Julius Erving won MVP honors in 1981, making him the only player to win the distinction in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the NBA. Nicknamed Dr. J, Erving began his professional career in the ABA in 1971. When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, he became a member of the New York Nets (now the Brooklyn Nets). Erving is known for his modern style of pay which emphasize leaping. He ranks eight in career points with a n ABA-NBA combined total of 30,026. He is credited with popularizing the slam dunk. In 1994, he was named one of the 40 most important athletes of all time by Sports Illustrated. Erving was a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Team and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Today in Sports History: May 27
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)