Julius Erving Biography

Julius Erving II, born February 22, 1950, is an American former professional basketball player widely known as Dr. J. Erving played a key role in establishing the American Basketball Association and was the league's most prominent figure during the 1975–1976 season. He won multiple championships, MVP awards, and scoring titles while playing for the Virginia Squires, New York Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers. In 1980, Erving was named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team, honoring him as one of the league's greatest players. Sports Illustrated named Erving one of the 40 most important athletes of all time in 1994. Erving redefined the slam dunk by combining athleticism with grace, particularly when launching from several feet away. He began his collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1968.