George Gervin, born on April 27, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, is a former professional basketball player known for his time in both the ABA and NBA. He played for the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls.
Gervin was widely recognised for his scoring ability, averaging at least 14 points per game in all 14 of his seasons. He finished his NBA career with an average of 26.2 points per game and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and one of the 75 greatest players in 2021.
Gervin attended Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Detroit, where he showed promise in basketball. He went on to play for Eastern Michigan University, but his college career ended after a suspension. He then joined the Pontiac Chaparrals and later the Virginia Squires in the ABA.
In 1974, he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he would spend the majority of his career. Gervin led the NBA in scoring multiple times, with his best season averaging 33.1 points per game in 1979–80. He retired after a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls in 1986.
After his playing career, Gervin remained active in the San Antonio community, founding the George Gervin Youth Center to support underprivileged children. His legacy includes inspiring future athletes, and he remains a notable figure in basketball history. Gervin's #44 jersey has been retired by the Spurs, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
George Gervin’s basketball career spanned across the ABA and NBA, where he established himself as one of the most dominant scoring guards in basketball history. His career is marked by significant achievements, including multiple scoring titles and All-Star appearances.
Gervin began his professional career in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) with the Pontiac Chaparrals in 1972–1973. His impressive play in the CBA caught the attention of Johnny Kerr, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Virginia Squires of the ABA. In January 1973, he was signed by the Squires for a $40,000 annual contract.
Virginia Squires (1973–1974)
Gervin’s time with the Virginia Squires was brief. Despite the team’s financial struggles, he showcased his potential as a high-scoring player. However, after only a short stint, Gervin was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in January 1974 for $228,000, a controversial trade that the ABA tried to block. The Squires folded a few years later due to financial issues.
San Antonio Spurs (1974–1985)
Gervin’s most successful years came with the San Antonio Spurs. He quickly became the focal point of the team’s offense and led the Spurs in scoring throughout his tenure. In the 1977–78 season, Gervin won his first NBA scoring title, narrowly edging David Thompson. He became a scoring machine, known for his smooth and effortless style of play, including his signature finger roll.
Over his 11 years with the Spurs, Gervin led the team to several successful seasons but struggled to make it to the NBA Finals. He was the league’s top scorer in three consecutive seasons from 1978 to 1980 and again in 1982. Although the Spurs were strong in the regular season, they fell short in the playoffs, particularly in the 1979 NBA Conference Finals, when they were defeated by the Washington Bullets.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Gervin played a significant role in the Spurs' offensive identity, with the team becoming known for their high-scoring, fast-break style of play.
Chicago Bulls (1985–1986)
In 1985, Gervin was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he played his final NBA season. Though he was no longer the dominant scorer of his prime years, he still managed to contribute significantly, averaging 16.2 points per game and even scoring 45 points in a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Bulls had a losing record but still made the playoffs. Gervin's last game in the NBA came on April 20, 1986, just as Michael Jordan's legendary 63-point performance against the Boston Celtics took place.
Coaching Career
Gervin briefly transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs from 1992 to 1994. He also participated in the 1992 NBA All-Star Legends Game, where he scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in just 16 minutes.
George Gervin continued his professional basketball career overseas after retiring from the NBA in 1986, playing in various international leagues. His post-NBA career in Europe and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) provided him with an opportunity to showcase his scoring abilities in a different context. Though no longer in the prime of his career, Gervin still proved to be an exceptional talent and played at a high level in international competitions.
Banco di Roma (1986–1987)
Following his final season in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, Gervin moved to Italy to play for Banco di Roma in the Italian professional basketball league during the 1986–1987 season. At this point in his career, Gervin was 34 years old, and while he had lost some of his speed, his scoring touch remained intact.
During his time with Banco di Roma, Gervin played as a key offensive player, averaging 26.1 points per game. His time in Italy was notable for his ability to adjust his game and continue performing at a high level despite aging. His performance in the Italian league further cemented his reputation as one of the most prolific and versatile scorers in basketball history.
Quad City Thunder (1989)
After his stint in Italy, Gervin spent some time in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), joining the Quad City Thunder in 1989. The CBA was a minor league, but Gervin’s presence brought significant attention to the team. He played for the Thunder during a brief period, adding his wealth of experience and scoring prowess to the roster.
While the CBA was not as prominent as the NBA or European leagues, Gervin's time in the league allowed him to maintain his competitive edge while also continuing his career abroad.
TDK Manresa (1989–1990)
Gervin's most significant international tenure came when he joined TDK Manresa, a team in Spain's National Basketball League (Liga ACB), during the 1989–1990 season. At 38 years old, Gervin was past his athletic prime, but his basketball IQ and scoring instinct remained.
During his time with Manresa, Gervin averaged 25.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, showcasing that he was still an offensive force even in the twilight of his career. One of the highlights of his time with the team was his final game, in which he scored an impressive 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to help keep Manresa in Spain’s top league.
Position: Primarily played as a shooting guard
Skills: Renowned for his exceptional scoring ability, especially with his signature finger roll, Gervin was also known for his smooth playing style, high basketball IQ, and leadership on the court.
George Gervin was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. His upbringing in a challenging environment influenced his later involvement in community work.
In 1976, Gervin married Joyce King. They divorced in 1984, but later remarried in 1985. Together, they have three children. His eldest son, George Gervin Jr., also known as "Gee," followed in his father’s footsteps and played professional basketball, notably for the Harlem Globetrotters and the Norrköping Dolphins in Sweden. Gervin Jr. also played professionally in Mexico.
Gervin’s sister, Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, has made a name for herself in politics, serving as a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives. Additionally, Gervin’s younger brother, Derrick Gervin, had a basketball career as well, primarily playing in the CBA and Europe.
Gervin has been actively involved in the San Antonio community since his retirement. In 1991, he founded the George Gervin Youth Center, a non-profit organization aimed at providing support and opportunities to underprivileged children in the area. His own experiences growing up in Detroit inspired his desire to give back and help youth succeed.
George Gervin’s legacy in basketball is defined by his scoring prowess, smooth playing style, and lasting influence on the game. Nicknamed "The Iceman" for his calm demeanor on the court and his ability to play without breaking a sweat, Gervin is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. His trademark finger roll, executed with exceptional touch and range, became one of the most iconic moves in basketball.
Throughout his career, Gervin was known for his remarkable scoring ability, which earned him multiple NBA scoring titles. He led the NBA in scoring for three consecutive years from 1978 to 1980 and again in 1982, and he finished his career with an average of 26.2 points per game. His ability to consistently score was a key factor in the success of the San Antonio Spurs during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Despite never winning an NBA championship, Gervin’s contributions to the game were significant, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and one of the 75 greatest players in 2021, cementing his place as a basketball icon. His #44 jersey was retired by the San Antonio Spurs in recognition of his achievements with the team.
Off the court, Gervin’s legacy extends beyond basketball. He is known for his community involvement, particularly through the George Gervin Youth Center in San Antonio, which he founded to provide support for underprivileged children. His work in the community has had a lasting impact on the lives of many young people, and his contributions have made him a respected figure both in basketball and in social causes.
George Gervin's outstanding basketball career was recognised through numerous accolades, both during and after his playing days. His remarkable achievements on the court, particularly his scoring ability, solidified his place among the all-time greats in NBA history.
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