Philadelphia 76ers buy Julius Erving’s memorabilia: NBA News
Former Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving continues to score big even years after his retirement.
This time however, it is not in some NBA court where he ruled for nearly two decades.
The Hall of Famer had announced last month that he will be selling his memorabilia from his famed basketball career through an auction and according to the latest reports; his personal collection which included more than 140 items has been sold for a record 3.5 million dollars.
Some of the biggest purchases include Erving’s ABA Championship ring with the New Jersey Nets which was sold for $460,471, the championship rings with the Philadelphia 76ers for $244,240, the 1983 All-star game MVP Trophy for $115,242 and his jersey from the final game of the career at $88,826.
The officials of Philadelphia 76ers also participated in the auction and ensured some of the most memorable items return to the city where Julius earned the recognition as an NBA superstar. The Chief Executive of Sixers Adam Aron, later declared that the NBA franchise has purchased 18 basketball items and the team plans to put the memorabilia on display in Philadelphia’s arena.
According to Aron, the major motive behind buying Erving’s personal collection was to let him know that the team still cares about him and want Erving to re-join the organization.
"We'd like to bring Dr. J back to Philadelphia. He's only one of the greatest 76ers of all time. We'd love to see Julius Erving have a connection with the 76ers in some shape or fashion. I don't know what, exactly. "We want him to know that the Sixers care about him in every dimension. We spent some real money. We'll have some fun Dr. J things to show our fans and our players. “Adam said.
The chief executive of the Sixers said that the management of the team has promised to strengthen the connection from their past. And for that, the franchise is contacting former superstars to join the organization and continue to serve the team.
“We've been reaching out to a lot of our former Sixers players because we'd like to build a bit of a family here where, once you're a 76er, you're always a 76er,".
This just might prove to be the start that the Sixers need to establish themselves as genuine contenders.
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