Julius Erving
(Born 1950)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1993
Card Shown:
2014-15 Panini Flawless
Hall of Fame
Position: SF
Height: 6’7″
bb
bb
Julius Erving, aka “Dr. J,” changed the way that basketball would be played going forward. His artistry, style, and flair on the court had never been seen before. Dr. J could take off from the free throw line, float through the air and finish with a powerful dunk as he showed during the 1976 ABA Dunk Contest. Another one of his signature moves was to take off on one side of the basket and finish the move with a reverse layup on the other side.
While the way in which he played basketball was very entertaining for the fans, Julius Erving was also a winner who led his teams to multiple championships in both the ABA and NBA. After his retirement from basketball Erving has continued to represent the game with class and dignity.
Awards and Honors
- Julius won the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest in Denver, beating out David Thompson, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin, and Larry Kenon.
- Erving was a five-time ABA All-Star and eleven-time NBA All-Star in sixteen professional seasons.
- Julius was named the ABA MVP in 1974, 1975 (co-MVP) and 1976. He was the NBA MVP in 1981.
- Erving led the New York Nets to ABA Championships in 1974 and 1976. In 1983 he teamed with Moses Malone, Maurice Cheeks, and Bobby Jones to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Championship.
- Julius Erving was recognized as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
Points of Interest
- Erving left the University of Massachusetts after his junior year to play professional basketball. When the Virginia Squires of the ABA signed Julius to a contract neither coach Al Bianchi nor general manager Johnny Kerr had ever seen him play in person.
- Julius led the ABA in points scored in both 1973-74 (2,299) and 1975-76(2,462).
- He was instrumental in the merger between the ABA and the NBA. The NBA wanted to capture the top talent from the ABA and that meant including Julius Erving.
- For the Nets to be able to afford entrance into the NBA in 1976 they basically had to sell off their top asset, Julius Erving, to the Philadelphia 76ers.
- In 16 seasons in the ABA and NBA, Erving never once missed the playoffs.
Statistics
Julius Erving Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com
Personal Autograph Interaction
Julius Erving has proven to be one of the toughest autographs to obtain during Hall of Fame Enshrinement weekend. He will take pictures and shake hands with fans, but often prefers not to sign autographs.
At the 2020 Hall of Fame Induction weekend, we approached Dr. J about signing a card for us and he said no. While I totally understand that no athlete owes a fan an autograph, Erving was the only player that refused to sign for us during that weekend. Later in the weekend we saw him also decline to sign for another fan, so I guess it was not just us.
At the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction weekend, we ran in to Dr. J several times at the different events. He was willing to take photos with us (see below) but did not want to sign. We saw him a second time waiting for a bus to take us all to Springfield Symphony Hall for the Enshrinement ceremony, but again he declined. At our hotel that night, where Julius was also staying, Joshua asked him once more as he was getting ready to board the elevator to his floor. After commenting on Joshua’s persistence, Erving signed for him, myself, and a few others before going up to his room. He used his short signature, “Dr. J.” rather than the long-form signature that he uses at paid signings. Although it required a lengthy process, we were thrilled to get an autograph from one of the true legends of the game.
Thank you, Julius!
In-Person Autograph Photos
Meeting Dr. J at the Enshrinement Pre-Party. He signed for us later at the hotel.
2012-13 Panini Signatures Legends