From the high-flying dunks to the smooth glides across the basketball court, Julius “Dr. J” Erving transformed the game of basketball with his unique style and charisma. But Erving’s impact didn’t end when he left the hardwood. Off the court, his strategic ventures and endorsements have propelled him into a realm of financial success that rivals his athletic achievements. In this deep dive into Julius Erving’s net worth, we explore how this legendary athlete spun his fame into a thriving business empire, ensuring his legacy lives on in more ways than one.
Achievement List At a Glance:
Here is a short list of some of his most notable achievements:
Achievements | Years |
ABA Championships (2) | New York Nets (1974, 1976) |
NBA Championship (1) | Philadelphia 76ers (1983) |
ABA MVP Awards (3) | 1974, 1975, 1976 |
NBA MVP Award (1) | 1981 |
ABA All-Star Selections (5) | 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 |
NBA All-Star Selections (11) | 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 |
All-Star Game MVPs (2) | 1977, 1983 |
All-NBA First Team (5) | 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 |
All-ABA First Team (4) | 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 |
ABA Slam Dunk Champion (1) | 1976 |
Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993) |
Julius Erving Net Worth- $50 Million
The net worth of this wealthy man is $50 million. Most of the wealth comes from his former NBA contracts and his post-career business life.
Salary Chart:
Seasons | Team | Total Salary |
1971-1972 | Virginia Squires, ABA | $125,000 |
1972-1973 | Virginia Squires, ABA | $180,000 |
1973-1976 | New York Nets, ABA | $350,000 per year |
1976-1987 | Philadelphia 76ers, NBA | Salaries ranged from $600,000 to $1.5 million per year |
Birth
Julius Erving was born on February 22, 1950, in Nassau County, New York, but grew up in Roosevelt, New York. People called him by his nicknames “The Doctor” and “Dr. J” for his flamboyance and skill on the court. His full name is Julius Winfield Erving II. He became a basketball star during his high school and college years.
School and College Career
The school life of Julius Erving began at Roosevelt High School. After being famous in school life, he began his college life at the University of Massachusetts in 1968. In his college life, he also showed his magical skills and impressive performance in basketball. In the two seasons of his college career, he averaged 26.3 points and 20.2 rebounds per game.
ABA & NBA Career Stats
Erving’s rookie year began with the Virginia Squires. Being a junior, he was lucky to step into the ABA, as the rules for entering the ABA were relaxed at this time. After getting the chance, he signed a contract with the Virginia Squires for four years worth $500,000. He played for the Virginia Squires and scored 27.3 points per game as a rookie. With this impressive performance, he brought success to himself and to his team. He was named to the All-ABA Second Team, and his team was named the All-Rookie Team. He led his team to the NBA finals.
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NBA Contract
At the first stage of his ABA career, he faced a dispute based on the contract. When he became eligible to play in the NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected him in the first round (12th overall). Earlier, he signed a contract with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks worth more than $1 million with a $250,000 bonus. At the time, the earlier team of the Virginia Squires forced him to finish the tenure of the contract. So the team moved to the court. After a lot of bargaining and several procedures, he had to return to his old team, the Virginia Squares. He gave his team an impressive performance. In the 1972–1973 season, he scored a career-best 31.9 points per game.
Then he settled the dispute with the Atlanta Hawks and moved to the New York Nets. Here he led two teams. His performance made him the most valuable player, and his team defeated the Utah Stars in 1973–74 for the first title.
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In 1970, he defeated the Denver Nuggets in the ABA’s final championship. He scored 34.7 points on average that season and was named the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs. During this season, upon consideration of the points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, steals per game, blocks per game, free throw percentage, free throws made, free throws attempted, three-point field goal percentage, and three-point field goals, he became among the top 10 players in the ABA. Rick Barry placed second on that list.
NBA Championship
His professional career began with the Philadelphia 76ers. He played with this team for 11 years and favored his team to win the championship in 1983.
Full Biography Chart:
Total Net Worth: | $50 Million (Updated in 2024) |
Average Salary: | $350,000 per year |
Endorsements: | Coca-Cola, Converse, Colgate, etc. |
Birth: | February 22, 1950, in New York, USA |
Mother: | Callie Mae Erving |
Father: | Julius Erving |
Wife/Girlfriend: | Dorýs Madden, Turquoise Brown(Divorced) |
College Education: | University of Massachusetts |
Source of Income: | NBA Career, Media, Business |
Achievements: | NBA, Championship, All-NBA Team, NBA Most Valuable Player Award |
Height: | 6′ 7″/2.01 m |
Weight: | 95 KG |
Current Age: | 71 Years |
Post-Retirement Ventures and Endorsements
After retiring from professional basketball, Julius Erving, widely known as Dr. J, successfully transitioned into various business and endorsement deals, leveraging his fame and sports legacy. Erving has been involved in multiple ventures, including a prominent role in the sports management sector where he has advised and managed other athletes. His endorsement portfolio includes long-standing associations with major brands that capitalize on his iconic status in the basketball community. These endorsements have not only included sports-related products but also lifestyle and luxury brands, highlighting his broad appeal and enduring influence.
Financial Growth Over Time
Julius Erving’s financial trajectory post-retirement has shown significant growth, reflecting his savvy investments and the enduring value of his personal brand. His initial earnings from his NBA and ABA career laid a solid financial foundation, but his strategic choices in business and endorsements have multiplied his wealth over the years. By aligning with profitable enterprises and maintaining a visible presence in the media and public eye, Erving has ensured a steady increase in his net worth. This financial growth is a testament to his ability to transform on-court success into a diversified portfolio of profitable endeavors.
Height and Age
Basketball Hall of Famer and former player Julius Erving’s height is 2.01m, and his weight is 95 kg. This well-known player retired in 1987, and now he is 71 years old.
Over the past five years, Rick C. Nees has written hundreds of NBA players' biographies, some of which have already been published in famous newspapers. He previously worked as- Commentator, Basketball Analyst, Basketball Player, Newspaper Sports Editor, Radio sports presenter. Rick grew up watching basketball leagues. He was a state-level high school basketball player who followed all NBA events since he was a child.