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Born in Roosevelt, New York to Julius and Callie Erving.
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Currently age 61
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Julius Erving attened University of Massachusetts with, at first, plans to become a doctor. It wasn't until he was one of the countries highest scorers that Erving realize that he could pursue a professional basketball career.
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Enters the ABA by skipping his senior year of college
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He is signed as a free agent with the Virginia Squires until traded in 1973. While with the Squires, he made the All-Rookie Team, All-Star Second Team, and All-Star First Team.
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He is traded in 1973 after he second season with Virginia Squires to the New York Nets.
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Played for the Nets from 1973-1976. While with New York he helped the team to win the league championship his first season and was named both the season and playoff MVP. In his second season, he won MVP again. However, it was his third season that allowed his reputation to skyrocket. That season the Nets won the championship again and the 1976 All-Star Game that contributed to his reputation.
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Erving won the first ever slam dunk contest. It is most known for his final one handed dunk from the free-throw line. Footage became widespread of this dunk and he became known nationally.
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Along with three other teams, the Nets were accepted into the well-established NBA before the 1976-1977 season.
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Before the 1976-1977 season he was traded from the Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers.
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While with the 76ers, Erving won the MVP award multiple times and lead the team to multiple championships with and a one championship win against the Lakers. It was during his time with Philadelphia that Julius Erving, or Dr. J, solidified his reputation as a basketball legend.
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He retired after his 1986-1987 season. He was honored by events and ceremonies in Philadelphia and each other city he visited in his final season. The NBA thanked Dr. J for what he had done for basketball on his farewell tour.
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Elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame
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Erving is named one of 40 most important athletes by Sports Illustrated.
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The NBA celebrated its 50th anniversary and Dr. J was an easy choice for one of the top 50 players in the history of the NBA.
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Orlando Magic hired Erving as Executive Vice-President in 1997 and remained in the position until 2003.
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Erving is currently age 61 and is still recognized as one of the greatest basketball players ever who changed the game.
