Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving was hospitalised on Friday night after he became sick while attending a 76ers game in Philadelphia.
A statement released by the 76ers said the former player known as “Dr. J” was expected to be released from the hospital after being evaluated.
Erving’s management team issued a similar statement on his Twitter account.
Erving, 67, rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell replica prior to the 76ers’ 114-78 rout of the Detroit Pistons.
Yahoo Sports reported that he became ill in a suite at Wells Fargo Center and subsequently was taken from the arena in a wheelchair.
Erving spent the final 11 seasons of his career with the 76ers, from 1976-77 to 1986-87, winning an NBA championship in 1982-83.
He also captured ABA titles with the New York Nets in 1973-74 and 1975-76. He began his career with the ABA’s Virginia Squires.
In 16 seasons between the ABA and the NBA, Erving averaged 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
He was an All-Star in each of his seasons, and he won three ABA MVP awards and the NBA MVP award in 1980-81.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Erving still ranks seventh in career points as a pro player, including totals from both leagues.