NBA's Greatest Players in History: Julius Erving

• 11-time NBA All-Star and 5-time ABA All-Star
• NBA champion with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983
• One of the first players to popularise above-the-rim play and acrobatic dunks
• Member of the 75th Anniversary Team

Julius "Dr. J" Erving was a revolutionary player who transcended the sport, bringing unparalleled artistry and athleticism to basketball while bridging the ABA and NBA eras.

Overview

Julius Erving, widely known as "Dr. J", was one of the most influential and electrifying players in basketball history. His high-flying, acrobatic style of play captivated audiences and helped usher in a new era of above-the-rim basketball. Erving's career spanned both the ABA and NBA, where he showcased his incredible talents and became one of the sport's first true superstars.

Career snapshot

Erving's professional career began in 1971 with the Virginia Squires of the ABA. He quickly established himself as the league's premier player, winning two championships with the New York Nets before the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. Upon joining the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, Erving continued his dominance, leading the team to an NBA championship in 1983 and earning 11 consecutive All-Star selections.

Playing style

Dr. J revolutionised basketball with his aerial acrobatics and graceful play. His ability to soar through the air, palming the ball in one hand before unleashing thunderous dunks, was unlike anything the sport had seen before. Erving's creativity and flair made him a fan favourite and inspired a generation of players to push the boundaries of what was possible on the court.

Why Julius Erving is on our list

Julius Erving's impact on basketball extends far beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He was a cultural icon who helped popularise the sport during a crucial period of growth. Erving's style of play not only entertained fans but also influenced the evolution of the game itself. His legacy as an ambassador for basketball and his role in bridging the gap between the ABA and NBA make him one of the most important figures in the sport's history.

Five Fast Facts

1. Erving won the ABA Slam Dunk contest in 1976, helping to popularise the event
2. He is the only player to be voted MVP in both the ABA (3 times) and NBA (1981)
3. Erving's iconic free-throw line dunk in the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk contest is still considered one of the greatest dunks of all time
4. He scored 30,026 points in his combined ABA/NBA career, ranking him third all-time upon his retirement
5. Erving was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993

Career Highlights Timeline

1971: Begins professional career with the Virginia Squires in the ABA

1973: Leads the New York Nets to their first ABA championship

1974: Wins second ABA MVP award and leads Nets to another championship

1976: Joins the Philadelphia 76ers following the ABA-NBA merger

1977: Makes first NBA All-Star appearance and leads 76ers to NBA Finals

1980: Executes his famous baseline move against the Lakers in the NBA Finals

1981: Wins NBA Most Valuable Player award

1983: Leads Philadelphia 76ers to NBA championship

1987: Retires from professional basketball after 16 seasons

Julius Erving's impact on basketball was transformative. His aerial artistry and charismatic presence helped elevate the sport to new heights of popularity. As one of the first players to truly play "above the rim", Erving changed the way the game was played and perceived. His ability to excite crowds with his spectacular dunks and acrobatic moves made him a marquee attraction and helped the NBA grow its fanbase significantly during the 1970s and 1980s.

Erving's influence extended beyond his on-court performances. He was known for his professionalism, articulate nature, and dignified demeanour, serving as an excellent ambassador for the sport. His crossover appeal helped basketball reach new audiences and contributed to the NBA's rising profile in popular culture.

The "Baseline Move" against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980 NBA Finals perhaps best encapsulates Erving's unique abilities. Starting from behind the backboard, he glided along the baseline, extending his arm and hanging in the air seemingly impossibly long before scooping the ball under the backboard and in for a reverse layup. This play, often referred to simply as "The Move", is considered one of the greatest in NBA history and exemplifies the artistry and athleticism that made Dr. J a legend.

Erving's legacy is evident in the players who followed him. Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and countless others cite Dr. J as a primary influence on their style of play. The emphasis on spectacular dunks and athletic finishing moves that became a hallmark of the NBA in the 1980s and beyond can be traced directly back to Erving's pioneering efforts.

While his statistical achievements are impressive – including over 30,000 combined ABA/NBA points – it's Erving's role in shaping the modern game that cements his place among basketball's most dominant and influential figures. He didn't just excel within the existing framework of basketball; he expanded the very possibilities of what could be done on a court.

In conclusion, Julius Erving's combination of otherworldly athleticism, creative genius, and dignified professionalism make him one of the most dominant and important players in basketball history. His influence on the sport, both in terms of playing style and cultural impact, continues to resonate decades after his retirement, solidifying his status as a true legend of the game.

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