Chapter 20 The First Pot

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The game between the Trail Blazers and the 76ers on November 14 had a special significance.

This would be Dr. J, Julius Erving's last time to set foot on the floor of the Portland Memorial Coliseum to play a game.

At the season opener's post-game press conference, Erving announced that the 1986-1987 season would be the last of his long basketball career.

Having begun in the ABA in 1971, Erving had battled on the court for 16 years. "Looking back at everything, the last thing I think about is boredom."

Erving said this at the post-game press conference, his voice betraying fatigue. After last year's playoffs loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Erving knew the era of the 76ers in the Eastern had ended.

Last season, his average points per game dropped below 20 for the first time, and his shooting percentage also hit an all-time low. At 35, his influence on the game was at its lowest.