NBA Legends On How Insanely Good Dr J Julius Erving Was

[@BTMBasketballTimeMachine]

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[@heathguillory4803]

Nice throwing some shine at the baddest man ever to lace them up,I know I witnessed it.M.j is my goat but doc was my hero.big ups bruh

[@heathguillory4803]

Btw I subscribed only cause that #10 UTEP 2step jersey,I'm bay blood to me the quickest crossover ever they named it "Killa".Tim was my guy.Run tmc was my life at the hat time as a teen.Do 1 when run DMC opened up that playoff game surprisenly like.They lost but that was epic.

[@maloney7461]

Doctor J, the first modern day Skywalker. The man stayed in the air for days. What class.

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

Connie Hawkins?

[@oldschoolruler]

Elgin Baylor, Connie Hawkins, Johnny Green, Gus Johnson, Doctor J, David Thompson, Dominique Wilkins... Doc was incredible, BUT he wasn't the first or ONLY. Those huge hands gave him a definite edge though. Finally, listening to Charles describe the Sixers he was drafted to, is this the same guy that said he didn't have any other players and that was why he never won? 😆 Please...

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

@@oldschoolruler The timing was bad for the Sixers Barkley went to. After the '83 Season, Andrew Toney would only play another 236 games over the next 5 Seasons before retiring in 1988 at 30 years of age. Doc(13th), Bobby Jones(10th) and Moses(10th) were all ABA Transplants. Great Players but Doc and Jones had "REAL MAN" Miles on them and that was Toney's last, truly healthy year. Barkley came off HARD AF right into the league and I had hope for them too, then again I was 16/17 years old and saw the handwriting on the wall when Toney couldn't recover. Lakers/Celtics/Detroit ran the table the first 6 years of his career and the it was Da' Bulls turn to tenderize the NBA. LOL! Barkley hurt his own chances by overzealous celebrating and injuring Kevin Johnson's knee when they were both in Pheonix. THAT! was his best chance.

[@dallasborn8574]

​@@oldschoolrulerDr. Dunkinstine! #35 Utah Jazz!

[@GeorgeYoung-uh5by]

Doctor was the Godfather of the dunks. And a class act. Everybody loved Doctor J

[@ekibirigeable]

He was the Greatest of All Time and conducted himself with such class!

[@DWilliam1]

I’d say Wilt was but growing up The Dr. Was a close second.

[@bradlywiebe3673]

@@DWilliam1 yup picking any one player (other than MJ) as the GOAT is a tough one and open to debate... Bill Russel anybody?

[@pennywiser9607]

@@bradlywiebe3673 in his era definitely It's an era thing, period. No one is the best of all time of all eras, that's just impossible

[@Willetkick]

That's right!!!

[@steveswangler6373]

@@bradlywiebe3673 there is no question who the greatest of all time is, Wilt Chamberlain. look up the record books. not team stuff. jordan didnt win crap until he had great players around him the nba had to change the rules for Chamberlain becuase no one could stop him, they tried to make it tougher for him. they changed the rules for jordan because he couldn't play within them.

[@duanemiddleton9162]

Dr. J captured my generation's imagination! He was out of this world.

[@Mike-yg8ig]

The Doc...wow. He was the man, when he was on the floor it was almost like everyone else was invisible. Baryshnikov with a basketball, cooler than the other side of the pillow. I started watching the Knicks on channel 9 in '66. So i'd seen some players. The Doc came into the picture and turned everything upside down. He was Sly, James Brown, funk on the court from Rucker Park. The style, the fro, the physical ability, no one could match him. There are some things that stand out, make our lives better. Julius Erving was one of those things. Thanks for all you gave us Doc.

[@vakp799]

I just love how friendly and full of respect Bill Walton always talks about other players. Such a underrated player in his days.

[@vernonleewarren280]

Agreed. I miss him calling games

[@Eagle7433]

He was definitely not underrated during his time. He played when big men ruled the game. It was well understood what kind of a beast he was.

[@vakp799]

@@Eagle7433 maybe i said it wrong. Basketball fans from this era don't understand how good Walton was in his prime.

[@Eagle7433]

@@vakp799 You're right. Absolutely agree with that.

[@joshtaylor4893]

For sure, could have been even greater than he was if not for that foot problem

[@basicbreakfast]

Dr. J CARRIED the NBA in the late 70’s until Magic and Larry showed up. They don’t come any more OG than Doc. He was the class of the league

[@richdouglas2311]

Carried the ABA, too.

[@jmad627]

@@richdouglas2311 he was the ABA.

[@richdouglas2311]

@@jmad627 No argument there.

[@dougjones7609]

I remember when the 76 ers were coming to town the tickets were sold out because of the Dr, he packed the arenas across the country, to see this spectacular player

[@brucescott4261]

@basicbreakfast ...Doc passed the torch to Magic and Larry after 1984.

[@carymiller2403]

Before there was Michael. Before there was Lebron. Before there was Kobe. There was the doctor. Fluid strength. Ballet on the court. My father who was 61 in 1977 and was watching Julius play remarked "I've never seen anyone do that with a basketball before". Pure talent ahead of its time. Classy guy as well.

[@elizabethmayhand3941]

I loved how he just let his play speak for itself! Doctor J didn't need to promote himself in any way shape or form. He just came out and dominated night after night. I absolutely loved the 76ers growing up.

[@oldpirate7434]

Dr J was the GOAT imo, due to the fact alot of players watch him play when they were younger and pickup alot of plays and moves which made them great. The one and only Goat period

[@kingstonban]

🎯💯

[@FloydBaldwin-v9b]

He was the best ever

[@gregallan2842]

Magic is absolutely right. The Doctor made the game beautiful.

[@fretfix1]

...and Maravich.

[@georgekaraspyros3835]

@@fretfix1 100%

[@Cynsham]

@@fretfix1 imagine if there was a 3pt line back then

[@brucescott4261]

​@@fretfix1 ...Pistol Pete also learned from the late, great Marques Oreole Haynes.

[@charlesbird781]

The Doc and his ABA brethren were the shot in the arm that the NBA needed in the late 70s. They played a style of ball that was so much more entertaining while also displaying such a higher degree of athleticism.

[@chuckkirby2708]

The mid 70's Celtics played the running game to perfection. They were ridiculously entertaining.

[@marcellkristoffauszt5444]

Doctor J was poetry in motion

[@cycleoflife565]

Grover Washington Jr composed an instrumental tune in Doc’s honor: “Let It Flow”!

[@timothywooten1884]

Nobody played like the Doctor. He was easily the most exciting player ever. Could do anything and his athletic ability was second to none.

[@michaelholden1239]

I just watched his life story. What amazes me beyond belief is what he achieved with so much class during the 60's. Think about the time and the landscape. So much against him. He was staying in black only hotels and going to black bathrooms. Vietnam, Martin Luther King. The riots. Fukkk it goes on and on. Insane what he achieved and was still the best to ever do it. He did it all with hard work dedication and talent. His work ethic was second to none. He is the God father of basketball and the goat. Without him there is no Michael Jordan. He changed the game.

[@docdee770]

He was Mike's predecessor. Dr. Jay was walking on air before there was a Michael Jordan.

[@mizzo9]

Saw him play in the ABA. Played like nobody else because of his athleticism and those huge hands. Ballet

[@dougjones7609]

@@michaelholden1239 not the 60s but the 70s

[@cornellhoward3757]

He power gripped the basketball with either hand, like it was an Orange!

[@mizzo9]

I was lucky to be a Long Island kid with ABA Nets season tickets for 3 years. Saw the Doc do amazing things and would stay and get his autograph when he left the building. He was always classy and not just sign but talk to you. BLESSED!

[@Bogie6588]

Dr. J is my all-time favorite player. He did so much more than just dunk! He had all the shots, passing skills, a strong rebounder, and a tough defender. Not to mention a great role model and one of the best of the "good guys". Cool...smooth...class.

[@Kinggem531]

I used to love the Doctor. He was like watching a highlight reel. Then His AirNess came along.

[@anthonymaniscalco7890]

I don’t think today’s generation will ever understand just how great and iconic Dr. J was When you try to tell them it almost sounds fictional

[@DLBlckwl]

And sadly it's becoming that way more and more with Jordan too. Their stories have to be kept alive I guess. Memories are short. I'm always telling people "Watch their highlights, watch their highlights."

[@Xenon-h9z]

Well, Jordan pretty much was inspirational in the same way. He was a bit smaller than Doc, but there's enough footage of him that people can get it, I think.

[@matthewmahan3212]

watching him play, even back in the ABA, he was pure poetry in motion.. windmill dunks, finger roll from the foul line... you never wanted to miss a second

[@michaelwilson5826]

Doc changed everything The game was never the same after him

[@loopnuncio1195]

DrJ is the reason I fell in Love with BBALL.. AND my 1st born , named after him..

[@BigUncZone8]

All of these Dunks was in the Game And He’s The Coolest Ever in Sports History We All Love the Doc

[@williamquinn3196]

Saw Dr J when he played for the Squires. Didn't hit a jump shot the entire game. Scored 42 points! All I can say is WOW!

[@jamesrobinson8612]

And that was before the 3 point line was implemented

[@dougjones7609]

He was unstoppable going to the rack

[@Kerry-G]

I was at the game when we (spirits, St Louis) led 26-1. Okay we lost because of the Doctor.

[@othellosson1621]

@ the Scope?

[@mickeyphillips6603]

For all of the talk about Jordan being the greatest, and he may very well be, it’s good to hear MJ talk about how great he thinks the Dr. really was. Very classy, Michael.

[@corrimahanible8165]

Mj patten his game after dr j

[@fcruzdj2]

@@corrimahanible8165, yes he did. That's what eventually inspired the AIR logo.

[@stevemd6488]

Wish there were more ABA highlights. I can't say he was the GOAT but he's in my top 5. Just an absolute joy to watch him play basketball, he took it to another level.

[@johnnysurfs]

It's always said that Magic and Bird saved the NBA. Well, without Dr. J around before them, there would have been nothing left to save.

[@Xenon-h9z]

This isn't really true. He was the ABA, but he didn't join the NBA until pretty late, and close to Magic & Larry's entrance.

[@dougjones7609]

@@Xenon-h9z1976

[@brucescott4261]

​@@Xenon-h9z ...Doc revolutionized the NBA. Magic and Larry kept the league from going under.

[@jandj144]

💯

[@oshochso]

Dr J is poetry in motion. He flew like a butterfly and stung like a bee. His hands could hit what your mind can't imagine.

[@LizziePetty]

Dr. J is the greatest basketball player of all time,give him his honors for being the best

[@oshochso]

@LizziePetty 💯%

[@TheChessViking]

Man, as an "old head" I just love your channel, your videos and your personality and your takes. Don't EVER stop man!!

[@John6-40]

Ok boomer. Just kidding bro. I'm 40. 🤣

[@markkeeler2343]

The Doctor is THE ONE who raised pro basketball to the level with the the NFL and MLB

[@thewkndexperience7053]

DR J was the MJ of his era... NBA & ABA legend and one of the all time most dominant stars to play at Rucker park...

[@FabrizioPati-i6f]

I think is the other way around, MJ was the DRJ of his era

[@TheSub-SaharanAmericanLegend]

Fair enough

[@scottdouglaswashburn7769]

There's a match up,Jordan,& Kobe,vs Dr j,& magic.

[@brucescott4261]

@thewkndexperience7053 ...DR J was not the MJ of his era, PERIOD!!!

[@USSOBRIEN]

1st NBA game I ever watched was one of Dr. J's last games, and that's what made me fall in love with basketball. Then shortly Jordan came into the league, and that made me want to play basketball. I was like 5 or 6 lol but I was mesmerized

[@BigUncZone8]

Every one wanted too Be the Dr He still has the Coldest Name Ever for a Pro Player the Coolest And the Classiest Of all Players

[@richdouglas2311]

"Should we ask him to do it again"-- Magic. One of the best quotes ever. I grew up in the '60s and '70s, always cheering for the underdog. Well, no league was ever an underdog like the ABA, but I loved them! And the best of their best? Julius Erving. Yes, they had Thompson, they had Barry, they had Cunningham, they had Gervin. Heck, they even had Connie Hawkins! But no one was like Dr. J. He not only saved the ABA long enough to merge four teams, get two other teams buy-outs, and the guys who owned St Louis the greatest TV deal ever, he then came over and saved the NBA. (Well, let's say he kept the patient alive until Bird and Magic came along a few years later.) When Julius entered the NBA, the finals weren't even broadcast live! They were on tape delay, played at 11:30pm. The league was considered too dull, too drugged, and too Black. Julius changed all of that, especially that last one. They used to say the unwritten rule regarding putting in Black players was one at home, two on the road, and three if you were behind. By the time the 1980s began, teams had no problem fielding all-Black starters, even all-Black teams. Where do you think all that acceptance came from? Well, a lot of guys, but no one as much as the Doctor. Wilt was the greatest player of all time. But Julius Erving was the most important. It's not even close.

[@jordanb9511]

Wow I would have never known that...thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@bartdrennon1764]

I hated to see my Spirits of St louis get left out in the cold at merger time. That team could have held its own in the NBA. I believe they also had the ABA rights to Moses Malone had they survived. The ABA was great fun.

[@richdouglas2311]

@@bartdrennon1764 Well, they didn't exactly get left out. The Silna brothers, who owned the team, surrendered their right to enter the NBA for a 1/7 share of the surviving ABA teams' TV money IN PERPETUITY. (About 2% of the NBA's TV money overall). At the time, the NBA's TV money was small. But then it got really big, and the Silnas made out big time. The received about $15M per year for 40 years, before finally accepting a buyout from the NBA for a much smaller slice in return for $500M. As for the team, I don't know. Their star was Marvin Barnes, and he didn't do anything in the NBA except get arrested a lot. I doubt that team would have done much for awhile. (Kinda like the Nets without the Doctor.) It was the Spurs who became a playoff team right away. But I'll give you this: some of the best dysfunctional stories coming out of the ABA--and there have been quite a few--come from the Spirits.

[@MrDJS444]

Thanks for sharing that. I knew the Doctor was hugely important and was the driving force behind the merger, but I didn’t know just how critical he was. I guess I was a bit too young back then to understand what an 11:30 tape delay meant in terms of the NBA’s (lack of) popularity at the time.

[@gt6293]

Even Michael Jordan says Dr J was the goat, wow, he was so pretty to watch in the air, like he could levitate as long as he wanted, incredible.

[@averyce2]

Like many other brothas born in the 60's & 70's, Dr. J was THE MAN!!

[@vernonleewarren280]

Absolutely!

[@clarencesimmons8580]

I'm grew up a Doctor J Fan!!!! 🏀🏀⛹🏾‍♂️

[@theesotaricitalian6338]

Dr J was barely born in the 1950s what are you talking about he surely wasn't born in the 60s or 70s in fact he missed the 1940s by less than 2 months. He was born in February of 1950

[@richdouglas2311]

@@theesotaricitalian6338 I think he was referring to himself.

[@averyce2]

@@theesotaricitalian6338 I was referring to me being born in 1971 ;-)

[@Redbaron808]

Dr. j change the game from a two dimential scoring threat (scoring from the floor) into a three dimensional scoring threat scoring in the air! This guy operated in a different dimension which was not seen back in the day!

[@gregwaters8480]

Not just one of the incredible players of all time and mentor of mine! But also an incredible human and family man with integrity for life!👍

[@damilitantone]

Back in 1972, one of my aunt's husband's brothers was over at my mother's and asked me who my favorite basketball player was, and I said Lew Alcindor (before he became Kareem). So, I asked him who was his favorite player and he said Dr. J. I was like who does he play for, and he said the Virginia Squires in the ABA. Once I started checking him out, Dr. J. became my favorite as still is to this day. Fifty-two years, wow.

[@quazicryptoking1613]

I watched him too in ABA had PFFlyer sneakers

[@damilitantone]

@@quazicryptoking1613 I rocked the PF Flyers as a kid.

[@harryabelpotter9630]

He was an excellent all around player who was also an underrated defender. In his ABA days, he would guard the best forward, whether small forward or power forward, for over 40 minutes a game, and simultaneously be the best passer, ball handler, and clutch scorer every night.

[@markhawkins3183]

Amen, we had him in Virginia with The Virginia Squires back in the early 70s watched his career ever since, we all wanted to be like DR.J !!!❤

[@CH-nl3oo]

Been to Super Bowl, World Series, Indy 500, Kentucky Derby, Final 4, Stanley Cup, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, but possibly the coolest thing I went too was a preseason game with the 76ers when they came to St Louis. Julius is an artist and the coolest dude ever.

[@juliosanjurjo5380]

Dr.J. Was incredible. He revolutionized the game. Who didn't want to be like him . Very humble and a very good role model. THANK YOU Julius Erving!!!!!

[@corrimahanible8165]

Jordan pattern his game after Dr.J...he talks about it...Dr.J was this to take off from baseline & dunk

[@BaseballCardMatt]

Thank you for doing this video......it is nice to see someone who actually realizes how great Erving truly was. I have stated this many times on so many Twitter posts calling Lebron James the best ever and I quickly point out that I have seen 6 players in my life who could do things with a basketball that were so exciting to watch and that Lebron James was never not when he was young and not now has he ever been one of those....they are Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, David Skywalker Thompson, Kobe Bryant, Dominique Wilkins, and Allen Iverson (Iverson in a different way thatthe others because he was so small yet was breathtaking)......and yes all 6 of these players in my opinion were far superior athletes than Lebron James has ever been and far superior players when it came to being able to totally dominate a game at any time they wanted to. In my opinion when talking about the greatest players all time...my list is based on the players who did things so exciting on the court that I would do anything I could just to watch them play every single chance I got. Players that did things that fans were talking about years later, players who all the kids would say they wanted to be like and players who honestly put butts in the seats for their teams owners..... I point out that regardless of total stats that total stats mean little when a guy has played more seasons than almost anyone as Lebron has and also when the guy is known by many to be a stat padder as Lebron has often been accused of being throughout his career having stayed in many games that his team was winning by large amounts in the 4th quarter just to pad his stats instead of coming out like most starters do in those situations. When it comes to breaktaking magician like plays....Lebron has never did for me what any of the guys I named could do. I have never in all his years in the NBA felt I couldnt miss a chance to watch Lebron play. He has always been a yeah he is good but so what I would rather see this guy play or that guy play instead of Lebron. I dont know he just never has had that Charisma that domination ability on both offense and defense like others had. The thing that I often remember the most about Lebron sadly when looking back on his career is not any great plays or the championships....what I remember most about Lebron is a career filled with constant flopping, constant crying and bitching at officals, and a career of constantly blaming his teammates, Coaches, and front office for his own short comings especially early in his career when he couldnt shoot outside 15 feet at all. When I think of any of the other guys I named I can tell you countless amazing things I seen them do...as if they just did it....but Lebron I can tell you that the only time he ever won anything was when he jumped on a team that either already had a superstar on it (Dwayne Wade, Kyrie Irving) or with the Lakers he couldnt even get them in the playoffs without them trading for a younger A.D. Lebron though blamed everyone for his shortcomings in Cleveland even though he couldnt hit the open jump shot in the playoffs. That was his fault. He had to learn how to win at all from Dwayne Wade a star who already had a championship before Lebron joined him. Again Lebron joined him not the other way around. Then Lebron jumped back to Cleveland where they had a new rising star in Kyrie who honestly was an ice cold killer against Golden State they year the Cavs won as no one could guard Kyrie as he made big shot after big shot to help Cleveland win those last 3 games in a row. Of course Lebron has always took full credit but honestly anyone who watched knows that Draymond had given Lebron fits all series....Kevin Love had been on a milk carton because he may as well have been missing he did nothing...but Kyrie burnt up Steph Curry who could not guard him at all and the much better defender Klay Thompson could do nothing but watch Kyrie knock down 3 after 3 right in his face. ......Young fans and the media give Lebron all the fame and fortune but Lebron has never desevered it as much as his teammates even when he was on a winner....even with Lakers...anyone who knows basketball would tell you it was A.D. who led the Lakers to that Chmpionship. Lebron while he can hit the outside shot now...no longer is as quick or athletic and he struggles on drives to the basket more than he ever did when younger and he couldnt shoot outside. Lebron can now be guarded but when he wants to apply himself no one can guard A.D.. I have always been amazed though at how many younger fans who honestly were not born until after Lebron James was already in the NBA or they were born when Lebron was in High School.....it is those fans who will say things like Jordan and Erving are not as good as Lebron because they couldnt make 3 pointers and these younger fans will say that Jordan, and Erving and Kobe Bryant so on would not be able to play in todays league at all because of the fact that players have to be able to shoot 3's well to make it in the NBA now and those guys couldnt they say.....also sadly David Skywalker Thompson who was like Erving a highlight real player and one of the very best in the 1970s in either the ABA or NBA.....todays fans will always be like who was that.....and its sad they do not know who David Thompson really is or was because there was a time he was worth the price of admission all by himself just to see the kind of things he was able to do on a basketball court.

[@aaronjohn6586]

When your peers call you 1 of the best nicknames ever, you have are among the elite on Mt Olympus of basketball.

[@theesotaricitalian6338]

That's not true lol it just means you have a badass nickname and that you are popular among fans! That's all on the court it's not gonna help you at all

[@richdouglas2311]

His peers didn't give him the nickname. He gave it to himself. He played in the Rucker League with a guy known as The Lawyer. The game announcers had struggled with what to call Erving--The Claw was one of his early handles. Then, one day, he came over to the announcers and said, "Just call me The Doctor." That very soon got shortened to Dr. J., a nickname he brought with him to the Virginia Squires when he left UMass.

[@TheBatugan77]

I saw him in that Nets uniform at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale NY. Cheap tickets, great ABA championship team. And Dr. J, a Long Island Kid!

[@cliffallstadt3981]

My dad used to take me to the Commack Arena to see Dr. J, I shook his hand and signed my ball, still have it, he was my hero, along with my dad,🙏🏽🏀

[@loyevangelists]

I was fortunate enough to be in high school when Dr J played for the 76ers. That was the team in those days, they were so much fun to watch. I used to watch them on a cable television station out of Philadelphia

[@iwantmyutube9040]

The Doctor. He really flew 😊

[@henriquepinto]

He was showtime before showtime was a thing. Kareem, Bill Russel and Wilt were all great and efficient players, but Dr J was pure entertainment.

[@vernonleewarren280]

Dr. J and Magic Johnson were my 2 favorite players in the 80's. Then came that bad man named Jordan. However Julius Erving was such a class act. Definitely the ambassador of the game until Jordan took over the league

[@gusthekat]

I agree with you. I'd only add that my top 5 include Dr. J, Magic, Michael, Bird and Hakeem. All due respect to Kareem and Bill Russel (who are in my top 10), but my top 5 spots are reserved for these gentlemen and I call them all GOAT. I just can't say that there is a single GOAT. The head of that needle must be occupied by all of these 5.

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

Oh come on no love for Bird ? You kidding me?

[@mikjord]

Dr J is the greatest NBA ambassador ever. An incredible athlete that led his career with a class unmatched to this day.

[@brucescott4261]

Vernon Lee Warren ...Jordan did not take over the NBA.

[@ikaikamaleko8370]

Yep, same here.

[@xbubelx13]

The fact that if he wasn't in the aba he would of scored over 30000 points. His stats would of been alot higher. He was of the greats for sure

[@davegrabowski6123]

DEFINITELY

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

Get real. I've watched pro basketball since 1972. Julius Erving wasn't a good enough shooter to get Wilt/Kareem totals in the NBA. Keep him out of the lane (not easy to do, I grant you) and he was only so-so.

[@dougjones2506]

Yes he was, the greatest finisher of all time couldn't be stopped going to the basket

[@xbubelx13]

@@dougjones2506 he made it look so easy as well. The underneath the basket while still floating in the air just to do a nasty reverse layup. I was like how did he just do that I believe it was against the lakers he did that too

[@John6-40]

@@daveconleyportfolio5192 Idk man. Dr J averaged 22.0 in the NBA, and that's including the downside of his career. He lost 5 years of his athletic peak to the ABA. 30k was reachable. Btw, I don't know why you think he was a terrible shooter. He shot 30% from 3 despite playing at the beginning of the 3pt line, when players didn't even practice the shot (according to Larry Bird).

[@bradlywiebe3673]

He may not have been the best, but Julius evolved the game, to the point that he was instrumental in shaping the game into a sport that was exhilarating to watch.. He brought flash and style into the sport. There have been higher scorers and players considered "better", but there has never been an NBA player that played the game with as much beauty and Grace as Dr. J.

[@ARIZJOE]

At the memorable 1970 NIT tournament (then almost on a part with the NCAA which Marquette turned down), Pat Summerall praised Julius Erving as the "next Connie Hawkins." Then he was Dr. J with the obscure Virgnia Squires. The ABA was almost never on TV. You heard about Dr. J flying through the air - but never saw him. So Doc had this mystery and myth about him. Then he comes to the NBA, and he did not disappoint. In a way, the ABA helped to create a legend.

[@bradbailey1893]

When Dr J joined the ABA in 1972, I was 11. Through jr high and high school he was, for all of us, this mythical figure we all wanted to be. The catch was we could only mostly read about him - ABA box scores, SI articles. And the descriptions were what we lived on... even the writers did not know how to capture his ability to fly, hang, hit the "air brakes," change hands, dunk or finger roll. Everyone was stunned, from little kids like me then to the most seasoned players and league journalists. Little did we know that in his later career he would basically re-brand the NBA after the merger from a drug-addled side show (the 1970s were rough) to TV mega heights to be what the league is today. And what class. Even old, rich white people in Philadelphia's Main Line would refer to him as "Dr Erving"!

[@probitionate]

Saw Dr. J play in Buffalo vs Bob McAdoo and the Braves. Quite the night.

[@certinho76]

You'll be happy to know that up here at UMass the Doc's alma mater, the recently unveiled a statue of him along with other notable UMass Basketball icons.

[@maxdobasquete]

Excellent content!!! Have you ever done one about David "Skywalker" Thompson???

[@brucescott4261]

@maxdobasquete ...Unfortunately, the Skywalker ruined his career ...cocaine.

[@maxdobasquete]

@@brucescott4261 sooo... I, myself can say I have something in COMMON with the Skywalker himself... No offense at all... But "we" blow addicts can be good people as well... ... God bless 🙌🏻 you 🙏🏻!

[@DLBlckwl]

6:05 He'd just say "Okay, that's it. My show tonight. I'm a affect the whole game." -Magic, once again so great at describing things.

[@donhoag1052]

Most of the ABA high lights of him are missing but they are the best & truly Unbelievable!! It’s Been said that he jumped over players heads and dunked. Can you imagine if he had Air Jordans. WOW!!! 🤪

[@troyfranklin5480]

Doctor J was extremely incredibly exciting to watch play basketball. These words just can't describe it enough.

[@djpierrephuture]

Dr. J was simply the coolest dude to ever grace a basketball court. Dude also had mad style as well. You should check some of those old pics and video of him. The only man you can brag to your wife “daayum! Babe? Look at how cool he is”. Both looking at him mesmerized. 😂😮 Bro got a glide that’s for sure.

[@rbb9753]

I grew up watching the ABA. I saw Dr J turn a Kentucky crowd against their own team.

[@t.andrewhanes872]

I got to see Philadelphia w Moses Malone, Charles Barkley and Dr. J lose to World B. Free and the Cavaliers many moons ago. I was a huge Dr. J fan and couldn’t believe they lost. I was a heartbroken 12 year old. Now it’s one of the best childhood memories I have.

[@Kwambo19]

Phenomenal job man thanks and remember keep pushing with 🙏🏾😷

[@sakbalam]

i grew up watching dr. J! from the red, white & blue b-ball aba to our hometeam the sixers! i'm so glad you made this video tribute to him, he was a one in a million player!

[@kevinrose2474]

Hands down the greatest dunker during a game when needed to score on any defense in the league

[@iess2006]

ICON...above legend status. Game changer on Wilt's level but in his own unique way. Most underpaid NBA player in history. Such a joy to watch...you never knew when something amazing could happen!

[@kellyw1648]

I remember when I first started watching the NBA there was 2 guys I loved, Dr. J. and the "Iceman" George Gervin.

[@willieedwards3799]

Dr.J was the goat during his prime, even Jordan knew how good he was cause he pattern his game after The Doctor.

[@arichster]

I followed Dr J from the time he was a Virginia squire. I've seen him launched from the foul line in the Nassau coliseum. An entire arena full of fans drop their jaws. And I love love love love love the time machine for going back and showing the most outstanding players of yesterday, who's talent and technique would stand out in any generation.

[@t.davidgordon2425]

I (belatedly) subscribed; I've lost most of my interest in professional sports, but still recall when I had such interest. Your skillful editing and thoughtful commentary draw me back to the years when I enjoyed watching professional sports. Thank you.

[@alejandrocastro-om5sy]

Dr. J...the firts air man in NBA!!! Espectacular!!!👏👏👏

[@Knicks4Life61]

I feel like its a CRIME how Nobody has given Dr.J the love and Credit he deserves. Before there was Michael, before there was Lebron, before there was Kobe, there was the DOCTOR and he was AMAZING!! HE'S ON MY MOUNT EVEREST!!!

[@Bill_Woo]

Thank you for this. Versus the horrible state of players and attitudes and emptiness of inspiration today, this highlights a man who is in all regards a class act, a powerful _positive_ inspiration to children and adults alike, a legendary performer and a hero to all. Back when instead of taking furiously angering actions to cry about racism, guys like Dr. J earned love and warmth from all of us for just being what he was. And man oh man, what he was - while in the air. There are "just legends", and then there's this guy. Whole 'nuther level.

[@vernonleewarren280]

I 100% agree with you. He was one of my childhood heroes

[@jdub2878]

I'd like too add, Kobe came after Jordan and Jordan came after Dr. J. The last two absolutely emulated their game after their predecessor. Unfortunately for Dr. J his career didn't have cable television and 24 hour sports reporting. Had Dr. J been born in an era where his highlights and games were more accessible we'd definitely be talking who's greater than him, rather than who's greater than Jordan.

[@corrimahanible8165]

Television is more advanced Now..DR.J revolutioned the game...merging the aba & nba....he( dr j) did that. Put some respect on his name. He was AIR highness,before Jordan....He that DUDE ....

[@juanhinojosa4532]

He is and always will be The G.O.A.T. of professional basketball.

[@bobwells1517]

Dr. J was playing a different game than his fellow players. Pure poetry in motion.

[@Sean72_]

Dr. J was simply INCREDIBLE!!!

[@1lthrnk]

Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Karl Malone, Peter "Pete" Maravich, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, John Stockton, Dominique Wilkins, Charles Barkley, Robert Parish, Isiah Thomas, and Kevin McHale

[@cornellhoward3757]

Dr.J, was on fire!

[@phoolvio]

When a kid, mid 80s, I got a tshirt with a jumping guy silhouette behind the board , wearing #6 and afro hairdo. Pretty rare in Italy. Years later found he was Doc. More years later I discovered it was the move against Lakers. So Dr.J has been my first meeting with NBA. Thank you for posting Sean.

[@ALMoore-km3ft]

He was MY CHILDHOOD HERO.. Like many others. As a kid I was calling myself Dr. Dre long before NWA. By far the best role model for ALL young people...

[@maximostiberius2324]

For the longest time I thought Doc was as good as MJ. Then MJ developed his mid range game and then the 3. As far as getting to the basket I feel they are equal but Doc was more stylish doing it.

[@ALVINEL-e4v]

Dr J was better than Mike, by a Mile, because Mike wanted to be like Doctor J ... Guaranteed!!!

[@DwainDwight]

my all time favourite player. by miles.

[@brucescott4261]

Doc was the ultimate blueprint, PERIOD!!!

[@corrimahanible8165]

The blue print for players who came after him

[@brucescott4261]

​@@corrimahanible8165 ...And Doc created the blueprint.

[@KeithRae-f3d]

They build teams around some players. They built a LEAGUE around the Doc !!!!!

[@FastProProductions]

He was the Best Basketball Player Ever He bought street basketball to the NBA Dr. J was Lawrence Taylor you just watched in Amazement. He bought the modern game to the NBA

[@michaelhenderson2744]

Nothing but love and respect for the doctor

[@corrimahanible8165]

😢All nba players need to praise the DOC...he made it possible for players to play in the NBA,,he pulled, the ABA & NBA together

[@thomasgagliardi5931]

To grow up watching him was truly a gift. God bless Dr. J. Go Sixers.

[@michaeljamesmccabe]

When a dunk or a signature shot is worth more than the two points on the scoreboard. That was some Dr. J stuff!

[@BigUncZone8]

For all u People who Don’t Know Dr J Everyone of his Dunks u see was in the Game and most of the Dunks they Show are Old Dr J if u seen the Big Afro Dr J Couldn’t Nobody Stop him he’s probably the only player who Dunk never got Blocked I seen Wilt Block the Sky Hook 🪝 on 2 back to back rebounds Facts

[@JAMESGANG-f5u]

10:10 Walt “Clyde” Frazier and his Pumas says HOLD MY 🍺

[@keelerhastings7109]

They didn't call him.. "Clyde the Glyde " for nothing , also Earl The Pearl Monroe, was nobody's slouch either ,

[@taegotkash]

@@keelerhastings7109Clyde the glide was Drexler

[@keelerhastings7109]

@@taegotkash Taego 20 years before Clyde Drexler , there was big White Hat White Mink fur coate wearing New York Knicks . Clyde The Glide Frazier Dude was smoother than a new jar of Skippy

[@taegotkash]

@ I prefer Jif. Is Walt on your top 5 PG list?

[@keelerhastings7109]

@taegotkash Gotkssh ... Walt is definitely on my top five all time list

[@BrianSadler-hw3hw]

Yo nobody couldn't see him i like that move that magic Johnson was talking about when he was walking on air me my cousin use to go to the Spectrum back in the day to the sixers games and use love when he do that famous move when he walked on air and did that move Brian rep Camden we in here

[@williamwalker146]

Most effortless dunker I've ever seen.

[@John-lv6uj]

Raleigh Simmons Coached by Fred Tex Winter. FINALLY, YOU GOT IT RIGHT. Julius Erving was the G O A T. REAL TALK. I was hoping as a young player to see him in the NBA growing up. Had he started in the NBA he would have been in the TOP 5 ALL TIME SCORERS and EVERYTHING ELSE. I saw it ALLLLLLLLL HIS STYLE IS NUMBER 1 and it made other players want to FLOAT from the Free Throw. The brotha is COLD BLOOD DOWN TO THE BONE.

[@KevinMccourt-d5c]

This man changed the game of basketball in more ways than his performance on court! He was a great humanitarian who never got lost in his fame and celebrity status. People of every color wanted their children to grow up and be like him . Kind, respectful,humble. family oriented and of distinct character. He was the OG of slam and is responsible for the art that it has become in the NBA. Whenever and wherever he left the hardwood, he floated for what seemed minutes while his arms and hands made magic with the ball and swish was the last sound you heard. Greatness through and through!

[@LuxAudio389]

Love all your content man.🏀

[@barrymorgan5104]

Maybe not the NBA, but he's definitely got a the ABA GOAT award in my book. Used to watch the Nets on WOR channel 9 in New York City and he was absolutely amazing as an unstoppable offensive force. He was the original version.