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NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving discussed his career and friendships at Jerry Colangelo’s Hall of Fame Golf Classic.Erving recalled his playing days against the Phoenix Suns and holds a comical grudge against their Gorilla mascot.
Julius “Dr. J” Erving sat in a golf cart under heavy rain, listening to Teddy Pendergrass’ 1970s R&B classic “Love TKO” at ex-Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo’s Hall of Fame Golf Classic on Sept. 26.
The 75-year-old Erving and his late friends Pendergrass and legendary jazz musician Grover Washington Jr. rose to fame together in the 1970s. Erving’s transcendent stardom, unstoppable glides and dunks helped modernize the NBA as a corporate marketing force before he retired in 1987.
Erving spoke with The Arizona Republic about his days facing the Suns, why he holds a nearly 40-year comical grudge against their mascot, the WNBA’s rise, and his bond with Pendergrass and Washington.
Erving on facing Suns, their Gorilla mascot’s shenanigans.
“Kevin Johnson was later on that team (from 1987-98, ’99-00). They had Alvan Adams, Walter Davis. Chasing him around, Walter was like a rabbit, man. He was a great talent. I think the coaches there did a pretty good job of assembling a competitive franchise. I never did like the mascot because I know in my latter years it came out limping and acting like an old guy with my number on. So that was one memory that I cherish to forget (laughs).”
Erving on WNBA’s rising popularity, why it shouldn’t be compared to NBA in 1970-80s.
“When you look at the beginning of the NBA and the 75th anniversary of the NBA, all of the things that are available and were available to the WNBA (during its 1997 launch) weren’t even thought about. Guys basically traveling by bus, train, anyway they can get to various cities and comprise the early goings of the league. Obviously, we had the competitive entity of the ABA, which is where I started my career. So if you’re a basketball historian, I don’t think you choose to compare the two. I think do choose to appreciate what has happened with the WNBA. I was senior vice president of the Orlando Magic when the WNBA started. The (WNBA) team Orlando Miracle started there (in 1999), and then they moved to Connecticut (in 2003). When I moved to Atlanta, it was years after my Orlando tenure because I had moved west for about five years, then moved back east to Atlanta. I supported the (Atlanta Dream) team. I always enjoyed the competitive spirit, the champions. This is the game I love, whether men are playing it or women are playing it, the love is still there.”
Erving’s early connections to music legends Teddy Pendergrass, Grover Washington Jr.
“I moved to Philly to play for the Sixers in the ’76-77 season, and Teddy was one of the first people I met, him and a guy named L.T. Brinkley. They used to hang out together, and Brinkley, way later in life, has become my son’s godfather and one of my best friends. But from ’76 right into the ‘80s, Teddy was a big supporter of the 76ers and we were big supporters of Teddy Pendergrass. Saw him on the road many times and he made (76ers) home games as well as road games. When we had big games in Philly, Teddy would be there with Grover Washington handling the national anthem duties for the Sixers. Sometimes they would fight over who was going to do it, whether he was going to sing it or Grover was going to play it. … Since both of them have passed on, we enjoy them through their music. Both were extremely influential genre-wise in rhythm and blues, and jazz. I made sure that my children knew who those individuals were because we played their music in our home. Fortunately, my children liked both of them.”
Recalling Pendergrass’ near-fatal 1982 car accident, Washington’s sudden death in 1999.
“We got a call the next day and Teddy was in the hospital. The backstory obviously has many variations to it, but from the horse’s mouth it was just an unfortunate thing. He became a paralyzed person, but still had a lot of fight in him, still had a lot of music left in him. Not only in terms of producing music and interacting music but performing. Those years afterward, we missed a lot of what Teddy brought to the stage: his sex appeal, his strength and power. His voice used to resonate. But things happen to people. Grover, after a concert in New York, he bent over to tie his shoes and had a heart attack and he was gone in an instant at age 56 (in 1999). So it just let us all know that nothing is promised, and you should try to live life for the moment. Keep the carrot out in front of you, look for the day in front of you to be the best day of your life.”
On Phoenix steakhouse Durant’s relaunch.
“There were obviously places in the city to go to because generally after a game, you’re looking for a place to eat. So there were various places in that city. Jerry Colangelo was just talking at (his golf event) about reopening Durant’s, which was a popular restaurant back in the day.”