MVPs: 1. Finals MVPs: 0. All-NBA 1st Team: 5. 2nd Team: 2. All Star: 11. MVP: 2.
Defensive POY: 0. All-Defense Teams: 0.
Career Averages: 22 PPG/ 7 RPG/ 4 APG/ 1.8 SPG/ 1.5 BPG/ .509 eFG%/ .777 FT%.
Best Season: 27/ 7/ 5/ 2.2/ 1.8/ .520/ .787 (1979-80).
Postseason Averages: 22 PPG/ 7RPG/ 4 APG/ 1.7 SPG/ 1.7 BPG/ .488 eFG%/ .779 FT%.
Best Postseason: 27/ 6/ 4/ 2.2/ 1.2/ .523/ .821 (1977).
Championships: 1 (#2 player). Runner-ups: 3 (#1 player on all).
Why he's below Isiah Thomas: I only considered Erving's NBA stats and accomplishments. His best seasons were in the ABA. Even then, the only thing holding his NBA career from being top-20 or even top-15 is that he played with a lot of hall of fame teammates, and the only time he won a championship was when the 76ers brought in someone better than Erving (Moses Malone).
Why he's above the rest: Even with his 5 best professional seasons not considered, Erving's career was still incredible. He was 1st Team All-NBA 5 times (tied for 21st all time) and a top-2 player on 4 Finals teams. He's known for his dunking and high-flying layups, but he was able to use his long arms and hang time to create turnovers on defense and score more conventional baskets as well. He deserves his fame for his thrilling plays, but he also deserves fame for being a great player.
Highlights:
Game Video:
Comments