San Antonio Spurs legend George Gervin poses with his iconic Nike poster at the George Gervin Academy on Dec. 16, 2021.
Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer
George Gervin puts up a shot using his signature finger roll move in this undated file photo. Gervin, a five-time All-NBA First Team member, retired in 1986. On Dec. 5, 1987, the Spurs retired his No. 44 jersey. In 1996, Gervin was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
EXPRESS-NEWS FILE PHOTO
While legions of San Antonio Spurs fans are boisterously and loudly celebrating their team during its current run through the NBA playoffs, there’s one staunch supporter who holds a calm, silent vigil during their games: Spurs legend George “Iceman” Gervin.
Gervin watches the action on his big screen TV, sitting in his big chair, calmly analyzing plays from the perspective of a seasoned NBA veteran.
Article continues below this ad
He sees big possibilities for the current team, which features 22-year-old superstar Victor Wembanyama.
Gervin said the Spurs’ return to being an NBA championship contender is a testament to the entire organization. He credited Spurs coach Mitch Johnson for installing a system that “works with the talent he has on the floor.”
“These guys are playing hand in hand with each other and that’s what it takes to get where they are today,” Gervin said. “It looks good to see these youngsters playing like they’re playing.”
‘We had our turn’
A day after the Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 to take a 3-2 lead in the teams’ playoff series, Gervin reflected on the Spurs playoff run, his career and how the game has evolved.
Article continues below this ad
Originally from Detroit, Gervin began his professional basketball career in 1973 with the Virginia Squires of the old American Basketball Association. Because of his cool manner, Fatty Taylor, a Squires teammate, nicknamed him Iceman, after “Iceberg Slim,” a Chicago pimp who wrote a memoir about his days hustling on the street. The nickname grew to represent Gervin’s calm against defenders and during high-pressure moments during games.
Gervin played for the Spurs from 1974 to 1985. He was known for his signature finger roll move. Some fans said he could make the shot from half court. He’s also known for the iconic 1978 Nike poster of him sitting on a throne made of blocks of ice, palming two silver basketballs that match his silver tracksuit with “Ice” embroidered over his heart.
The NBA has called Gervin “one of the greatest scoring guards.” Highlights of his career include scoring 63 points in a single game, a career scoring average of 26.2 points per game and an All Star Game MVP award.
Article continues below this ad
Gervin, a five-time All-NBA First Team member, retired in 1986. On Dec. 5, 1987, the Spurs retired his No. 44 jersey. In 1996, Gervin was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Gervin said the game has evolved but it’s still a joy to watch. He said players in his era didn’t have the same opportunity to take an extra step or get a referee’s call for a defender putting hands on them.
“We had our turn,” Gervin said. “The game has changed for these guys to play a certain way. I don’t have a beef with that. You still have to play and put the ball in the hole.”
‘In love with the game’
Gervin said he’s proud to be an alumnus of the franchise that’s included hall of fame players like Davis Robinson, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli.
Article continues below this ad
He’s also proud of the team’s current roster and its young star, Wembanyama.
Watching Wembanyama block shots and sink baskets, it sometimes seems as if the young star has “tentacles like an octopus,” Gervin said.
When asked if he sees any of his moves in Wembanyama’s arsenal, Gervin said he’d be the last one to say it, but he’s glimpsed moments when Wemby has pulled up for a mid-range jumper or attacked the basket that remind him of himself.
Most of all, Gervin said he’s impressed with Wembanyama’s attitude and character, and how he appreciates the game.
Article continues below this ad
“You could tell that he more than loves the game. He’s in love with the game,” Gervin said. “We’ve never seen anything like him.”
“I’m proud of him,” Gervin said. “And I know where it comes from, it has to be how he was raised. You have to give them their flowers because they raised a beautiful young man.”
Gervin was watching when Wembanyama was ejected in Game 4 of the Spurs’ playoff series against the Timberwolves for hitting Minnesota player Naz Reid with a high elbow. Gervin said he looked at the elbowing incident from all different angles.
“It wasn’t a malicious attack,” Gervin said. “It was just a reaction. His greatness is undoubtedly his strength and can’t nobody stop that kid but himself. That’s the beauty of it.”
Article continues below this ad
The Spurs veteran had a message for Wembanyama: Stay humble, keep making good decisions and never stop being in love with the game.
“And it’ll be a beautiful sport for you,” Gervin said, “for a long time to come.”
‘It’s something special’
Gervin said from his beginning as a Spur, he knew the team was part of a great city. Many players choose to stay here when they hang up their jerseys, he said.
Article continues below this ad
Gervin has worked to give back to San Antonio. Thirty years ago, he and his sister Barbara Gervin Hawkins co-founded the George Gervin Academy, a first-generation charter school from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. In February, the veteran’s legacy was furthered when the boys varsity basketball team, the Coyotes, won the 2026 Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League championship.
Gervin said he’s thankful to have been part of San Antonio and of the Spurs franchise, which still treats him like family.
“This is a great place to play,” he said. “The fan base is unbelievable. The franchise has always been owned by locals. They bought into what the Spurs are to the city and it’s something special.”
Article continues below this ad