Erving vs. Dantley

Julius Erving vs. Adrian Dantley

'Dr.J'

Julius Erving is an idolized figure in the basketball world, as one of the greatest small forwards of all time. Dr. J, as he was most commonly known in his playing days, revolutionized the dunk and contributed to NBA history with high flying acrobatic layups. Adrian Dantley, the lesser known star of the Erving’s 1980s era, is considered to be one of the best scorers of all-time.

Erving has career statistical averages of 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html)

He also has a great list of accomplishments having been awarded the MVP in 1981, he’s also an 11x All-Star, NBA Hall of Famer and is credited with creation of trick shots and poster dunk.(http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html)

Erving performing his signature dunk on Larry Bird. (http://www.thesportsfanjournal.com/dr-j-larry-bird/)

Erving’s spectacular abilities created a lore that is often discussed by basketball fans today. Within this lore the players of his era are overshadowed by Erving’s iconic plays, players including drain Dantley. 

Erving performing his signature dunk on Larry Bird. (http://www.thesportsfanjournal.com/dr-j-larry-bird/)

Enter: Adrian Dantley  

Dantley the lesser known of the pair, was a player who could work in any system of play. His statistical career averages are 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1 steal and 0.2 blocks per game. Dantley’s stats paints the picture of a great scorer. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dantlad01.html) Dantley was a six-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year and like Erving, is also an NBA Hall of Famer. 

Dantley driving to the hoop (http://clutchpoints.com/adrian-dantley-spends-retirement-being-a-referee/

The Matchup

While the lore around Erving’s name suggest him as a man, the myth and the legend, the stats show differently. Here are their two best statistical seasons. 

Erving — 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.8 blocks and 51 field goal percentage. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dantlad01.html)

Not that bad right, but what about Dantley. 

Dantley — 30.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.2 blocks and 55 field goal percentage. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ervinju01.html)

The Result

Dantley’s efficiency, even while scoring more points, brings him over the top as the better offensive player, a statistical category Dr. J specialized in. In conclusion, don’t always believe the hype around players.