Julius "Dr. J" Erving at Humana Challenge: Basketball Hall of Famer Julius "Dr. J" Erving talks about playing his second year at the Humana Challenge, formerly the Bob Hope.
NBA legend Julius Erving tees off on the first hole Thursday during the first day of the Humana Challenge at the Palmer Private Course at PGA West. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun
Humana Challenge
For live updates during the Humana Challenge read Larry Bohannan's Desert Golf Blog and be sure to follow @mydesert_sports on Twitter, and also follow #humanachallenge.
For complete coverage of the Humana Challenge go to mydesert.com/humana
More
LA QUINTA — While Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is contemplating where he might play once his contract runs out at the end of the season, Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving has his own pointed comments for the All-Star.
“I don't know what's going on in Dwight's head. He has a great situation. What does he want?” said Erving, who resides in Orlando. “I don't think you go find a championship team to be on, you lead your team to a championship if you're a true Hall of Famer. He might have to change his mentality.”
In Erving's NBA career, he played with the Philadelphia 76ers and helped lead the team to the 1983 NBA title.
Erving is at the Humana Challenge for the second consecutive year. Last year was Erving's rookie year at the event and he was teamed with fellow legend of the ABA, George “Iceman” Gervin.
“It was wonderful. I had a great group,” Erving said. “My dear friend George Gervin was carrying the team and I was happy to be along for the ride.
“I think I will have to step into the space since George isn't here. I've been practicing, I'm prepared. I'm not sure if I'm ready for the marathon aspect. By Saturday, I may be dragging a little bit because of father time, but I'm going to try to program myself to have enough in the tank to bring it home Saturday.”
Although the Humana format has gone to four rounds rather than five like the previous 52 years, Erving also played on Wednesday in a pro-am. His partner was President Bill Clinton, the tournament's host.
“It was pretty cool,” Erving said. “He's an amazing guy. That's why he's universally loved.”
And how was the former president's golf game?
“He hits a second ball every now and then, but don't we all?” Erving joked.
During his career, Dr. J is credited with ushering the NBA into a new air space. Erving's high-flying dunks were a precursor to the likes of Michael Jordan and Blake Griffin. Erving also won the original slam dunk title in the ABA All-Star Game in 1976. Erving was the first player to jump from the free throw line and dunk a ball.
Erving's greatest success in the ABA was with the New York Nets.
“There will always be a soft spot in my heart for the Nets, having played on two ABA championship teams for the franchise,” Erving said.
Then Erving showed he's interested in helping the franchise when he added, “Just tell them to stay in touch. They'll find me on the golf course.”
The Nets were purchased by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov in May 2010, and began to make moves to turnaround the down-trodden franchise. Among them is to unload Vince Carter and his big salary, while acquiring Deron Williams, one of the NBA's top young point guards.
“The franchise that's still in transition, but they have to be ready when they go to Brooklyn,” Erving said. “Brooklyn doesn't play. There's going to be high demand and they're going to have to be ready.”
While Erving isn't associated with the Nets in an official capacity, he said he has had talks with the 76ers. Prior to Thursday night's games, the 76ers are leading the Atlantic Division by four games.
“They're young, determined and reconnecting with their history. Right now we have a handshake deal to go over and do a little consulting with them. I'm very happy with that and I'm looking forward to the return of the 76ers.”
