Doc Rivers is dropping the nickname while coaching in Philadelphia

As a sign of respect for Julius Erving, new Philadelphia 76ers head coach Glenn ‘Doc’ Rivers said he won’t be going by Doc anymore.

There’s no question Doc Rivers is one of the most talented and respected coaches to ever don a shirt and tie on an NBA sideline. The veteran head coach has now made his way to Philadelphia, where he’s about to prepare for his first campaign leading the 76ers.

However, there’s going to be a massive change for Rivers this upcoming season on a personal level. That’s because as a showing of respect for team legend Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving, Rivers announced that he’ll be going by Glenn moving forward and won’t be using his Doc nickname.

Glenn ‘Doc’ Rivers understands the incredible history of the Philadelphia 76ers

This latest decision by Rivers, who has been called Doc for years, just goes to show the incredible amount of respect he has for Erving and the 76ers history. No one can argue Dr. J is one of the best to ever play in the NBA, and he’s no question a legend in the City of Brotherly Love.

Erving spent all 11 of his NBA seasons in Philadelphia, averaging 22 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest. His finest season came in 1979-80, where he averaged 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per showing. He’ll always be loved in Philly, which is exactly why Rivers wants to honor him by dropping his nickname.

While it might be weird calling Rivers by Glenn at first, this is his wish as a tribute to Erving. Right now, 76ers fans surely won’t care about this decision from Rivers. What they will care about is the veteran head coaching helping this young team get back on track and in a position to go on a deep postseason run.