How Atlanta Hawks signed Julius Erving for a five year contract only to be drafted by to the Milwaukee Bucks…..

## Julius Erving: The Unconventional Journey to NBA Stardom

The early 1970s were a time of great upheaval and excitement in professional basketball. Amidst this backdrop, Julius Erving, known universally as “Dr. J,” embarked on a unique journey that saw him signed by the Atlanta Hawks, only to be drafted soon after by the Milwaukee Bucks. This period in Erving’s career is a fascinating chapter, highlighting the complexities and tensions of the basketball world at the time.

In 1972, Julius Erving was already making a name for himself as a phenomenal talent. After a stellar college career at the University of Massachusetts and a dominant season in the ABA with the Virginia Squires, NBA teams were eager to bring his extraordinary skills to their rosters. The Atlanta Hawks saw an opportunity and signed Erving to a contract. The Hawks hoped that Erving’s high-flying style and scoring prowess would transform their fortunes and make them a formidable contender.

However, this signing was not without controversy. The NBA rules at the time dictated that players still under contract with ABA teams were not eligible to sign with NBA teams without a proper release. The Virginia Squires, Erving’s ABA team, had not released him, leading to a legal dispute over his professional rights.

Amid the chaos, the Milwaukee Bucks entered the scene. Despite Erving’s existing contract with the Squires and the signing with the Hawks, the Bucks selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 1972 NBA Draft. This bold move by the Bucks added another layer of complexity to Erving’s already tangled professional situation.

The conflicting claims over Erving’s rights led to intense legal battles. The Squires sought to retain their star player, while the Hawks and Bucks each believed they had legitimate claims to his services. The courts ultimately ruled that Erving had to fulfill his contract with the Squires, effectively nullifying his contracts with both the Hawks and the Bucks. This decision was a significant blow to both NBA teams, who had hoped to capitalize on Erving’s electrifying talent.

Despite the legal turmoil, Erving continued to shine in the ABA, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting and dominant players in the league. His time with the Squires and later the New York Nets saw him win multiple MVP awards and lead the Nets to two ABA championships. Erving’s aerial artistry and scoring ability captivated fans and set new standards for forward play.

In 1976, following the ABA-NBA merger, Erving’s rights were acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers paid a significant sum to bring Dr. J into the NBA, and Erving quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. His arrival in Philadelphia marked the beginning of a new era, and he led the team to an NBA championship in 1983.

### Legacy and Impact

Julius Erving’s journey from being signed by the Atlanta Hawks to being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, and eventually becoming an NBA legend, underscores the complexities and challenges of professional basketball during that era. Despite the legal battles and contractual disputes, Erving’s talent and determination shone through, allowing him to leave an indelible mark on the sport.

Erving’s story is a testament to his resilience and the high regard in which he was held by multiple franchises. His eventual success with the 76ers cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history, a pioneer who helped bridge the gap between the ABA and NBA, and a global ambassador for the gam

The early career of Julius Erving is a fascinating tale of talent, ambition, and legal wrangling. From being signed by the Atlanta Hawks to being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, Erving navigated a tumultuous landscape with grace and skill. His subsequent achievements in the ABA and NBA have ensured that his legacy as Dr. J remains one of the most celebrated in basketball history.