Tag: Julius Erving

Brandon Miller a Top 5 finalist for the Julius Erving Award

Julius Erving Award for best SF in college basketball announces top five finalists

After one of the most historic campaigns in Alabama Crimson Tide basketball history, Brandon Miller has been named a top 5 finalist for the Julius Erving Award which recognizes the best small forward in college basketball. The five-star freshman has been the best player in college basketball all season long and will likely wind up as a top-three pick in the 2023 NBA draft.

Julius Erving is one of the most respected players in the history of basketball and the NBA, so for Miller to be in his company is a massive honor. Miller has the body and frame of a forward, but can handle the ball and shoot like a guard, which makes him so lethal. The supporting cast of the Crimson Tide has complimented Miller all season long, and the team has grown incredibly unified.

Miller and the Crimson Tide will be back in action tomorrow as they start their March Madness run against Texas A&M Corpus-Christi. The game will be at 1:45 PM CST on CBS.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3003″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3006″ ]

[mm-video type=video id=01gtma4ffh0r6pcpxbxp playlist_id=01eqbz6mkdd99nyvkm player_id=01f1jz1vgtfhzk6ner image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gtma4ffh0r6pcpxbxp/01gtma4ffh0r6pcpxbxp-a21135627d608f92e426940d2d82a59f.jpg]

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Sixers legend Julius Erving sees some Allen Iverson in Tyrese Maxey

Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving sees a lot of Allen Iverson in Tyrese Maxey’s game.

PHILADELPHIA–Young Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is on his way to becoming a perennial All-Star in the league. In his third season in the NBA, he’s averaging 21.3 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 40% from deep as he continues to grow as a player.

What makes Maxey’s ascent so impressive is the fact that he stands at just 6-foot-2 and he isn’t the strongest player in the league. He just uses his blazing quickness, his uncanny ability to finish over taller players, and his maniacal work ethic to continue to improve in this league.

Another diminutive Sixers guard, Allen Iverson, made a living out of scoring the ball despite standing at just 6-feet tall and being a skinny guard in the league. Some might see some of Iverson’s heart and his skill in what Maxey does on the floor.

Sixers legend Julius Erving, who led the Sixers to their last title in 1983, spoke at the Sixers Youth Foundation gala on Thursday night and expressed admiration for Maxey.

“Everything about him,” said Erving. “His persona, his attitude, his energy, his ability. He’s as capable a scorer as any player in the league. He’s a different type version of Allen Iverson. Iverson was fearless and I see that in Maxey. Maxey probably just has a little more floater in his game.”

Maxey’s continued Iverson-like ascension in the league combined with the elite play of James Harden and Joel Embiid has Erving excited about this Sixers team and their chances at winning their first title in 40 years.

“I think this team has a very good chance,” Erving added. They’re a pretty confident group, pretty deep, and now it’s a matter of making that chemistry work and sustaining it at playoff time. A lot of people overlook the regular season, but I think you hone your talent during the regular season, build greater confidence, and you learn the nuances of what it takes to be successful on that big stage.”

Maxey and the Sixers will have to go through some really tough teams such as the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks, but Philadelphia certainly has the talent to get it done.

“It’s hard to win against a really good team four times in seven tries,” Erving finished. “I think the Sixers are capable of doing that.”

The Sixers also haven’t made the finals since Iverson led the way in 2001.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=]

[listicle id=74408]

[lawrence-related id=74424,74420,74414]

Joel Embiid passes Julius Erving for 4th most 30-point games for Sixers

Joel Embiid passed Julius Erving for the fourth most 30-point games in the history of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is a rare breed in the NBA. The 7-foot big man just has the ability to do it all while out on the floor as he can take a defender off the dribble, he can knock down jumpers, he gets to the free-throw line, and he makes it all look easy.

In Friday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Embiid had 35 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. He shot 13-for-26 from the floor and he was 8-for-9 from the foul line as well. It was an overall very solid offensive performance for him.

In the process, Embiid made some franchise history with his 123rd game with 30+ points. He passed the great Julius Erving for the fourth most 30-point games in Sixers franchise history, per StatMuse.

Embiid and the Sixers are 0-2 to begin this road trip and they will be looking to at least salvage a game on the trip on Monday when they pay a visit to the Houston Rockets. Philadelphia will be hoping to have James Harden back in the fold as well.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5xtr64thj7fw2 image=https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=71740]

[lawrence-related id=71795,71785,71787]

Dr. J says that Kyrie Irving won’t lose career over latest controversy

Former Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving told TMZ on Tuesday that Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving won’t lose his career over his current controversy.

Former Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving told TMZ on Tuesday that Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving will not lose his career over his latest controversy.

Irving is serving an indefinite suspension because he tweeted a link to a movie rife with antisemitic rhetoric and refused to apologize when initially questioned about the tweet.

After Irving was suspended, it was reported the Nets are requiring him to complete a series of tasks before he will be reinstated by Brooklyn. Some in the media, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, and the NBPA seem to side with Irving regarding the return-to-play tasks.

‘The owners are greedy, He’s going to end up in the league playing for somebody, no matter how toxic he is. As long as he’s young enough to score those buckets, and do what he does, be Kyrie, he’s going have a job.”

Erving believes Kyrie is good enough to stay in the NBA despite this latest incident. However, it seems Erving believes Kyrie should respect the mantle of being an NBA player more than he is right now.

“I always thought it was a privilege, an honor, and a blessing to be able to be an NBA player, So, if he could respect that a little bit more, I’d be happy with him sharing my name.”

[listicle id=48035]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=none image=https://netswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Sixers legend Julius Erving chimes in on Nets’ Kyrie Irving situation

Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving gave his thoughts on the situation surrounding Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving.

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is dealing with a suspension from the organization after promoting an antisemitic film, another controversy for the veteran. The Nets gave him a list of six things he must accomplish before he can return from his indefinite suspension.

There was a report Irving might just retire rather than give into the demands of the Nets, but the 30-year-old, seven-time All-Star still has a great deal of basketball left to play before hanging up his sneakers.

Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving gave his thoughts on the Irving situation when he talked to TMZ:

“The owners are greedy,” Dr. J said at LAX this weekend. “He’s going to end up in the league playing for somebody, no matter how toxic he is.”

“As long as he’s young enough to score those buckets, and do what he does, be Kyrie, he’s going have a job,” he said.

Erving led the Sixers to their last title in 1983. When asked by TMZ, he offered Irving advice on what he should do moving forward:

“I always thought it was a privilege, an honor, and a blessing to be able to be an NBA player,” he said … “So, if he could respect that a little bit more, I’d be happy with him sharing my name.”

Time will tell whether Irving will return to the floor for the Nets, but the star guard has to work on himself to help Brooklyn and have success on the floor.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=none image=https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=70620]

[lawrence-related id=70700,70697,70694]

Watch: Eagles’ Brandon Graham among legends to throw out first pitch for Game 3 of World Series

Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl-winning defensive end Brandon Graham was among Philly champions to throw out the first pitch for Game 3 of the World Series between the Astros and Phillies

The Eagles are just hours from departing for Houston to take on the Texans in a Thursday night matchup to kick off Week 9 of the NFL season.

The Phillies are in the World Series.

With game three getting pushed back until Tuesday night, Super Bowl-winning defensive end Brandon Graham was among four championships Philadelphia legends to throw out the first pitch to other former MLB champions.

Phillies legends Bernie Parent, former 76ers legend Julius Erving, Graham, and the legend Mike Schmidt threw out the first pitch before Game 3 at Citizens Bank Park.

Graham’s strip-sack of then Patriots quarterback Tom Brady finalized a 41-33 Eagles win in the 2018 Super Bowl and cemented the former Michigan star and Detroit native as a legend in the city.

[listicle id=674845]

[listicle id=674728]

[listicle id=674732]

[listicle id=674730]

[lawrence-related id=674814,674809,674805,674798]

Julius Erving: Kobe Bryant’s numbers shouldn’t be retired NBA-wide

Julius Erving loves Kobe Bryant and even played with the Mamba’s father … but he tells TMZ Sports the NBA shouldn’t retire the Lakers legend’s numbers league-wide like it did with Bill Russell earlier this summer. Most believe that following Adam …

Julius Erving loves Kobe Bryant and even played with the Mamba’s father … but he tells TMZ Sports the NBA shouldn’t retire the Lakers legend’s numbers league-wide like it did with Bill Russell earlier this summer. Most believe that following Adam Silver’s decision to honor Russell by permanently hanging up his #6 following the Celtics legend’s death — he should do the same for Kobe, who tragically passed away in 2020.
Source: TMZ Staff @ TMZ.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
🐐 GOAT LINE CHART RACE 🐐
Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James in Global Rating through the years.
Draw your own conclusions (or don’t draw any at all). pic.twitter.com/P0I5gRbC33 – 11:08 AM

Ben Cotton @Ben_Cotton15
Fascinating insights from @Shaquille O’Neal on:
-Regret of not keeping in contact with Kobe
-Near-death experience that ‘changed my life’
-Moment mum broke down after surprising her with first house gift
-Says son is ‘like Giannis with a jump shot’
@FOXSportsAUS
foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba… – 3:35 AM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Was told the @Los Angeles Lakers waited until today to consummate the trade with the Jazz out of respect to Kobe Bryant Day yesterday. Kobe Bryant Day is celebrated on August 24, chosen for jerseys 8 and 24, in Los Angeles and Orange County to commemorate the life of the Lakers icon. – 11:57 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Tonight the last two NBA MVPs will face off in a FIBA game 🔥
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic (2021 & 2022)
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019 & 2020)
When had this happened before? At the 2008 Beijing Olympics:
🇺🇸 Kobe Bryant (2008)
🇩🇪 Dirk Nowitzki (2007)
(via @HellenicBF)
#FIBAWC #WinForAll – 8:26 AM

More on this storyline

 

“I don’t think he should be compared with the Russell situation,” Erving said of Kobe out at LAX. “We’re fresh into that but let’s see how that works out. Maybe at some point in time. Bill was 86 years old, so address it like that to an 86-year-old — multiple champions, multiple coaching champions, multiple on-and-off the court champion, or whatever — there’s no comparison.” “I wouldn’t even try to compare Kobe Bryant to Russell.” -via TMZ.com / August 28, 2022
“It’s more of a franchise situation with the Lakers,” Erving said. “If they wanted to do it, which I think they already have, that makes sense — but for the whole league to do it, probably not.” Erving added that he was grateful for Silver’s decision to retire Russell’s number, saying, “Bill was a very special individual and what he did for basketball, no one else could ever do again.” -via TMZ.com / August 28, 2022
The $16 million verdict that Vanessa Bryant was awarded by a federal jury on Wednesday is set to be reduced to $15 million after a juror discovered an error on the verdict form and informed the court about it. Bryant, the widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, prevailed in her civil trial against Los Angeles County Wednesday after the jury of nine unanimously found the county liable for damages to her and her fellow plaintiff Chris Chester, who was awarded $15 million by the same jury. -via USA Today Sports / August 27, 2022

 

These are all the Hall of Famers who also wore Bill Russell’s No. 6 jersey ahead of its cross-NBA retirement

We thought it important to remind ourselves of the other Hall of Famers who’ve worn No. 6 over the decades.

The NBA will retire Boston Celtics Hall of Fame big man Bill Russell’s No. 6 on all 30 teams to honor the late, great center. However, Russell is not the only Hall of Fame player who wore the number during their historic careers.

The global nature of Russell number retirement is, of course, as much related to him being the ultimate winner on the court with 11 titles, 13 All-Star appearances, five Most Valuable Player awards and more accolades than we can reasonably list here as to his work off the court using his platform to fight for the rights of others at great risk to himself.

And while players currently wearing the No. 6 jersey can do so until they switch to another or retire themselves, we thought it important to remind ourselves of the other Hall of Famers who’ve worn No. 6 over the decades.

Let’s take a look at them all.

Julius Erving: Kawhi Leonard is my favorite player

“Kawhi is my favorite NBA player,” Julius “Dr. J” Erving said. “Absolutely.” Dr.J has mentioned in the past that he loved Kawhi Leonard’s game, even going all the way back to his San Antonio days. Erving was a big fan of Tim Duncan, so naturally, he …

“Kawhi is my favorite NBA player,” Julius “Dr. J” Erving said. “Absolutely.” Dr.J has mentioned in the past that he loved Kawhi Leonard’s game, even going all the way back to his San Antonio days. Erving was a big fan of Tim Duncan, so naturally, he loves Kawhi Leonard’s work ethic and demeanor. Despite being such a huge fan, Erving hasn’t really had an intimate sit-down situation with Kawhi yet.
Source: Farbod Esnaashari @ Sports Illustrated

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Feels like camp is almost here. Reminds me of what Ty Lue told me last month about his preseason message:
“I know Kawhi and PG coming back this year, we have a really good team. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to win. We got to put the work in.”
latimes.com/sports/clipper… – 12:36 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Fun Fact: Andrew Wiggins has more career points than
Joel Embiid
Kawhi Leonard
Nikola Jokic
Gordon Hayward
CJ McCollum pic.twitter.com/7dDkdbTLUX – 9:21 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
Who wins this series?
Team International:
— Luka Doncic
— Andrew Wiggins
— Giannis Antetokounmpo
— Joel Embiid
— Nikola Jokic
Team USA:
— Steph Curry
— Kawhi Leonard
— LeBron James
— Kevin Durant
— Anthony Davis pic.twitter.com/o6Kplui4GL – 12:22 PM

More on this storyline

 

“I’ll tell you what, it’s kind of like a mutual admiration,” Erving said. “I really admire him, I haven’t sat down or had dinner with him or lunch or anything like that. We connected All-Star weekend during the top 75 [celebration]. It’s always just a cordiality there because he’s a favorite guy that I like to watch in the NBA. So I’ve gone on record and saying that, I don’t know if he’s heard about it or not.” -via Sports Illustrated / August 16, 2022
Shams Charania: The first Lakers-Clippers game of the 2022-23 NBA season is scheduled for Oct. 20 at Crypto.com Arena, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. LeBron James-Anthony Davis vs. Kawhi Leonard-Paul George again for first time since Dec. 22, 2020. -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / August 14, 2022
“This what I’ve been doing my whole career,” Powell said of finding his niche on good teams. “I know what the team needs. I’ve played with Kawhi before and playing against PG my whole career it seems like. Ever since I got to UCLA, guys coming up and playing in the summer in the pro runs. “I think my game is really used to being in different roles, getting different looks. So, I’m not really worried about that. My focus is to stay healthy … I feel like the game is going to work itself out with all the time I put in.” -via The Athletic / August 10, 2022

 

Top 10 players in blocked shots in Philadelphia 76ers history

Here are the top 10 players in the long history of the Philadelphia 76ers in blocked shots.

To be an effective shot blocker, one must have an understanding of timing and sense for when a player is going up for a shot. Defenders also must be disciplined and not fall for pump fakes an offensive player will throw in to free themselves for an effortless look.

The Philadelphia 76ers have had some really good rim protectors in their history. Some are recognized among the top defenders in the history of the game.

With it being the dead time of the NBA offseason, now is the time to look back and recognize the top players in the history of the Sixers. In this edition, Sixers Wire looks at the top 10 shot blockers in the long history of the franchise. One of the players on this list is still active and has a chance to go higher on the list with longevity: