The Legend of Dr J - the Man who Flew

[@MelinoeIII]

Dr J is one of those legendary players that people will always remember but is still under appreciated because of his time in the ABA

[@randomperson2540]

Indeed I couldn’t say it, he should be considered in top 10 convos a lot more. He was the first MJ

[@thisismychannel4174]

@@randomperson2540 Exactly, after all it's MJ's childhood idol along with David thompson

[@randomperson2540]

@@thisismychannel4174 right

[@chalnervassor9430]

I didn't know he was that dominant. I mean 37 points in a 6 game series...?!?!

[@mike04574]

@@randomperson2540 he isnt top 10, top 12 at most

[@juanhinojosa4532]

He will always be the Most Iconic and Greatest Legend in Basketball History.

[@deloreswillis9224]

YESSSSSSSS 4 ME❤

[@matthieunaginski8759]

what's cool with this series is that it stays consistent with the theme of the two previous ones, but instead of arguing for one team/player being the best, you can talk about a player's career and their impact on basketball culture and history. Keep it up dude

[@MPHswayze]

Baseball is the only sport where comparing across era even KINDA makes sense. Comparing players in a game that has changed SO MUCH within basketball or football is insane

[@LiquidLarry85]

This comment took me to 2 other great videos! Glad I didn’t miss them lol

[@terrancethomas9792]

Doc and those big hands. He could dribble and palm it right there. One reason why he swings the ball around in the bait. Most players have to bring it up to their hands and then palm it to dunk. He was DUNK. In the height of the 70’s when dunk was allowed again, there was no one like the Doctor.

[@orestes1984]

Dr. J is one of the most underrated GOAT contenders though, the sad fact is, most people if they're not also Michael Jordan fans, don't know who Drr. J was by now. And most MJ fans only know Dr. J because MJ stole all of Dr. J's moves.

[@loydkline]

I do not miss not watching AbA basketball games ABA basketball league had alots of super great basketball players

[@mikefuchs-sb8pv]

Dr. J is a true legend, everyone wanted to be like Dr. J, his game was awesome..

[@shotguncrucifix]

Clayton: *near half hour discussion on Erving's impact* Me: right, big ass hands

[@ClaytonCrowley]

This is still one of my favorite comments I’ve ever gotten. It still makes me laugh

[@cyrillesu]

I'm not just saying this because they (kind of) look alike, but he really was the Jimi Hendrix of basketball. He opened up so many new horizons with his play, he changed the whole thing at a fundamental level. He gave the game aesthetic. He made it beautiful. For that he deservedly should be mentioned as one of the true icons of the sport, just as Jimi is considered as one of the true icons of modern music.

[@standing8count923]

Great comparison!

[@yahlidan9710]

That's exactly what I'm thinking

[@robertgordon1584]

Excellent analogy. Julius was like a jazz musician. Rhythm and soul. A joy to watch. I was at many of his ABA games at Nassau Coliseum. He was never quite the same after the merger. He deferred to the talented Sixers cast he played with.

[@shaggygreen19]

@@robertgordon1584 great to know thanx. So before the merger he was a dominant ball handler? It's interesting to know which type of player he was, bc highlights can show us only a portion of his game. So he was a team bball first? Sorry, but in these years we live on, it's tough to believe an MVP level candidate play for the team. Nowadays everybody wants to be HIM

[@robertgordon1584]

@@shaggygreen19 He was about winning. Nets 1974 team was a good as any NBA team. It's too bad they didn't keep it together. Story was Nets owed Knicks $6m when they merged as a "territorial fee" for infringing on Knicks turf. They offered the Knicks Julius is lieu of the $6m. Knicks turned them down and Julius was sold to Philly.

[@jaybee5269]

I'll never forget seeing him at the Capital Centre near DC in 1974 or 75. It was an exhibition game between the two leagues - Nets vs. Bullets before the merger. I don't remember much about the game, which I think the Nets won. What I remember was Dr. J. in the warmups. I was pretty close to courtside when J jumped from close to the free throw line and dunked the ball. What I'll never forget is that halfway to the basket, he changed the angle of approach in mid-air and and elevated. What I saw was impossible, but that's what I saw. I can still see it.

[@timgreene8403]

This brotha made basketball truly visual art , and was responsible for so many players over 50yrs old to play the sport, he was beautiful to watch with ballet and type of mind boggling graceful moves and would dunk over his grandma if she got in his way

[@jaybee5269]

Well said!@@timgreene8403

[@QdaChosenOne23]

10:51 i kinda see a lil of that in this lay-up

[@jaybee5269]

@@QdaChosenOne23 Yep. There was a simple grace and power in his moves.

[@claytonharding5179]

I've never seen this, or any of your videos, before. You did a really great job, with one of my true childhood heroes. I'm a Native Brooklynite, and I used to go to a few Nets games each year to see the Doc in person--in fact, I was at Game 4 of the '76 Finals. And I would drive down to Philly ~once a year to watch him on the 6ers, too. He was easily the most exciting player anyone had ever seen--maybe even to this day. As a "fellow Clayton," I just want to say that you've made Clayton's everywhere proud with this tribute to the One of a Kind, "Good Doctor!"

[@zacherytaylor]

Fuck yeah Clayton this might be the pinnacle of the series. They’ve all been great but this one just hits on every note. Doc conquered 2 professional leagues and did so with an even temper and a focus on humility. Hard to imagine most guys could’ve handled such stardom and not let it get to their head. Fucking incredible as always bud. Keep it up.

[@danielbrown3461]

Connie Hawkings told Dr. J. to hold his Beer.

[@brucescott4261]

​@danielbrown3461 ...False!

[@bijanrezai5739]

My grandfather opened a tailor/dry cleaning shop in NYC when he moved to the country in the 70s, Dr. J was one of his customers and was always a kind, humble soul to our family.

[@bobdavis3357]

My Dad is still a die hard Celtics fan. But when I was a kid and watching the 76rs vs Boston on the tube. My Dad pointed to Dr J and said words that I'll never forget. "Bobby, do you see how that gentlemen carries himself? With self control and dignity? When you are an adult, I don't care if you ever play in the NBA. I want for you to conduct yourself EXACTLY like that man, #6, Julius Erving." Dad followed that up with a poster of Dr J the following Friday. To this day, Dad wishes that the Dr played with the Celtics. Lol He really was something special, and Dr J still is. Great video. Thx for the upload.

[@surfwriter8461]

Your dad had a good point to make. Dr J didn't just have a professional athlete's swagger or pretense. He was all dignity, self-confidence and class in every move. That transcends the sport and the athletic greatness.

[@bookerwright5119]

They had ABA on TV back in 70s .NBA trash until he came to the League in 1976

[@bookerwright5119]

What was the overate NBA besides coke heads and played like the little League 90 perfect white and is that why he call led them what 90 percent black,

[@damohanson5393]

Red Auerbach said Erving was just an ordinary NBA player.No more no less. Until Red watched the Dr. score 45 on Dave Debusher. De busher was the current NBA defensive player of the year. Red changed his mind that day. Game 6 of 1977 NBA finals the sixers lost in 6. Erving had the greatest dunk Ive ever seen. Ball passed in to Erving who drove through the entire Blazer lineup and topped it off by dunking over Bill Walton. Not barely but outjumped him by over a foot. The Doctor was the most phenomenal player I’ve ever seen. His prime years were 74-77. He had one great year in the NBA and had to change his game for the team. 3 years in the ABA and one in the NBA. Indescribable! One of 5 college players to lead the NCAA in scoring and rebounding. He did it twice and he was the only non center.

[@surfwriter8461]

@@damohanson5393 Auerbach should have had his cigar shoved down his throat after a stupid and insulting remark like that. But it wasn't long before the league saw the legend of Dr J was a reality. I just wish he'd have more of his prime years in the NBA instead of languishing in the ABA where half the teams couldn't fill the seats of a high school game and couldn't be counted on to have the pay checks go through without bouncing.

[@randomperson2540]

I’m glad your doing Dr.J truly one of the most underrated Goats.

[@markkeeler2343]

Dr . J is who raised the sport basketball to where pro football and Baseball as a major sport, not MJ OR BIRD OR James

[@winstonrhock9021]

@@markkeeler2343 facts

[@loydkline]

Sr.j invented airwalk to the 🧺 basket

[@pokeinator7834]

He’s in top 10 in nba history🔥🔥

[@matthewpredmore6523]

Great video. I’m proud to have seen him play from 1974 to the end of his career. He was the player that I and all my friends tried to emulate and copy on the court. None of us could, but go figure…….he’s the Doctor.

[@Mckylan]

Dr J was really the first basketball superstar. Sure u had the few stars but Dr J was known by everyone. He was just a cool fly dude. Brought the dunk contest and invented the free throw line dunk. Im pretty sure one of the first athletes to have a signature shoe.

[@mvalentino5650]

I watch a lot of basketball channels and I can most assuredly say that there are VERY few with Clayton’s level of skill, respect, editing, storytelling, analysis, and love of the game. Happy to be a subscriber.

[@joelman1989]

I know a family that is close to his. All I’ll say is if he’s not the humblest most down to earth star in the league I would be shocked.

[@cwvos]

I can believe that Bronx 💯💯❗️

[@reidye]

Perhaps the most underrated player in the history of the league

[@ADL21]

Dr.J was so mythical he was the star of a video game made decades after his retirement. I remember him being one of the best things about NBA Street volume 2 and I was in awe of him even in a stylized manner like that.

[@berngusi1045]

there are Dr j moves that 90 percent of the players in today's nba can't do. the man was so far ahead of his time.

[@vernonleewarren280]

Yes this is true

[@aarondigby5054]

The 77 Sixer's players didn't have pedigree big game players , Doc had played in ABA title games😂prior

[@PureGameHoops]

​@aarondigby5054 You have no idea what you are talking about

[@sayx]

Superstar is a term that gets thrown around a lot more nowadays, but The Doctor was one of the true transcendent figures of his time in that respect, and helped create one of the greatest single season teams ever in the 1983 76ers.

[@billpatterson5830]

Julius Erving was one of the best players I saw in my youth. He was a trailblazer and just great.

[@alexcamp9320]

This is next level. I’m tearing up right now. Massive eternal love to The Doctor!

[@StippieRedd]

I’m only 26, but this man is my idol, a Philly icon. Everything down to his style was so smooth. Thanks for the sweet mini documentary and giving the Doctor some justice!

[@mrsmiley707]

I'm 22 and ever since I was like 14 he was my idol. I even had the big afro like im my first 2 years of high school

[@Xenon-h9z]

I'm a fetus and he's been my idol since 1926. @@mrsmiley707

[@Xenon-h9z]

I'm only a baby, but I been a fan since a fetus. No one cares.

[@javigar133]

I had to stop clapping to write this messafw, what a masterpiece of documentary, just the right tribute to the most influencial player to ever step on a basketball court.

[@daveclements3245]

Dr J is my favorite athlete of all time of all sports. His talent, his game, his measurables but most importantly his intelligence, articulation and his class separate him from all the others. Right behind him is Muhammad Ali who I had the good fortune to personally meet and talk to before his match with George Foreman, the Rumble in the Jungle.

[@kingsfan4evr24]

Love this series. As a 30 something basketball fan I mourn that I was not able to watch Elgin Baylor, Wilt, Walt, Earl Monroe, Oscar, Etc. Basketball will always change but watching from the 50’s to the 2010’s you see basketball transcend. I’ve seen tons of highlights and read stories about how great some of the legends of the past were but nothing gives you the in depth look that Clayton takes us too. Clayton thank you very much for sharing their story with us. You are a legend my friend.

[@GregoryFord98]

Dr. J was one of the best players in the NBA in the 70s and even early 80s. He was an allstar every year, All Defensive selection, and he put up 22/6.8/3.9 with 2 steals and 2 blks a game. He simply took less shots because of his unselfishness and he played less minutes than when he was in the ABA. His personality didn't force him to fight harder to be "the guy" because he just wanted to win and have fun.

[@sambeezy007]

When you play to win and have fun and not to just be "the guy" and you can put your ego to the side, you can go further than you can imagine. The greatest in my eyes

[@warlock7760]

Truly one of a kind. My dad used to tell me about his feats in the ABA when he travelled to NY and went to see games. He was the Jimi Hendrix of basketball. The game never looked the same after he came to the league. An Icon on and off the court. Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@danielbrown3461]

Connie Hawkins beet him on One on One Basketball.

[@loydkline]

❤️ dr.j invented airwalk to the basket 🧺

[@jlmusic1469]

@@danielbrown3461 Thats like Jordan beating Kobe, considering Doc said Connie was his fav player growing up.

[@CaptainHookyeahthesameone]

Bro. I grew up in Norfolk Va. Where we drafted sophomore Dr.J. We had season tickets and the stuff he did was unbelievable. We firsthand Witnessed the first time anyone took off 6" BEHIND, BEHIND the foul line and almost hit his head on the rim dunking. Further than Jordan ever did. We also next year drafted George Gervin. You believe that? Both of them. What a time for us high school guys.

[@tagovailoajuniorandmichell9151]

Before MJ there was Dr. J ! Growing up in the late 70’s and the early 80’s he was our MJ!

[@deloreswillis9224]

Yayyyyyyyy Julius was our “ man”❤

[@huddieentertainment]

Facts!!

[@brucescott4261]

@tagovailoajuniorandmichell9151 ...There weren't any Michael Jordan, PERIOD!!!

[@lilliewynn6335]

Dr. J is one of the legendary/great players to play the game of basketball. I remember how excited we were when the Sixers drafted him. I had never seen a player like him and I will never forget how I cried and the sadness I felt when Portland beat us in Portland. Then in 1983, we won the NBA Championship. The neighborhoods were hollering, screening and crying with joy. We will always love you Dr. J God's grace and peace be multiplied to you. God bless. ❤

[@charles-cjbox4661]

It’s crazy to think he was named to the NBA’s 35th Anniversary Team and won the MVP the same season

[@pallen49]

I can proudly say that, I have watched thru the eras of Pistol Pete, The Big E, Moses Malone, Bird & Magic, Michael Jordan, Shag, Kobe, Iverson, Stockton & Malone, Hakeem, Barkley, Drexler, Lebron, Wade, Step & Clay and so on, YET to this DAY, Dr J is STILL my all time favorite player.. Early 70's Kareem aka Lou Alcindor was my favorite, but when the ABA and NBA merge, and I got a glimpse of Dr J, it was like a revelation. From that point on, Dr J. was forever my favorite player, regardless all the other greats that have came after him. he's still my favorite. He's who I shamelessly copied my game from, tho I can't fly like him, but I do have a decent hang-time for my size back in the days, and good at doing crazy moves with the ball while scoring, lol. Thanks Dr J, for being such an inspiration to me and all the kids around the world during your time in the ABA and NBA..

[@jamaljackson3496]

I was born in 97 and dr. J is my favorite all time player! He was mj before mj

[@brucescott4261]

Jamal Jackson ...There weren't any Michael Jordan.

[@vauneoso3292]

It’s hard not to be a fan of your work. The amount of time you spend perfecting your videos is admirable. Keep it up.

[@jefflawver971]

He truly made the dunk a weapon. He posterized every big time shot blocker the league had when he played. He was such an awe inspiring player when he finally came to the NBA, and proved he could do all the acrobatic plays he did in the ABA. He almost seemed super human. In spite of all that, he remained a down to earth gentleman off the court, oh yea with a side of cool.

[@GregoryFord98]

This is the player this series was made for. He was in the GOAT conversation in the 70s and before Magic and Bird were in the league. He created all of his dunks and guys like MJ, Dominique, and Vince copied a lot of his dunks. FT dunk? Dr. J. Cradle dunk? Dr. J. Double pump? Yeah the Dr. MJ's favorite player and Bron's 2nd favorite player. He was the greatest ABA player of all time and an all time legend.

[@sambeezy007]

He's factually in the conversation. The media just pushes him out. In 20 years Bird and Magic will be pushed out too. In 40 years Jordan. It'll take Jordan a while because of his shoes.

[@GregoryFord98]

I don't think so. Call it my youthful bias, but Jordan, Kareem, Bron, Russell, and the other 4 guys he made the debate for this channel, all dominated the NBA for over a decade. They owned an entire Era (Bird and Magic shared the 80s). Dr. J's flaw was that he was playing in a weaker ABA and by the time he got to the NBA he wasn't still THE GUY. Still strong but Moses was the best player on the team. It's been decades since Wilt and Russell played but they are still in the convo. I don't see Kareem, Michael, or Bron being pushed out anytime soon.

[@mongoslade277]

@@GregoryFord98 Jordan liked Dr J but his favorite player was The Skywalker, David Thompson

[@danielbrown3461]

Connie Hawkings taught Dr. J. how to leap.

[@brucescott4261]

​@@mongoslade277 ...That's they're both Tar Heels. Jordan has Erving on his list.

[@SK-mw8vd]

A shitty day, a blown tire, and yet I smile. Because our BOY Mr. Crowley posted today. Love the series, and love Dr.J

[@GentleRailings]

Dr. J was wearing MAGIC SHOES! "hey Dr. J, where do you get your moves? ... Are you wearing MAGIC SHOES?" - (Shoes Commercial on TV) 😊

[@dannyburns9850]

A 70s fan describing Dr.J. He gets to a point where it is like we need another ball cause the Doc is dominating so much he took over game for long spurts.His style was exciting and original. An artist.

[@vernonleewarren280]

Thank you so much for this video on my childhood idol. I loved this man. He was my hero growing up along with my parents. Such class, such grace he exemplified on and off the court. A true ambassador of the sport. I found out accomplishments that I had never knew he did. Wow!

[@matthiasmccormack3213]

Random thing I find incredibly cool… my uncle played high school basketball with him. Sadly he passed away 6 months before I was born, so I could never ask him about it

[@petrockanroll]

I was a little kid when my family got stationed over seas so I didn't get to see much of him play BUT, I remember marveling over the comic book drawn ads on the back cover of comic books depicting him nearly as a super hero on the court! Definitely legendary!

[@drk.i.a.2969]

Wow! Yep!! Guess what I still have some of those comics😉🙌🙌

[@jeenogarzon]

This channel is so underrated. Can't believe your channel hasn't popped off since the GOAT Making the Case series.

[@MPHswayze]

He doesn't do enough clickbait titles and fake hot takes to get there fast. He'll get there, Clayton rules

[@chrisschaeffer9661]

This Man did so much for Basketball. When I starter playing in the late 70s and into the early 80s we all said "The Doctor!" when we'd pull off a sweet move. Later it became Micheal, Kobe and LeBron. But in the 70s and 80s it was this Bad Motherballer!!!!

[@torquemontwheeler2375]

Thank you for that grand production of history, legacy, and dignity you trumpeted in this commentary. In God, keep trusting!

[@opius1199]

Fantastic video Clayton, thank you a 1000 times for your excellent work covering my personal goat.

[@MrBlack-be4bz]

AWESOME!!! He made me shed a tear or two at the end.

[@seanconnathon]

I think this one needs a Part 2 one day. DOCTOR J!

[@gretchenlittle6817]

This takes me back to rural PA -- our cable system had WPIX/NYC, that carried all the Nets games. Couldn't get enough of watching the Dr. in action!

[@alejandrojimenez108]

This video is much needed nowadays, we all definitely need to give a little bit more love to the incredible stories and players of the ABA (Of course Dr. J was both lol).

[@mineseargent2482]

14:30 “Julius Erving submitted his magnum opus” I got chills

[@joemendel3873]

Cool, I show up at the 27:02 minute mark of this video. I know Julius very well as I helped represent the team from 1982-86. He is a very quite guy who was as great off the court as he was on the court.

[@hogg4229]

Quite what?

[@T0XiCPeaches]

This was the best surprise I could ever see in my subscriptions tab. Welcome back Clayton ❤

[@MichaelElias-q2z]

I was a celtic fan in the 70's and 80's so i feared the 76ers because they were so good and gave the celtics fits. But i loved watching the incredible Dr J, to me, he was the quintessential modern basketball player.

[@alannohlgren]

Thank you for a great tribute. Allow me to add one more, which to me illuminates another aspect of his greatness. It was 1977, during the playoffs between Philadelphia & the Portland Trailblazers. The Blazers were my home team, & like about everyone out there I had the Blazermania fever, never missing a minute. At some point in the 7 game series tempers flared & one of those scenes erupted where an on court fight ensued & practically all the benches emptied out to help in the melee. I think Maurice Lucas might have been involved, pushing & shoving agaist I don't remember who from the 6ers. But on the far end of the court, seperated by the half court line & a bit more sat Dr J, with his back turned to the violence. It was a statement: it seemed to say "fight & shove & throw punches to your hearts' delight...go ahead--have a mini Vietnam War, if that's your cup of tea. It's not mine..I'm a million miles away, above & beyond the fray." What eloquence, what a statement--all without uttering a word. A true champion & gentleman was, & always will be, the Doctor.

[@frederickcrawford5481]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much for putting this together. Dr. J truly deserves this recognition and so much more. A well-earned tribute to an incredible legacy! Would love for someone to create a documentary about this legend.

[@timothyjeromewilliams8589]

Thanks for your SUPERB tribute to a SPECTACULAR SPORTS HERO of EPIC proportions NAMED JULIUS ERVING but known to most of Us As DOCTOR J the FUNK DUNK legend of the Professional ABA & NBA Basketball leagues.. in his ERA he reigned SUPREME as the fast break basketball ball DUNK legend..As a PISCES pioneer he created the mold for recent DUNK artistry of most of our more recent DUNK legends and B-ball game players....BORN 02/22/1950 he was a head and heart phenomenal play of the highest degree..I love him so much and I value your comments about his life, legend and legacy..THANK YOU..

[@troyjones5156]

I remember Dr J jumping out of bounds and flowing across to the other side and hitting the shot. If you saw it when it happen you were shocked & amazed. Dr J is a hero to a lot of us. Everybody wanted to be Dr J and dunk on big guys and hang in the air. He is special and no one says a bad word about Dr J, no one. He is just loved.

[@huddieentertainment]

Wow! My childhood hero right here. He was our jordan. I watched Fish that saved pittsburgh a ton of times. As much as i loved Doc i never checked his stats like that. Hes mostly known for his dunks but he contributed all around. Awesome doc. Subbed

[@charleybarley914]

The NBA/ABA merger went something like this" NBA-"We've got the tv contract, the franchises, the arena's ABA-"We've got the Doctor NBA- "OK, deal"

[@davidd7042]

Superb tribute. You said it so well. I hope that those who didn't get a chance to witness him at least get an idea of how special he was. Unique in the annals of basketball history.

[@crt6232]

You should do more dissections of an old players career. I wasn’t around for these eras and I want to learn about why people acknowledge them as greats

[@vernonleewarren280]

If he does your in for a real treat. I've been watching basketball since the 70's

[@buckstraw925]

Nice summary, thanks! Couple of updates. He wasn't in the ABA in the "late 70s" as he started with the 76ers in 1976-77 and he was still in his prime at that point and had approx 5 years in his prime in the NBA. The really big thing that you nailed was the aspect of how he was a legend. I was a young teenager at summer basketball camp in the early/mid 70s listening to New York area kids talk about him. Of course they embellished and it sounded so incredible. Finally, I got my chance to see him the 76-77 season and let's just say he didn't disappoint.

[@tenn_ore]

Nice video, my all time favorite player. Often imitated, never duplicated. Michael was a better player, but never as cool as Dr. J. Thanks for the memories.

[@fiddebas]

Amazing as always, Mr. Crowley. The videos you make, these documentaries, are the best!! Infinitely replayable 🙂

[@afvet5075]

Intelligent, well spoken and a cool gentleman, Dr. J is an American treasure that goes beyond basketball. Very few comes close.

[@zachmartin1458]

I was 9 the first time I saw Dr. J, when he played for the New York Nets in the ABA. My dad had never seen him either. I distinctly remember dad's reaction to Dr. J taking off from the free throw line and jamming it. He came up out of his chair. "You got to be kidding me!" But as I get older I realize my memories aren't always as accurate as the actual events. We recently celebrated my father's 81st birthday. Somehow the subject of Dr. J came up and he recalled the first time seeing him. "I literally came up out of my chair." So it DID happen. After that, nothing Michael Jordan or anybody else ever did later on was going to impress him.

[@EJD339]

Thanks!

[@mikecushing7276]

This video is so well done congratulations for a wonderful production of the great Julius Erving

[@cwvos]

Thank you C.C❗️ Excellent vid on the *Good Dr*❗️ He thrilled us for many years back in the 70's and 80's! I have a lot of VHS Tape game footage and a 6 DVD set on the 6ers and their run through the early 80's, also with footage on A.I. and Barkley as well.... I had the privilege of seeing him live at the Spectrum in Philly in one of their many playoff series games against Marcus Johnson and the Milwaukee Bucks.... He was truly one of the Great Pioneers of the sport 💯▪️

[@markhyman9721]

Thanks so much for your wonderful tribute to this highest of sports icons!

[@jonathanvel2891]

JULIUS ERVING, WILL ALWAYS BE THE CATALYST EVERY BASKETBALL PLAYER ASPIRES TO BE!!!!! 2 WORDS COME TO MIND WHEN MENTIONING WHAT HE'S ACHIEVED IN THE GAME, THAT NO OTHER PLAYER EVEN COMES CLOSE... CLASS; HE EXEMPLIFIED CLASS BOTH ON & OFF THE COURT... FINESSE; NO OTHER PLAYER BEFORE OR SINCE, PLAYED THE FINESSE OF THE GAME LIKE THE "DOCTOR"!!!!! HE TRULY IS THE "GOAT", EVEN BEFORE THERE WAS A GOAT..... JUS' SAYING ALOHA........ JV

[@drk.i.a.2969]

I concour he set the whoe marketing blueprint for all others especially Mike...ie DRJ Converse All Stars leather editions...everyone had to hv them. I had to leave 2pair in my storage unit b/c my brother wudnnt give me another day (he paid for it)...along with other treasures..I got my comics thou..still think I left some tho.

[@SalmanAli-hn2kt]

The secretary of defense is one of the greatest nicknames i have ever heard

[@arsanctum1228]

Alongside the minister of defense Reggie white

[@darryljohnson3029]

First shoe, first foul line dunk, first under the backboard to the other side of the rim layup. Honorable mentions to George Iceman Gervin and David Thompson

[@josephthibodeaux8646]

I love the way you put this together. I was one of those kids that only heard the next day what Dr. J. did the night before.

[@FERNANDOGONZALEZ-pb6re]

Amazing presentation on a very unique individual that left his own mark on a sport that has seen it's better days.When winning wasn't easy and losing with class is to show that it's just a part of life. Thanks for the memories Doc,especially when you beat The Evil Empire, (Lakers) I will forever be grateful.

[@cameroncarlin9418]

This man does not miss. Most underrated channel on KZbin by far. When he does 04 pistons it’s curtains

[@darrell9616]

Well researched and produced. Thanks for sharing!

[@shadowlifter]

Dr. J ... no one EVER can reach his class, his finesse ... He was a treat for the eyes!!!

[@MoscoPortfolio]

Just beautiful! Well done. Amazing video!❤❤

[@Mustapha1963]

Great read: "Loose Balls", by Terry Pluto. It's a history of the American Basketball Association. In the book, Pluto quotes someone- maybe Kevin Loughery or Billy Cunningham, I'm not sure- who says that, if you didn't see Julius Erving play in the ABA, you really never saw Julius Erving play.

[@Brochnick]

Well done! I especially like the way you emphasized how most people first became aware of Dr. J through print & word of mouth. A different time...

[@DWilliam1]

I used to wait for my monthly issue of Sport Magazine(couldn’t afford the weekly Sports Illustrated) and I’ll never for get the cover with Dr J dressed as a surgeon performing and operation in that red, white and blue basketball. Operation Basketball on cover but story was can Dr J save the ABA. Miss those days and my youth.

[@brucescott4261]

@Brochnik ...New York had full coverage of The Doctor, PERIOD!!! I was born and raised in The Apple. So was Doc. Us New York natives had the opportunity to watch Julius Winfield "Dr. J" Erving II regularly. The former was born and raised in Long Island.

[@PaulMaree]

Another banger, Clayton. Thanks!

[@user-un9io7oq5j]

The ♓ pisces trailblazer Dr. Funk dunk Julius Erving is still alive & the flesh..Funking & dunking, freaking never sneaking, jamming & ramming with the B- Ball.. Julius Erving was once considered NBA king because of his unconventional style of brilliant basketball play..

[@mookeychase0907]

Thanx for this piece on my bball idol and also for pointing out that Philly and Doc from 80-84 was who LA and Boston had to go thru for a chip. Also the 81' season we shoulda beaten Boston and then Houston for our first chip but we choked, but we got em in 82 then in '83 Boston got swept first round by Milwaukee and with big Mo we finally beat LA for the chip 4-0. The next year as champs Boston grabbed DJ we were ready but as Boston got upset in '83 we got upset by NJ in the first round, no BOS/ Philly ECF in '84 . The next year '85 with the rookie Chuck Barkley we were old and hurt and that ship had sailed and we lost the ECF 4-1 and Boston took over the East until '88 but those Philly/Boston/ LA wars 80-85 are still my best years watching the sport I love ❤ thanx again my friend for this gift to a man who deserves it… Julius Winfield Erving🏆🏀:) 💯

[@anthonygrant2902]

My favorite player of all time, I'm from Suffolk, VA my high school was the band that played for the Virginia Squards at the time I saw The Doc. Dunk on Artist Gilmore it still stands as the best dunk I've ever seen.

[@naturemanironfist5621]

Wow great job man respect, Without DOC.J there is no entertainment in basketball , I saw a documentary and just about all the NBA players wanted to be like DOC. He is the most exciting and above all, the most beloved player in Basketball history.

[@surfshack2]

This was very well done. There never will be another Dr. J

[@imanolvides3185]

This is a great series. I've gained so much more respect for the big o and dr j since watching these videos. I hope these videos sticks to mainly underrated players and not to players that are always in the media (mj, bron, kobe, steph, etc)

[@jonathanchan1365]

clayton ure so good im a young fan trying learn history this channel is like the only channel to ever learn from other channels dont learn from them. i feel like elgin baylor, julius erving, magic johnson and larry bird, allen iverson, kobe, lebron and prime d rose saved the league/impacted the popularity of the league. idk anything about the nate archibald, pete maravich and walt clyde frazier era and also patrick ewing but i think they still had an enormus impact on the league and its popularity

[@dylanm1174]

Wow I've never been this early to a video drop before...Clayton's videos always bring a smile to my face! Excited for this one

[@4392amtrak]

He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA with Kareem, Oscar, and Dandridge on the team the year after his first year in the ABA. Can you imagine if he went to the NBA right after being drafted, Kareem probably would've stayed in Milwaukee much longer and Oscar would've added a few more years to his career.

[@Hoolaballoo]

Agree, definitely

[@robertroberts9782]

Wasnt he in camp with the atlanta hawks at one time with pistol pete

[@4392amtrak]

@@robertroberts9782 yep

[@jlmusic1469]

wow, they would've challenged the Celtics repeats, no doubt! that would've been a unbelievable team!

[@Hoolaballoo]

@@robertroberts9782 yes, some pre season games where they were incredible, so said who witnessed: 2 and 3 at that level, we can only guess if...

[@revjime.stephenson8628]

My ALL-TIME favorite Basketball Player I was able to see on MSG Cable TV in Delaware in the early 1970's for the NETS & when he played for the Squires vs the NETS! My Sanford School Coach had 6 SEASON Sixers Tickets courtside 4 seats down from Center Court so I got to see MANY 76ers games from March 1975 thru May of 1976 but before Dr J! Got to see Big Mac, Cunningham, Mix, Doug Collins, Bibby, Bantom, Joe Jellybean Bryant, Alan Bristow, & DD Daryl Dawkins as a rookie to mention a few! I played with a Teammate of DD at FL Southern and he had many DD Stories as did many Staff & LEO's I worked with at Orlando Police from 2/1989-7/12/1991.

[@kaizersoze1950]

I’m really happy he was honoured when retiring, and I’m really happy he managed to snag a championship before bird and magic become powerhouses.. from the start with nba/aba players coming to his court and him beating them.. he’s definitely the main character

[@harrymuffsdisco]

Wow! What a great career retrospective. Awesome job.

[@MichaelElias-q2z]

Just like the commentator says, Erving's legend grew outside the media spotlight, he always reminded me of a big wave surfer whose exploits were spread by word of mouth.

[@laz0rama]

nice video, man! the doc was truly special.

[@DaddyDanku]

Beautiful clip of my idol growing up in NY. Thank you.

[@robertfarrar9564]

Best Dr J documentary so have ever seen. First time seeing the Squire footage . Definitely put some work into this,