Scott being hampered by injury, Erving averaged 33.3 points per game, a career high, and set an ABA playoff record with 20.4 rebounds per game. He also tied a playoff record with 53 points in a single game. The Squires advanced to the Eastern Division Finals, where they were narrowly defeated by the Rick Barry-led New York Nets in seven games.
Following the 1971-72 season, Erving's contract situation became complicated. The Milwaukee Bucks drafted him 12th overall in the 1972 NBA draft, despite NBA rules. Erving, however, signed a contract with the Atlanta Hawks worth over 1.00 M USD with a 250.00 K USD bonus, after a dispute with the Squires where he sought renegotiation, claiming his agent was employed by the Squires and convinced him to sign a below-market contract. This led to a three-way dispute involving the Bucks, Squires, and Hawks. NBA Commissioner J. Walter Kennedy ruled in favor of the Bucks, fining the Hawks 25.00 K USD per game for violating his ruling. A court injunction also prohibited Erving from playing for any team other than the Squires, forcing him to return to the ABA team.
Back with the Squires for the 1972-73 season, Erving's game flourished further. He led the ABA in scoring with a career-best 31.9 points per game. His exciting and innovative style of play began to spread, and he received the first of his four consecutive All-ABA First Team selections, joining players like Gilmore, Billy Cunningham, James Jones, and Warren Jabali. However, the financially strapped Squires were unable to retain him and sold his contract to the New York Nets.
3.2. New York Nets
In a complex deal prior to the 1973-74 season, the financially unstable Virginia Squires traded Julius Erving and Willie Sojourner to the New York Nets for 750.00 K USD, George Carter, and the rights to Kermit Washington. Erving signed an eight-year deal worth 350.00 K USD per year. The Nets also paid 425.00 K USD to the Atlanta Hawks to cover legal fees, fines, and the bonus paid to Erving during the earlier contract dispute.
Playing in New York, a major media market, significantly boosted Erving's profile. He led the Nets to a remarkable turnaround, transforming them from a 30-54 team to a 55-29 record in the 1973-74 season. Individually, Erving averaged 27.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game. He secured his second consecutive scoring title and earned his first of three consecutive ABA MVP awards. The Nets, a young team with talents like Larry Kenon and Billy Paultz, dominated the Eastern Division. In the playoffs, they defeated the Squires and swept the formidable Kentucky Colonels in four games in the division finals. They then faced the Utah Stars in the ABA Finals, winning the championship in five games. Erving's stellar playoff performance, averaging 27.9 points, earned him the ABA Playoffs MVP, completing a triple crown of scoring title, season MVP, and playoff MVP.
Erving solidified his status as the most important player in the ABA. His spectacular play drew fans and brought credibility to the league. In the 1974-75 season, Erving continued his exceptional performance, averaging 27.9 points (second in the league), 10.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. The Nets achieved an even better record of 58 wins, and Erving received his second consecutive season MVP award. However, they were defeated in the division finals by the Spirits of St. Louis.
The 1975-76 season marked the final year of the ABA before its merger with the NBA. Despite the league's internal turmoil, with many teams struggling financially or folding, Erving remained the ABA's premier player. He averaged 29.3 points and 11.0 rebounds, earning his third scoring title and third consecutive season MVP award. A highlight of this season was the inaugural Slam Dunk Contest at the ABA All-Star Game, where Erving famously dunked from the free-throw line, an iconic feat that captivated audiences and cemented his legacy as a dunking innovator. In the playoffs, Erving led the Nets to their second ABA title in three seasons, defeating the Denver Nuggets in the final ABA championship. He averaged 34.7 points in the postseason and was named the Playoffs MVP. This season, he was the only player in either the ABA or NBA to finish in the top 10 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, free throw percentage, free throws made, free throws attempted, three-point field goal percentage, and three-point field goals made. Over his final four ABA seasons, Erving won three scoring titles, three season MVPs, and two playoff MVPs, solidifying his status as the league's ultimate superstar.
4. ABA-NBA Merger and Transfer
The conclusion of the 1975-76 season brought about the long-anticipated ABA-NBA merger. The New York Nets, along with the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs, were absorbed into the NBA for the 1976-77 NBA season. However, the terms of the merger proved financially crippling for the Nets. They were required to pay a 3.20 M USD expansion fee to join the NBA. Additionally, the New York Knicks demanded a 4.80 M USD indemnity fee from the Nets for "invading" their NBA territory, as both teams were based in New York.
This massive financial burden, totaling 8.00 M USD, forced Nets owner Roy Boe to renege on a promise to raise Erving's salary. Erving, unwilling to play under these conditions, held out during training camp. Several NBA teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers, expressed interest in acquiring him. The Nets initially offered Erving's contract to the Knicks in exchange for waiving the indemnity fee, but the Knicks declined, a decision later considered one of the worst in their franchise history.
Ultimately, the Philadelphia 76ers stepped in, offering to buy Erving's contract for 3.00 M USD, in addition to paying the Nets' expansion fee. Facing little choice, Boe accepted the 6.00 M USD deal. This effectively meant the Nets traded their franchise player for a berth in the NBA. The departure of Erving devastated the Nets, who promptly plummeted to a 22-60 record, the worst in the league, and struggled for many years. Roy Boe later expressed regret over the trade, stating that "The merger agreement killed the Nets as an NBA franchise."
5. NBA Career
Julius Erving's transition to the NBA marked the next chapter of his storied career, where he continued to captivate audiences and lead his team to a championship.
5.1. Philadelphia 76ers
Erving's arrival in the NBA and his transfer to the Philadelphia 76ers generated immense excitement, with many speculating that the NBA had absorbed the ABA primarily to acquire him. In his first NBA season (1976-77), Erving adapted to the new league and team environment, focusing on team-oriented play. His statistics, while still impressive at 21.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, were lower than his ABA averages. However, he quickly proved his worth, earning the 1977 NBA All-Star Game MVP award with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 steals. Off the court, Erving became a pioneer in athlete endorsements, being one of the first basketball players to have a signature shoe and appear in television commercials and films, including the 1979 basketball comedy The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh.
The 76ers, boasting a talented roster including former ABA star George McGinnis, future NBA All-Star Lloyd Free, and aggressive Doug Collins, quickly became a dominant force. They finished the season with a 50-32 record, winning the Atlantic Division and becoming the top-drawing team in the NBA. In the playoffs, they defeated the defending champion Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets to reach the 1977 NBA Finals. Despite taking a 2-0 lead against Bill Walton's Portland Trail Blazers, the 76ers lost four straight games after a pivotal brawl between Maurice Lucas and Darryl Dawkins ignited the Blazers, denying Erving an NBA championship in his debut season.
5.1.1. Team Rebuilding and Rivalries
Recognizing the need to build a championship-caliber team around Erving, the 76ers management initiated a rebuilding process. Coach Billy Cunningham was appointed mid-season in 1977-78, and key players like George McGinnis (whose position overlapped with Erving's) were traded. Over the next few years, the team steadily improved, adding talented players such as defensive specialist Bobby Jones, point guard Maurice Cheeks, and shooting guard Andrew Toney. Erving continued to excel, earning his first All-NBA First Team selection in his second NBA season (1977-78), solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players.
The 1979-80 NBA season saw the arrival of two future legends, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, whose rivalry would define the NBA for years. For Erving, their emergence meant new formidable obstacles to an NBA championship. The 76ers and Bird's Celtics developed one of the league's most intense rivalries, often clashing in the Eastern Conference Finals. The personal matchup between Erving and Bird was so captivating that it inspired the early Electronic Arts video game One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird. In one instance, their on-court intensity even led to a physical altercation. With a revamped roster, Erving achieved his highest NBA scoring average of 26.9 points per game in 1979-80, leading the 76ers to a 59-win season, their best since his arrival. They defeated the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals in five games, advancing to the 1980 NBA Finals against Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Los Angeles Lakers. Despite Erving's legendary "Baseline Move" in Game 4, the Lakers won the series 4-2. Erving was also one of only two active players (along with Abdul-Jabbar) and the sole ABA alumnus named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team that season.
The 1980-81 season was a great personal year for Erving, as he was named the NBA MVP after averaging 24.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. The 76ers tied the Celtics with a 62-20 record, setting up another Eastern Conference Finals showdown. Despite taking a 3-1 series lead, the 76ers suffered a heartbreaking collapse, losing three consecutive games to Bird's Celtics and missing out on the NBA Finals. In the 1981-82 NBA season, the 76ers maintained a strong 58-24 record. They once again faced the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, winning a grueling seven-game series to advance to the NBA Finals. However, they again fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games, marking their second Finals loss to the Lakers in three seasons. Despite these playoff disappointments, Erving was voted to the 1982 All-NBA First Team.
5.1.2. Championship and Individual Awards
For the 1982-83 NBA season, the 76ers made a pivotal acquisition, trading for Moses Malone, the reigning NBA MVP and one of the league's most dominant centers. This created one of the most formidable frontcourt combinations in basketball history with Erving and Malone. The Sixers dominated the season, finishing with a 65-17 record. Malone won his second consecutive NBA MVP award, and both Erving and Malone were named to the All-NBA First Team. Erving also earned his second All-Star MVP award, scoring 25 points in the game.
Before the playoffs, Malone famously predicted the 76ers would sweep all three rounds en route to an NBA title, declaring "fo-fo-fo." While they did lose one game to the Milwaukee Bucks in the conference finals, the 76ers still swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, achieving their long-sought championship. Their playoff record of 12 wins and 1 loss was the best in NBA history at the time. Malone was named the Finals MVP, but he dedicated the victory to Erving, stating he "fought for Doc." This season was a complete triumph for the 76ers, with Malone's MVP and Finals MVP, Erving's All-Star MVP, and the team's championship.
Erving maintained his All-Star caliber of play into his later years, averaging 22.4, 20.0, 18.1, and 16.8 points per game in his final seasons. In 1986, he announced his retirement after the upcoming season, turning his final year into a farewell tour. Opposing teams paid tribute to Erving in his last games in their arenas, including his perennial rivals in Boston and Los Angeles, showing the widespread respect and admiration he commanded. He achieved his 30,000th career point during his final season. Erving retired in 1987 at the age of 37, after the 76ers were eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. A retirement parade was held in Philadelphia, attended by 30,000 fans.
6. Playing Style and Innovation
Julius Erving's playing style was revolutionary, characterized by unparalleled aerial artistry and innovative dunks that changed the game of basketball. Before Erving, dunking was primarily a display of strength by big men close to the basket, often seen as unsportsmanlike by purists. Erving transformed this perception by utilizing the dunk as a high-percentage shot executed at the end of maneuvers that often began far from the basket, making it an acceptable and graceful tactic, particularly to avoid blocked shots.
He was known for combining delicate grace with raw power, extended hang time, and an ability to invent new moves on the fly. His signature was the slam dunk, which he elevated into an art form. Erving's ability to glide through the air and perform acrobatic feats with the ball captivated audiences, making him a "wizard" with the ball. He was the first player to make spontaneous, personal expression an integral part of the game, setting the stage for the flamboyant play styles that would become popular in subsequent decades. His influence made the slam dunk a fundamental skill and a common part of basketball vernacular, much like the crossover dribble or the no-look pass.
7. Iconic Plays and Moments
Julius Erving's career is punctuated by several legendary plays and moments that have become indelible parts of basketball history, showcasing his innovative style and athleticism.
One of his most memorable achievements was in the 1976 ABA All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest. Facing formidable competitors like George "The Iceman" Gervin, Larry "Special K" Kenon, Artis "The A-Train" Gilmore, and David "The Skywalker" Thompson, Erving began by dunking two balls. He then performed a move that brought the slam dunk contest into national consciousness: he ran the length of the court and dunked the basketball from the free-throw line. While others like Jim Pollard and Wilt Chamberlain had performed similar dunks in the 1950s, Erving's execution introduced the free-throw line dunk to a much wider audience, cementing his status as the inaugural Slam Dunk champion.
Another iconic moment occurred during Game 6 of the 1977 NBA Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers. After a Blazers basket, Erving immediately took the ball and ran the full length of the court, guarded by the entire Blazers team. He executed a crossover to blow past multiple defenders, seemingly gliding effortlessly towards the hoop. With UCLA defensive legend Bill Walton waiting in the post, Erving threw down a powerful slam dunk over Walton's outstretched arms. This dunk is widely regarded as one of the strongest ever attempted, given the full-court run against five defenders, and it highlighted his spectacular arrival in the more television-exposed NBA.
Perhaps his most legendary play, the "Baseline Move," took place during the 1980 NBA Finals. Driving past Lakers forward Mark Landsberger on the right baseline, Erving went up for a layup. As 7-foot-2-inch center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar blocked his path, Erving, in mid-air, appeared to be landing behind the backboard. However, he miraculously managed to reach over the backboard and score with a right-handed reverse layup, despite his entire body already being behind the hoop. This seemingly impossible finger-roll behind the backboard was called "The, No Way, even for Dr. J, Flying Reverse Lay-up" by Sports Illustrated, though Erving simply referred to it as "just another move."
Another of Erving's most memorable plays, the "Rock the Baby" dunk, came in a regular-season game against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983. After a deflected pass, Erving picked up the ball and charged down the left side of the court, facing only the Lakers' top defender, Michael Cooper. As he approached the three-point line, he cupped the ball in his wrist and forearm, rocking it back and forth before taking off. He then slung the ball around behind his head and dunked over a ducking Cooper. This dunk is generally considered one of the greatest of all time and was vividly described by Lakers radio broadcaster Chick Hearn as a "Rock the Baby" slam dunk.
8. Post-Basketball Career
After retiring from professional basketball in 1987, Julius Erving transitioned into a successful career as a businessman and basketball administrator. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1986 through the University Without Walls at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Erving's business ventures included ownership stakes in a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Philadelphia and cable television stations in New York and New Jersey. He also served on the Board of Directors for companies such as Converse, Darden Restaurants, Saks Incorporated, and The Sports Authority. From 1998 to 2000, Erving, alongside former NFL running back Joe Washington, fielded a NASCAR Busch Series team, becoming the first minority-owned NASCAR racing team at any level. This endeavor, primarily sponsored by Dr Pepper, was an attempt by Erving, a racing fan, to raise interest in NASCAR among African-Americans. As of 2009, Erving owned The Celebrity Golf Club International outside of Atlanta, though the club later filed for bankruptcy.
In the realm of basketball administration, Erving worked as a studio analyst for NBC's NBA coverage from 1993. In 1997, he joined the front office of the Orlando Magic as Vice President of RDV Sports and Executive Vice President, a role he held for several years. He was also approached by Vince Carter in 2004, who expressed a desire for Erving to join the Toronto Raptors front office, though this did not materialize.
Beyond sports and business, Erving has engaged in other public activities. In 1991, he performed the narration in a performance of Copland's Lincoln Portrait with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Riccardo Muti, in a concert honoring Martin Luther King Jr.. He has also made cameo appearances in films such as Philadelphia (1993) and Hustle (2022), and in television sitcoms like Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (1995) and The Office (2013), as well as the 2012 remake of Steel Magnolias. ESPN ranked him as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.
9. Personal Life
Julius Erving's personal life has included significant relationships and family events. He is a Christian and has publicly spoken about his faith, stating that he "found the meaning of life" in Jesus Christ after a decade of searching. Erving is also a second cousin of economist Walter E. Williams.
Erving was married to Turquoise Erving from 1972 until their divorce in 2003. They had four children together. In 2000, their 19-year-old son, Cory, went missing for several weeks before being found drowned in his vehicle in a pond, a tragic loss for the family.
In 1979, Erving had an affair with sportswriter Samantha Stevenson, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Alexandra Stevenson, in 1980. Alexandra later became a professional tennis player. While Erving's paternity was privately known to the families, it became public knowledge in 1999 when Alexandra reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, her first year qualifying for the tournament. Erving had provided financial support for Alexandra over the years but had not been an active part of her life. The public disclosure of their relationship did not immediately lead to contact, but Stevenson reached out to Erving in 2008, and they began to build a relationship. Erving met Stevenson for the first time on October 31, 2008, and in 2009, he attended the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament to watch her play, marking his first time attending one of her matches.
In 2003, Erving began an affair with Dorys Madden, with whom he fathered a son, Justin Kangas. Following his divorce from Turquoise, Erving continued his relationship with Madden, and they had three more children, including Jules and Julieta, born in 2005. They married in 2008 and relocated from St. George, Utah, to Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia, in 2009, while managing their Atlanta golf and country club.
On September 10, 2021, Erving attended a ceremony at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for the unveiling of statues honoring himself and fellow UMass alumni and Basketball Hall of Fame members John Calipari, Marcus Camby, and Jack Leaman. The event was attended by former teammates, coaches, family, and current players from the UMass men's and women's basketball teams.
10. Legacy and Influence
Julius Erving's legacy in basketball and popular culture is immense and enduring. He is widely considered one of the most influential players in the sport's history, inspiring countless individuals, including future NBA superstars like Michael Jordan. Many NBA players who grew up during Erving's playing era cite him as their idol and the reason they pursued basketball. For example, former NBA player and head coach Doc Rivers (whose real name is Glenn Rivers) earned his nickname "Doc" in high school because he wore a "Dr. J" T-shirt during practice.
Beyond basketball, Erving was an idol for many African-American youths of his time. Notable figures like actor Will Smith and former U.S. President Barack Obama, both basketball enthusiasts, were captivated by his play in their youth. NFL player Julius Peppers was named by his parents, who were fans of Erving. His influence also extended to music, with prominent rapper Dr. Dre briefly using the moniker "Dr. J" and several songs being dedicated to him, such as "Julius" by Gucci Mane & Yo Gotti and "Let It Flow (For Dr. J)" by Grover Washington Jr..
Erving's impact is also immortalized in public art. The "Dr. J mural" is located at the corner of Green Street and Ridge Avenue near Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Commissioned by Mural Arts Philadelphia in 1990, the mural was painted by nationally acclaimed artist Kent Twitchell. Twitchell chose to depict Erving in a business suit rather than a uniform, portraying him as a role model and a man rather than just an athlete. The dignified, full-length portrait is so tall that Erving's head fits just under the peak of the three-story building. Painted on large squares of parachute cloth and adhered to the wall, the mural features uncannily realistic detail. Local residents claim Erving himself shed tears upon seeing the completed portrait. This mural is so respected that it is even paid homage in another student-painted mural on the Spring Garden Street Bridge, and it significantly elevated public opinion about the Mural Arts program, raising expectations for public art.
11. Career Statistics
Julius Erving's career statistics reflect his consistent excellence and dominance across both the ABA and NBA.
11.1. Regular Season
| Year | Team | Games played | Games started | Minutes per game | Field goal percentage | 3-point field-goal percentage | Free-throw percentage | Rebounds per game | Assists per game | Steals per game | Blocks per game | Points per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Virginia Squires (ABA) | 84 | - | 41.8 | .498 | .188 | .745 | 15.7 | 4.0 | - | - | 27.3 |
| 1972 | Virginia Squires (ABA) | 71 | - | 42.2 | .496 | .208 | .776 | 12.2 | 4.2 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 31.9 |
| 1973† | New York Nets (ABA) | 84 | - | 40.5 | .512 | .395 | .766 | 10.7 | 5.2 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 27.4 |
| 1974 | New York Nets (ABA) | 84 | - | 40.5 | .506 | .333 | .799 | 10.9 | 5.5 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 27.9 |
| 1975† | New York Nets (ABA) | 84 | - | 38.6 | .507 | .330 | .801 | 11.0 | 5.0 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 29.3 |
| 1976 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 82 | - | 35.9 | .499 | - | .777 | 8.5 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 21.6 |
| 1977 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 74 | - | 32.8 | .502 | - | .845 | 6.5 | 3.8 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 20.6 |
| 1978 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 78 | - | 35.9 | .491 | - | .745 | 7.2 | 4.6 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 23.1 |
| 1979 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 78 | - | 36.1 | .519 | .200 | .787 | 7.4 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 26.9 |
| 1980 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 82 | - | 35.0 | .521 | .222 | .787 | 8.0 | 4.4 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 24.6 |
| 1981 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 81 | 81 | 34.4 | .546 | .273 | .763 | 6.9 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 24.4 |
| 1982† | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 72 | 72 | 33.6 | .517 | .286 | .759 | 6.8 | 3.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 21.4 |
| 1983 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 77 | 77 | 34.8 | .512 | .333 | .754 | 6.9 | 4.0 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 22.4 |
| 1984 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 78 | 78 | 32.5 | .494 | .214 | .765 | 5.3 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 20.0 |
| 1985 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 74 | 74 | 33.4 | .480 | .281 | .785 | 5.0 | 3.4 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 18.1 |
| 1986 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 60 | 60 | 32.0 | .471 | .264 | .813 | 4.4 | 3.2 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 16.8 |
| Career | 1,243 | 442 | 36.4 | .506 | .298 | .777 | 8.5 | 4.2 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 24.2 | |
| All-Star | 16 | 11 | 40.9 | .496 | .667 | .793 | 9.6 | 5.3 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 29.1 | |
11.2. Playoffs
| Year | Team | Games played | Games started | Minutes per game | Field goal percentage | 3-point field-goal percentage | Free-throw percentage | Rebounds per game | Assists per game | Steals per game | Blocks per game | Points per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Virginia Squires (ABA) | 11 | - | 45.8 | .518 | .250 | .835 | 20.4 | 6.5 | - | - | 33.3 |
| 1973 | Virginia Squires (ABA) | 5 | - | 43.8 | .527 | .000 | .750 | 9.0 | 3.2 | - | - | 29.6 |
| 1974† | New York Nets (ABA) | 14 | - | 41.4 | .528 | .455 | .741 | 9.6 | 4.8 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 27.9 |
| 1975 | New York Nets (ABA) | 5 | - | 42.2 | .455 | .000 | .844 | 9.8 | 5.6 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 27.4 |
| 1976† | New York Nets (ABA) | 13 | - | 42.4 | .533 | .286 | .804 | 12.6 | 4.9 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 34.7 |
| 1977 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 19 | - | 39.9 | .523 | - | .821 | 6.4 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 27.3 |
| 1978 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 10 | - | 35.8 | .489 | - | .750 | 9.7 | 4.0 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 21.8 |
| 1979 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 9 | - | 41.3 | .517 | - | .761 | 7.8 | 5.9 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 25.4 |
| 1980 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 18 | - | 38.6 | .488 | .222 | .794 | 7.6 | 4.4 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 24.4 |
| 1981 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 16 | - | 37.0 | .475 | .000 | .757 | 7.1 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 22.9 |
| 1982 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 21 | - | 37.1 | .519 | .167 | .752 | 7.4 | 4.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 22.0 |
| 1983† | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 13 | - | 37.9 | .450 | .000 | .721 | 7.6 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 18.4 |
| 1984 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 5 | - | 38.8 | .474 | .000 | .864 | 6.4 | 5.0 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 18.2 |
| 1985 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 13 | 13 | 33.4 | .449 | .000 | .857 | 5.6 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 17.1 |
| 1986 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 12 | 12 | 36.1 | .450 | .182 | .738 | 5.8 | 4.2 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 17.7 |
| 1987 | Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | 5 | 5 | 36.0 | .415 | .333 | .840 | 5.0 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 18.2 |
| Career | 189 | 30 | 38.9 | .496 | .224 | .784 | 8.5 | 4.4 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 24.2 | |
11.3. Records
Julius Erving holds several unique and notable records in both ABA and NBA history:
- He is one of only seven players to record 1,300 steals and 1,300 blocked shots in their combined ABA/NBA career, alongside Kevin Garnett, Bobby Jones, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clifford Robinson, David Robinson, and Ben Wallace.
- He is the only known NBA player to achieve:
- 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 in a game (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 fewer 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).
- He is the 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 (March 14, 1982, and February 10, 1983).
- He is 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). The other is Hakeem Olajuwon.
- 42 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocked shots (December 11, 1982, and February 8, 1984). The other is Michael Jordan.
- He is one of two known NBA players to achieve:
- 49 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocked shots while shooting 90% from the free-throw line in a game (January 10, 1976). The other is Anthony Davis.
- 28 points, 10 assists, 8 steals, and 2 blocked shots in a game (November 12, 1976). The other is Larry Bird.
- 40 points, 8 assists, and 6 steals while shooting 100% from the free-throw line in a game (April 9, 1977). The other is Rick Barry.
- 40 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 6 steals in a game while shooting 100% from the free-throw line (April 9, 1979 - playoffs). The other is Michael Jordan.
- 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 steals (April 9, 1977). The other is James Harden.
- 10 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocked shots while shooting 100% from the free-throw line in a game (December 5, 1979). The other is Jamaal Tinsley.
- 30 points, 7 assists, and 4 blocked shots while shooting 80% from the field in a game (March 14, 1982). The other is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
- 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals while shooting 80% from the floor in a game (March 14, 1982). The other is Fat Lever.
- 13 rebounds and 5 steals while shooting 80% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line in a game (March 14, 1982). The other is Brian Grant.
- 30 points and 5 steals while shooting 80% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line in a game (March 14, 1982). The other is Amar'e Stoudemire.
- 44 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 blocked shots while shooting 68% from the field in a game (December 11, 1982). The other is Dwight Howard.
- He is one of three known players in NBA history to achieve:
- 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). The others are Rick Barry and Amar'e Stoudemire.
- 40 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals in a game (April 9, 1977). The others are Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.
- 30 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals while shooting 80% from the field in a game (March 14, 1982). The others are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Ben Simmons.
- 13 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 blocked shots while shooting 80% from the field in a game (March 14, 1982). The others are Darryl Dawkins and Buck Williams.
- 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). The others are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jusuf Nurkic.
12. Major Awards and Honors
Julius Erving received numerous significant individual awards, team championships, and recognitions throughout and after his playing career, solidifying his place as one of basketball's all-time greats.
- ABA Championships**: 2 (1974, 1976)
- ABA Playoffs MVP**: 2 (1974, 1976)
- ABA Season MVP**: 3 (1974, 1975, 1976)
- ABA Scoring Champion**: 3 (1973, 1974, 1976)
- ABA All-Star**: 5 (1972-1976)
- All-ABA First Team**: 4 (1973-1976)
- All-ABA Second Team**: 1 (1972)
- ABA All-Defensive Team**: 1 (1976)
- ABA All-Rookie Team**: 1 (1972)
- ABA All-Time Team**
- NBA Championship**: 1 (1983)
- NBA Season MVP**: 1 (1981)
- NBA All-Star**: 11 (1977-1987)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP**: 2 (1977, 1983)
- All-NBA First Team**: 5 (1978, 1980-1983)
- All-NBA Second Team**: 2 (1977, 1984)
- J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award**: 1 (1983)
- NBA 35th Anniversary Team**: 1980
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame**: Inducted 1993
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team**: 1996
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team**: 2021
- NYC Basketball Hall of Fame**: Inducted 1996
- Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame**: Inducted 2004
- University of Massachusetts Amherst**: No. 32 jersey retired
- Brooklyn Nets**: No. 32 jersey retired
- Philadelphia 76ers**: No. 6 jersey retired
- Sports Illustrated**: Named one of the 40 most important athletes of all time (1994)
- SLAM Magazine**: Ranked 10th on their list of the top 75 basketball players of all time (2003)
- American Academy of Achievement**: Golden Plate Award (1988)