George Gervin Then and Now

By / July 9, 2024

George Gervin Then

George Gervin was born on April 27, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan. From a young age, Gervin displayed a natural talent for basketball, which he honed while growing up in the tough neighborhoods of Detroit.

He initially committed to play college basketball at California State College, Long Beach (now California State University, Long Beach), but his desire to stay close to home led him to transfer to Eastern Michigan University. 

Gervin’s collegiate career was cut short when he was dismissed from the team due to poor performance on an eligibility exam. 

This setback didn’t deter him; instead, he played in the Eastern Basketball Association, which paved the way for a tryout with the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association (ABA). 

It was during his time with the Squires that Gervin’s talent began to shine, setting the stage for his remarkable professional career.

george gervin young
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George Gervin Career History

George Gervin’s professional basketball career began with the Virginia Squires of the ABA, where he quickly earned the nickname “The Iceman” for his cool and composed playing style. 

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Despite the financial instability of the Squires, Gervin’s performance caught the attention of the San Antonio Spurs, to whom he was traded.

With the Spurs, Gervin became the face of the franchise and one of the ABA’s standout performers, known particularly for his signature move, the finger roll.

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After the 1976 ABA-NBA merger, Gervin continued his dominance in the NBA, leading the league in scoring average for multiple seasons.

His battles for scoring titles, notably with David Thompson, highlighted his scoring prowess. 

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Gervin remained with the Spurs until 1985, had a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls, and eventually played overseas and in the Continental Basketball Association before retiring in 1990.

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His illustrious career was crowned with an induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996, cementing his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats.

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George Gervin Height

George Gervin, standing at an impressive height of 2.01 meters (6 feet 7 inches), used his towering presence and exceptional skills to dominate the basketball court, earning him a place among the greatest guards in the history of the sport.

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George Gervin Retirement

George Gervin’s illustrious basketball career spanned several stages, beginning with his tenure as a cornerstone player for the San Antonio Spurs until 1985. 

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During his time with the Spurs, Gervin solidified his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier scorers, known for his smooth shooting touch and signature finger roll.

After leaving the Spurs, Gervin briefly joined the Chicago Bulls for one season before continuing his playing career overseas and in the Continental Basketball Association. 

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Despite retiring from the NBA in 1986, Gervin remained active in basketball, showcasing his skills in various leagues until his retirement in 1990.

His remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996, a fitting tribute to his lasting impact on basketball history.

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George Gervin Wife

In 1976, George Gervin married Joyce King, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his personal life. 

Their marriage endured ups and downs, including a divorce in 1984, followed by a reconciliation that led to their remarriage in 1985.

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Throughout their relationship, the couple has shared the joys and challenges of raising three children together. 

Despite the difficulties they faced, their commitment to each other ultimately prevailed, underscoring their bond and resilience as a family unit.

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George Gervin Now

george gervin age
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George Gervin, currently 72 years old, is a distinguished American former professional basketball player who left an indelible mark on both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

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Known for his silky-smooth playing style and prolific scoring ability, Gervin began his career with the Virginia Squires in the ABA, where he quickly earned the nickname “The Iceman” for his cool demeanor under pressure.

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His tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, which spanned from the ABA through the NBA merger and into the early years of the NBA, solidified his legacy as one of the game’s greatest guards. 

Gervin’s career highlights include multiple scoring titles and seven NBA All-Star selections, showcasing his consistent dominance on the court.

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After a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls, Gervin concluded his playing career overseas and in the Continental Basketball Association, retiring in 1990. 

Today, he is revered not only for his basketball prowess but also for his contributions to the sport’s history and his enduring influence on future generations of players.

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George Gervin Neth Worth

George Gervin, the esteemed American former professional basketball player, has accumulated a net worth of $4 million, reflecting his successful career in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he achieved acclaim for his scoring prowess and smooth playing style.

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FAQs

What was George Gervin known for?

George Gervin was known for his exceptional scoring ability, particularly his trademark move, the finger roll.

His smooth playing style and consistent scoring made him one of the most prolific guards in basketball history.

How many rings does George Gervin have?

George Gervin won zero NBA championships during his career.

Did George Gervin play with Jordan?

George Gervin did not play with Michael Jordan in the NBA. Gervin retired in 1986, and Jordan began his NBA career in 1984.

Who invented the finger roll?

The finger roll is credited to George Gervin. He popularized this underhand shooting technique, characterized by rolling the ball off the fingertips near the basket, showcasing both finesse and accuracy.

What does George Gervin do now?

George Gervin is involved in various charitable activities and occasionally makes appearances at NBA events.

He also enjoys spending time with his family and remains connected to the basketball community.

What year did George Gervin retire?

George Gervin retired from professional basketball in 1990.

How did George Gervin get his nickname?

George Gervin earned the nickname “The Iceman” early in his career due to his calm demeanor and unflappable playing style on the court.

His ability to stay composed under pressure, combined with his smooth scoring touch, led to the association with being “ice-cold” in clutch situations.

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