This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2011
The Squires were a legendary ABA team, but not necessarily because of their success on the court. Instead, the Squires will always be remembered for unearthing (but not keeping!) future Hall of Fame players Julius Erving and George Gervin. Erving averaged 27.3 ppg (fifth in the league) and 15.7 rpg (third in the league) as a Squires rookie in 1971-72 but Artis Gilmore won both the Rookie of the Year and the MVP awards that season. Erving topped the 40 point barrier five times during his rookie season but that was just a warmup for the playoffs, when he led both leagues in scoring (33.3 ppg) and rebounding (20.4 rpg); Erving tied Roger Brown's single game ABA playoff scoring record with 53 points, a total that also equals Wilt Chamberlain's mark for most points in a playoff game by a rookie (both records still stand). Erving was even more sensational in 1972-73. Erving won the first of his three scoring titles, averaging a career-high 31.9 ppg and authoring thirteen 40 point games in seventy-one regular season contests.
Erving’s 1972-73 First-Team All League award features a heavy bronze plaquard bearing his accurate likeness and titling in relief mounted on a 10” by 8” wood plaque. Manufacturer’s stickers (Tommy McDonald Enterprises) appear on back. Erving has added his large autograph to the back as well in black sharpie. This well crafted and historically important award is among the earliest league issued awards from Dr. J’s ABA career within his vast collection.
Includes a signed LOA from Julius Erving.