Virginia Squires Last Stand

Not sure I had ever seen this clip of the all-time leading scorer for the Squire…

February 6, 1977. Detroit Pistons vs. Kansas City Kings. A regular season game that became memorable for something that had nothing to do with the final score. During the contest, Detroit Pistons center Bob Lanier and Kansas City Kings center Jim Eakins got into a physical altercation — the kind of confrontation that was far more common in the physical, less regulated era of 1970s NBA basketball. Lanier, one of the most dominant big men of his generation, was not a player who backed down, and the footage reflects exactly that. The Pistons went on to win the game convincingly, 130-111, with Lanier's presence — on both ends of the floor — making the difference. But it is the altercation with Eakins that has kept this game in the conversation nearly five decades later. Bob Lanier played 14 seasons in the NBA, was an eight-time All-Star, and is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Footage from this era of basketball is increasingly rare, making clips like this a genuine piece of league history. #kings #pistons #nba @getfliff Download Fliff & use code MATCHDAY @fliff #ad #FliffPartner 18+ | no purchase necessary | void where prohibited | see terms at getfliff.com

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🏀On August 1, 1973 the Virginia Squires traded Julius Erving (along with Willie Sojourner) to the New York Nets for George Carter, draft rights to Kermit Washington, and $750,000 in cash. Virginia, like most ABA teams, were on shaky financial ground and the cash-strapped Squires sent budding superstar “Dr. J” to New York in a complex deal that kept him in the ABA. The Nets also sent $425,000 to the Atlanta Hawks to reimburse the team for its legal fees, fines and the bonus paid to Erving, as he had signed a contract with the rival NBA’s Hawks in 1972 worth more than $1 million with a $250,000 bonus, but a judge issued an injunction that prohibited him from playing for any team other than the Squires. Doc signed an eight-year deal worth a reported $350,000 per year, unprecedented at the time. Erving went on to lead the Nets to their first ABA title in 1973–74, defeating the Utah Stars, solidifying himself as one of the most important players in the history of the American Basketball Association. His spectacular play established the Nets as one of the better teams in the ABA, and brought fans and credibility to the league. However, the Squires weren’t done dropping the ball on young talent. On January 30, 1974 Virginia sold George Gervin’s contract to the San Antonio Spurs for $225,000. Previously, on September 1, 1970, the Squires traded Rick Barry to the Nets for a draft pick and a measly $25,000. To put that in perspective, the Squires had the possibility of having Barry, Erving, and Gervin all on the same team.🏀

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Shooting for the Virginia Squires against the New York Nets.⁣
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Photo by John D.Hanlon/Sports Illustrated

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBAoldschool/comments/1uvmydk/1973_footage_of_dr_j_of_the_virginia_squires_vs/

From the NBAoldschool community on Reddit: 1973 Footage of Dr. J of the Virginia Squires vs Kentucky Colonels Explore this post and more from the NBAoldschool community

Ray Scott once coached basketball at the highest level. Today, Scott savors precious "little" things like being able to go outside for fresh air. See link below ⬇️

📸 Photo provided by Ray Scott

https://www.chron.com/culture/article/iceman-george-gervin-caleb-wilson-22322110.php

Spurs legend, UFC icon, Bears QB are fighting over this nickname The trademark battle is locked in a three-way.

https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/how-julius-erving-brought-out-the-best-in-george-gervin

How Julius Erving brought out the best in George Gervin: "Doc wouldn't let me go home" Imagine two of the ABA's greatest scorers going at it daily.