Few names in the world of basketball inspire as much reverence and respect as Kyrie Irving and Julius Erving. While Kyrie Irving has wowed fans with his incredible skills since joining the NBA in 2011, Julius Erving, also referred to as “Dr. J,” was a revolutionary figure in the sport during the 1970s and 80s.

Considering their similar last names and notable contributions to the game, many wonder; are Kyrie Irving and Julius Erving related? The Mavs guard had even amplified the connection in 2020, stating, “I’m just saying. Erving. Irving,” speaking of how the last time someone with a last name similar to his own led the Nets, they had bagged a championship. So here’s what you need to know.

Julius Erving’s family

“Dr. J,” Julius Winfield Erving II, was born in East Meadow, New York, on February 22, 1950. Erving, born and raised in Roosevelt, New York, went to Roosevelt High School before his stint at the University of Massachusetts. He later married Turquoise Erving in 1972 and went on to have four children together. One of them, unfortunately, tragically passed away in a drowning accident in 2000. However, nothing much is known about the rest, except that they are all married and in their 40s.

Apart from the four children, Julius also has a daughter he co-parents with sportswriter Samantha Stevenson – Alexandra Stevenson, born in 1980. Stevenson made a name for herself in the world of tennis, qualifying for many US Opens and was even a semi-finalist for the Wimbledon. Julius Erving’s fatherhood wasn’t made public until Alexandra became well-known for her tennis career and only connected upon disclosure in 2008. The same year, he married his now-wife Dorys Madden, with whom he has three children. Julius never forced his 8 children into playing basketball. But he did have a sharp eye out for talent.

It was only in 2017 that Julius notably expressed his marvel at Kyrie, who was only a young star back then. He said, “He’s very humble, yet very determined and focused and very talented. I think he has proven in a short period of time that he’s smart, he’s articulate and he’s the type of leader who is worthy of having followers. He’s the type of inspirational talent who is worthy of having fans.” This incredible talent was raised thousands of miles away from Julius’ hometown.

Kyrie Irving’s family

Kyrie Andrew Irving was born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia, to Drederick and Elizabeth Irving. Drederick, his father, moved to Australia to pursue a career in basketball after graduating from Boston University. Before moving to the States with his family, Kyrie was born and raised in Melbourne for the first two years of his childhood. He thus has dual citizenship. Kyrie’s mother was Lakota and African American, who passed away when he was four years old. His father raised him with his aunts and gave him a passion for basketball at a young age. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Kyrie first overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, a testament to his talent. 

Irving has three children; one with his ex-girlfriend and two with his wife, Marlene Wilkerson. The couple reportedly started dating in 2018 and has always kept private about their life. Two years ago, in a rare social media sighting, fans saw Kyrie wish his wife on her birthday. “I love you and I am eternally grateful we get to spend our lives together. You have taught me so much about Balance, Love, Trust, Community and Forgiveness,” he wrote.

Wilkerson shows up for all of Kyrie’s game to show support for her husband and even seems to have an affectionate dynamic with Kyrie’s teammate and good friend Luka Doncic. An entrepreneur and YouTuber, Wilkinson and Kyrie’s children will turn 4 and 3 years old this year.

Despite having no common family history, Julius Erving and Kyrie Irving are linked by their enormous accomplishments to basketball. Due to his exceptional skill set and leadership, Kyrie has been compared to sports luminaries like Dr. J. The remarkable careers of athletes such as Kyrie Irving and Julius Erving will sure serve as a source of inspiration.