In 1972, Erving became eligible for the NBA draft and with the 12th pick, the Milwaukee Bucks selected him. Erving quickly became one of the best players in the entire league. The ABA had a “hardship” rule that allowed a player to leave college early - back then the NBA required players to attend college for four years - and Erving left the University of Massachusetts after his junior year and signed a contract with the Virginia Squires. Julius Erving started his professional basketball career as a member of the ABA. This selection might be one of the all-time greatest “what if” moments in the history of the NBA. Julius Erving 1972 NBA Draft, Milwaukee Bucks The Sixers are also reported to have given the Nets three million dollars for Erving. Erving had been playing for the New York Nets. (Original Caption) A smiling Julius Erving greets newsmen here 10/21 after he signed a 3.5 million dollar contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
