Ranking the greatest NBA players of all time…
17. Julius Erving
11 seasons (1976-1987)
Rings: 1
MVPs: 1
NBA Finals series record: 1-3
Playoff record: 84-57 (.596)
Playoff stats: 21.9 PPG (48.6% FG) | 7.0 RPG | 4.2 APG
Regular season games played: 932
Stats: 22.0 PPG (50.7% FG) | 6.7 RPG | 3.9 APG
Other Accolades
- 11x All-Star
- 7x All-NBA
- 1x All-Defense (1976)
Complex’s Angel Diaz on Erving:
“Dr. J was everyone’s Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan.”
“He helped the Sixers make the Finals during his first season in the modern NBA, but lost to Bill Walton’s Blazers in six games. Dr. J floated through the air as his lanky limbs cut to the rim and his hair blew in the wind.”
“Erving’s career numbers are just as impressive as his plays. He averaged 24.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, and 1.7 BPG. He also made 11 NBA All-Star teams, won three MVP awards across the NBA and ABA, and made the 75th anniversary team. Dr. J is the godfather of the modern NBA.”
HoopsHype on Erving:
“He was 26 by the time he made his NBA debut after years in the ABA, so Julius Erving would rank far higher in the statistical categories had he spent his whole career in the Association.”
“Erving was the most spectacular player to date at the time thanks to his unreal athleticism and ability to fly down the floor in transition to hammer in dunks… and he was a winner, too. Often considered Jordan before Jordan (just without a jumper), Erving was an All-Star every season he played (ABA or NBA).”
But who tops Erving as the No. 16 greatest NBA player of all time? Find out below.
More NBA: Ranking the greatest NBA players of all time: No. 16
