Julius Erving Memorabilia Buying Guide

By Sean J. O'Rourke

Known around the world as "Dr. J,” basketball great Julius Erving carried an entire sport on his shoulders. Nicknamed Dr. J for his precise, calculated plays at Roosevelt High School in New York, Erving would become one of the greatest athletes in American sports history. Erving enrolled at the University of Massachusetts in 1968, and became one of only five players to average 20 points and 20 rebounds per game in NCAA Men's Basketball history. Upon entering the now-defunct ABA, Erving immediately became a show stopper while playing for the Virginia Squires. After bouncing between the NBA and the ABA, Erving reached superstar status playing for the ABA's New York Nets from 1973 through 1976. In five seasons in the ABA before the league merged with the NBA, Erving was the league's most popular, accomplished player, winning two MVP awards, three scoring titles and three ABA Championships. The Nets would eventually transfer to the NBA, however after a lack of funding the team had to trade Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1976. In his first season with Philadelphia, Erving would lead the Sixers to within two games of the NBA Championship, only to be outplayed by Bill Walton and his more experienced Portland Trail Blazers. Erving often carried his entire team on his shoulders, as he had a far less talented supporting cast than other stars at the time. Dr. J would lead his 76ers to face Larry Bird's Boston Celtics four consecutive years in the Eastern Conference Finals, breaking through to face and eventually lose to Magic Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers in 1980. Despite an NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1981, Erving knew he needed at least one piece to complete his championship puzzle. With the arrival of Moses Malone to Philadelphia in 1982, Erving had just that. Teamed with Malone, Erving would lead the Sixers to a 67-win regular season before going 12-1 in the playoffs to win the NBA Championship in four games against the Lakers. By the time Erving retired following the1987 season, he'd become one of only five players in professional basketball history to score more than 30,000 career points.

Graceful, electrifying, original. These are just some of the words to try and describe the one and only Julius Erving. Erving's unmatched energy and athleticism lead him to the top of the sports world while leaving his mark on the hardwood forever. It's nearly impossible to watch videos of Erving play and not be overcome by his talent. The man who changed the face of basketball forever while becoming a worldwide social icon deserves a place in your collection. If you're looking to commemorate one of the world's greatest all-time professional athletes, look no further than the Doc.

• Julius Erving Authentic ABA Ball: An extremely rare find, this authentic American Basketball Association basketball is hand-signed by the man who carried an entire league on his shoulders while the basketball world watched in amazement.  A two-time ABA Most Valuable Player, Erving's flash and unbridled power were unstoppable on the basketball court. Leading the New York Nets to three ABA Championships while practically living above the rim, Dr. J changed the world of basketball forever. Add this extremely rare authentic asset to your collection today!

• Julius Erving Autographed Nets Jersey: Not many athletes have the honor of having their number retired. A microscopic, rare bread of athlete can say they have their number retired by not one but two NBA franchises. That's right; Hall of Famer Julius Erving has his signature No. 6 retired by both the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Nets. Delivering the Nets two ABA Championships, he is one of the game's all-time greatest, most original players. Delivering a never-before-seen intensity attacking the rim, Erving is the third all-time career scoring in NBA/ABA history. The man simply known as Dr. J hand-signed this authentic New York Nets home jersey exactly like the one he wore dominating the hardwood over 30 years ago. A great centerpiece for any sports collection, make a slam dunk addition to your basketball collection today by adding Hall of Famer Julius Erving's authentic autographed Nets jersey.

• Julius Erving Autographed Sixers Jersey: Sixers fan? Here's your ticket to collection immortality. The one and only Dr. J, Julius Erving, hand-signed this replica red Sixers jersey boldly over his trademark and retired No. 6. Winning the NBA's Most Valuable Player award in 1981, Erving's greatest contribution to the City of Brotherly Love came in the form of a much-coveted NBA Championship in 1983. Known for his uncanny dunking ability and offensive skill, Erving was named one of the NBA's all-time greatest players during the league's golden anniversary in 1996. This beautiful Sixers jersey is a must-have for every true Philly sports fan. Add Erving to your collection today!

• Julius Erving Signed Photo: There is no better way to immortalize the great Dr. J than with this absolutely stunning 30x40” photograph hand-signed by Hall of Famer Julius Erving. The man who trademarked dunks such as the Tomahawk and the Cradle is caught here seemingly flying effortlessly on his way to a slam dunk. Erving's originality and brute force dunking has earned him a hands-down spot on any true fan's list of sports' greatest athletes. Signed boldly in silver, this great photograph comes included with a certificate of authenticity from SuperStar Greetings. Make a Hall of Fame investment today while immortalizing one of the hardwood's greatest heroes, the one and only Dr. J.

• Julius Erving Signed NBA Ball: Julius Erving, the man who paved the way for greats like Magic, Jordan, Kobe and LeBron hand-signed this official NBA Spalding basketball in silver. An NBA Hall of Famer and American sports legend, Erving revolutionized his trade while looking down at his competition, sometimes literally. Without a doubt one of the sports' greatest dunkers, Erving made slam dunks an art form while “posterizing” helpless defenders night in and night out on his way to over 30,000 career points. Synonymous with offense, it's not often mentioned that Erving was one of the league's top defenders and is professional basketball's (ABA/NBA) all-time leader in steals. Add this absolutely timeless asset to your collection today!

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