George Gervin
Inducted:
1996
Player Stats
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
180 lb (82 kg)
Born
April 27, 1952
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Position
Small forward
Power forward
College
Eastern Michigan (1970–1972)
George "The Iceman" Gervin was the personification of cool on a basketball court. Standing 6'7" with a lanky frame and an effortless stride, Gervin transformed scoring into an art form. He is best known for his signature finger roll, a shot he could release from nearly anywhere in the paint with a soft, hypnotic touch. Gervin was a superstar in both the ABA and the NBA, primarily with the San Antonio Spurs, where he became the franchise’s first true icon.
Gervin’s scoring prowess was historic; he is one of only three players in NBA history to win four or more scoring titles. His "Iceman" persona wasn't just about his calm demeanor; it described a player who never seemed to sweat, even while dropping 63 points in a single game to win the 1978 scoring title in the closest race in league history. He shot over 50% for his career despite being a perimeter-oriented player. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.
Gervin's Awards and Records
- 3× ABA All-Star (1974–1976)
- 2× All-ABA Second Team (1975, 1976)
- ABA All-Rookie First Team (1973)
- 44 Jersey Retired by the San Antonio Spurs
- ABA All-Time Team
NBA Records
- NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
- 9× NBA All-Star (1977–1985)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1980)
- 5× All-NBA First Team (1978–1982)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (1977, 1983)
- 4× NBA scoring champion (1978–1980, 1982)
NBA Teams
Virginia Squires (1973–1974)
San Antonio Spurs (1974–1985)
Chicago Bulls (1985–1986)
NBA Draft
1974: 3rd round, 40th overall pick
Phoenix Suns
Number Worn
44, 8
NBA Stats
Season:
14 (1972-1986)
Games Played:
1,060
Points:
26,595 (25.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
5,602 (5.3 rpg)
Assists:
2,798 (2.6 apg)
Field Goal %:
50.4%
Free Throw %:
84.1%
Scoring Titles:
4 (1978, 1979, 1980, 1982)
All-Star Selections:
12 (9 NBA, 3 ABA)
All-NBA First Team:
5 (1978–1982)