Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving's “Doctor J” moniker is one of the most famous and identifiable nicknames in sports. Of course, a new “Doc” is coming to the Sixers next season after Philly hired Doc Rivers to be the team's new head coach.
Erving could not be more excited Rivers is the new head coach of the Sixers, and he told NBA.com's Lauren Rosen he is more than fine with there being two “Docs” in town:
“I fell out of my chair! I was like, ‘Whoa! Man, that’s awesome,’” Erving said. “I am amped – absolutely – that he is the coach of the Sixers.”
The next question, naturally, was about nicknames.
Could there be room for two “Docs” in Sixers territory?
Doctor J’s answer was simple:
“I’m very cool with that. Very cool.”
But, ever the realist, Erving also made sure to point out the subtleties with the nickname.
The man who really popularized the slam dunk brought up the fact Doc's real name is Glenn, and said the two should be identified by “Doc J” and “Doc G” so as to differentiate going forward.
“The fact that I became ‘Doctor J,' and he’s ‘Doctor G' – ‘Doctor Glenn' – that’s how we’re going to have to do it in Philadelphia,” Erving said, via Rosen.
“You know, there were a lot of ‘Docs' before me. Let’s keep the J out there, and let’s keep the G out there, because there are so many ‘Docs' throughout the world, and we’ve got to give them their props too.”
Erving could probably care less what the public calls Rivers if he can lead the Sixers to an NBA title.
In fact, Philadelphia has not won an NBA title since the 1982-83 season, when Erving was an aging vet–albeit still a 20-point scorer and very productive player–in the later stages of his career.
“Doctor J” will be hoping Rivers can revitalize a franchise desperately looking to get to the next level.
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