In spite of Dr J’s sheer dominance in the ABA there were still some NBA purist’s who questioned his ability to dominate in the “The League” before the merger. Erving’s three MVP's in the ABA were an impressive feat but some thought they shouldn't be confused with winning an NBA MVP where the competition was second-to-none. Erving silenced all doubters, immediately leading his new Sixers club to an exciting 50-win season in 1976-77. The top drawing team in the NBA, the Sixers defeated the defending champion Boston Celtics to win the Eastern Conference on their way to the NBA Finals where they lost to the Portland Trail Blazers. In the following years, Erving perpetually carried the Sixers to the Eastern Conference Finals, establishing the storied Celtics-76ers rivalry, and consistently finished in the top five vote getters for the league MVP award.
In 1980, Erving’s individual performance was unparalleled. He averaged 24.6 points, 8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game in leading the 76ers to a 62-20 regular season record. He was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 1980-81 season, marking the first time that award had gone to a non-center in 17 years. Erving’s standout season saw him propel the Sixers past the Celtics to advance to the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Though the Lakers defeated the Sixers 4 games to 2, the series will forever be remembered for Erving’s legendary baseline move, an incredible behind-the-board reverse layup.
Julius Erving’s 1980-81 NBA Most Valuable Player trophy stands 18” tall. Produced by Balfour, the trophy’s wood base bears a metal plaque with titling that reads “MAURICE PODOLOFF AWARD PRESENTED TO JULIUS ERVING PHILADELPHIA 76ers”. A lucite rendering of the NBA log is encased in metal with titling “MOST VALUABLE PLAYER 1980-81” across the top. No embellishment is needed to convey the magnitude of this offering. In the pantheon of basketball awards that have been offered for public sale, Julius Erving’s 1980-81 NBA Most Valuable Player trophy has few peers.
Includes a signed LOA from Julius Erving.