During his time with the Squires, Irvine played alongside some of the ABA's most talented players, including Julius Erving. His role on the team was primarily as a forward, where he contributed both offensively and defensively. Irvine's playing style was characterized by his solid shooting ability and his understanding of the game, which allowed him to be an effective team player.
After the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, Irvine transitioned to the NBA, continuing to play for the Virginia Squires until the team folded. He then joined the Denver Nuggets, where he played for a brief period before retiring from professional basketball as a player.
Following his playing career, Irvine shifted his focus to coaching. He began as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, where he gained valuable experience and insight into the coaching side of the game. His coaching career progressed as he took on various roles with different teams, including the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons.
Irvine's tenure with the Indiana Pacers was particularly noteworthy. He served as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach in the late 1980s. Under his leadership, the Pacers developed a competitive edge, and Irvine was recognized for his ability to guide and develop players. His coaching style emphasized teamwork and discipline, which helped the Pacers improve their performance during his time at the helm.
Later, Irvine joined the Detroit Pistons as an assistant coach and eventually became the head coach. His time with the Pistons was marked by his efforts to rebuild and strengthen the team. Although the Pistons faced challenges during his tenure, Irvine's experience and knowledge of the game were valuable assets to the organization.
Throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, Irvine was known for his understanding of basketball and his ability to connect with players. His transition from the ABA to the NBA and then to coaching demonstrated his adaptability and deep-rooted knowledge of the sport.
George Irvine's career in basketball spanned several decades, during which he experienced the game from multiple perspectives.
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