Site icon Legends of Sport

Today in Sports History: October 31

INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 31: Julius Erving #6 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a play during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 31, 1986 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1986 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jonah Sharf

On October 31, 1986, Julius Erving, better known as Dr. J, announced that he would retire at the end of the season. Dr. J was known for his time in both the ABA and the NBA, winning two ABA championships with the New York Nets and one NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers. He also won three ABA MVP awards to go with his one NBA MVP award, plus five ABA All-Star appearances and 11 NBA All-Star games. Dr. J is considered one of the greatest dunkers of all time, and his high-flying plays helped bring dunking to a more mainstream audience in basketball. However, he didn’t have just one trick, as his career averages in both the ABA and the NBA were 24.2 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, and 2 steals per game.

Exit mobile version