Sixers legend Julius Erving ranked No. 20 best player of all-time
Dr. J Still Soaring: Legendary Sixer Ranked Among NBA's Greatest
Philadelphia Icon Earned Place Among Elite Players, Says Bleacher Report
The Philadelphia 76ers boast a rich history of legendary players. Names like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, Moses Malone, and Charles Barkley have etched their legacies into the city's basketball fabric. But this week, focus falls on Dr. J himself, whose No. 6 jersey hangs proudly from the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center, a testament to his indelible impact on the franchise.
Over 11 seasons in Philadelphia, Erving averaged an impressive 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He secured the coveted 1981 MVP award and led the Sixers to their last championship victory in 1983.
Recently, Bleacher Report unveiled its ranking of the top 100 NBA players of all time. Erving landed a well-deserved spot at No. 20 on this prestigious list.
A Legacy Built on Dominance:
"The Julius Erving resume looks ridiculous when combining his body of work in the ABA and NBA," Bleacher Report states. "He is one of nine players to clear 30,000 points, and one of just six players with at least four MVP awards, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell—a veritable who’s who of top-10-all-time candidates."
The article continues to praise Erving's on-court brilliance: "Decades upon decades later, Dr. J highlights still pop. The one-handed finishes are crafty and seemingly feature infinite hang time. His game was equal parts smooth and flashy but teeming with MVP-caliber substance."
Erving's impact transcends individual accomplishments. He served as the face of two leagues – the ABA and NBA – achieving Hall of Fame worthy success in both.
The Sixers legend undoubtedly stands among the greatest players in basketball history, arguably holding the top spot for Philadelphia fans. No. 20 on Bleacher Report's list seems a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.