American · Detroit, Michigan · Born 27 April 1952The Iceman — four-time ABA/NBA scoring champion whose finger roll was the most elegant individual shot in basketball history.
George Gervin was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1952. He entered professional basketball through the ABA, playing for the Virginia Squires before the San Antonio Spurs acquired him in 1974. His combined ABA and NBA career produced 26.2 points per game and nine All-Star appearances. He won the NBA scoring title four times (1978, 1979, 1980, 1982) — trailing only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan for the most scoring titles. His most famous moment came on the final day of the 1977-78 season when he needed to score 59 points to overtake David Thompson for the scoring title — he scored 63 in the game, securing the title. His nickname the Iceman came from his cool, languid playing style — he seemed to glide rather than run and showed no outward emotion. His finger roll — a gentle spinning shot that kissed the backboard at an almost impossible angle — became his signature and is considered the most aesthetically pleasing individual shot in basketball history. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team. The San Antonio Spurs retired his number 44.
Finger roll shot and prolific scoring ability
How They Played
Smooth, effortless scorer with signature finger roll layup
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest scorers in basketball history, known as 'The Iceman'
Career Honours
- ABA/NBA Scoring Champion 4x
- All-Star 9x
- ABA Champion (1974)
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Squires | 1972–1974 | 158 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 1974–1985 | 791 |
| Chicago Bulls | 1985–1986 | 82 |
American Athletes