Julius Erving was an integral figure that helped in redefining the NBA during the early 1980s. Erving came into the league as a 22-year-old and was selected twelfth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.
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However, it was his term with the Philadelphia 76ers that he would go on to become world-famous for. ‘Dr. J’ was known for his scoring prowess, defense, and creativity on the court, thereby leading him to achieve a plethora of accomplishments during his 16-year tenure in the league.
The 72-year-old was a colossal and influential figure and there have been several players who have sought to emulate him during their careers, with the most prominent name being LeBron James.
During his time, he faced off against an array of some of the greatest NBA players of all time, such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and most importantly, Larry Bird.
Larry Bird divulges why he never trash-talked Julius Erving!
The Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers had one of the most bitter rivalries in basketball history. Although the Celtics walked away triumphant, it stipulated an era of the NBA unlike any other.
At the dead center of the feud, stood protagonists Larry Bird and Julius Erving! Although the pair were interspersed in their rivalry, they still maintained a level of respect for one another.
In fact, they nearly came to blows on multiple occasions, but they maintained their esteem for one another.
Bird in his autobiography revealed the admiration he had for Erving and his thoughts on his game, while also revealing why he did not engage in trash talks with Erving. The reason cited by the three-time NBA MVP was intriguing.
Larry Bird stated-
“Some people said you should just give him the outside shot..Well when the Doctor was on his left side he had a very good bank shot and I was scared to death of that. Julius Erving was also a much better defensive player than most people gave him credit for. It was said that I yelled some things at him one night but that was ML (ML Carr) trash talking from the bench, not me. Believe me, I never said a word to Dr. J.”
To receive a statement such as the aforementioned one is a testament to Julius Erving’s greatness!
Not to mention, an ironic statement from Bird, considering the three-time NBA champion and Erving once brawled during a heated altercation between the pair.
Also read: “He’s very good!”: Jayson Tatum Equals Larry Bird and Earns Acclaim From the Prince of England
Julis Erving and Larry Bird!
As stated prior, it was conspicuous that the pair held a level of respect for one another. But the duo always brought the highlights, every time they laced their shoes against one another. The pair played 44 games between themselves.
‘Dr. J’ averaged 22.8 points per game, along with 6.4 rebounds per game and 3.9 assists per game in 44 games against the Celtics and Bird. ‘Larry Legend’ on the other hand averaged 23.8 points per game, along with 10.8 rebounds per game and 6.2 assists per game!
It would have no doubt been some glorious battles between the pair, with the former Celtics talisman standing tall.
