I'm 53 and he is still my favorite player...... period.

The ‘Rock the Baby’ dunk , the speed, the distance he covered with his two steps, the height he reaches and then the finish. Best in game dunk I’ve ever viewed.

@jhfit

Жыл бұрын

Yes, my favorite dunk of all time

@joelsims98

10 ай бұрын

@@jhfitcrowd went crazy!

To this day, I consider Doc's behind the backboard layup the greatest move of all time. It defies gravity. Not to mention he did it against Kareem in the Finals.

@brianw.4874

7 жыл бұрын

Prince Smith Amen!

@sherwinfitz

6 жыл бұрын

Hands down!

@bavvaroisjoestar

6 жыл бұрын

Prince Smith i very agree and his dunk against lakers its so awesome

@longshotlou1

6 жыл бұрын

Bobby reza farresy , Yes in deed! the coming from the left side, full speed, wag the ball at the defensivee player of the year, cuff, windmill dunk, HAS NOT BEEN REPEATED! It was pure instinct.

@bavvaroisjoestar

6 жыл бұрын

Kenneth Meyers that dunk was very smooth tho :D you can see dr j arm while handle the ball just like there is glue in the hand of dr j and thats why the ball stick to dr j hand😂😂😂🔥💪🏼

He's my favourite basketball player, ever! The man revolutionized the game & it also one of the classiest guys.

My favorite Dr. J moment ever: that behind the backboard reverse lay-in against the Lakers. One of the greatest shots ever made, in my opinion.

@tanjentdev724

6 жыл бұрын

Just so you know that MOVE was a staple in Doc's game... We avid Sixers fans saw it many times!

@brucescott4261

5 жыл бұрын

@@tanjentdev724 ...You're absolutely and positively correct!!! Doc have also done the baseline move in the ABA as well.

@sicfrynut

5 жыл бұрын

@@tanjentdev724 whats sad is a recent "best " ever dunks video from some youngster doesnt even have ONE Dr J dunk (let alone several)., most of Julius' dunks were not only bad *ss, they also came during games (playoffs) not in a dunk contest. AND..............Dr J did the free throw line dunk in 76. MJ was in high school. most people forget what a great defender Dr J was , especially later on in his career.

@tanjentdev724

5 жыл бұрын

Doc performed that move many times before that game vs the Lakers! Unless you had tickets at the Spectrum or watched Channels NBA on 10 CBS, 17, 29 48 or read Basketball Digest from 1972 - 1987, you missed Dr. J!

@klskonsortium

5 жыл бұрын

And that is not a finger roll as the narrator suggested.

I wish commenters wouldn't try to compare him to MJ. They were both unique. The Doctor was the most spectacular player ever for sure. He also was intelligent, well-spoken, sportsmanlike and never boastful. Today's players should learn from how he conducted himself. He has grace and dignity and was awesome

Doc J ,is my all time favorite, but I think he's still underrated

@courylanders5154

4 жыл бұрын

DrJ Underrated? Nah.He gets his just due.

@freedomisntfree2089

4 жыл бұрын

@@courylanders5154 yea but he deserves extra credit for having to deal with Larry Bird all those years lol

@courylanders5154

4 жыл бұрын

@@freedomisntfree2089 It was a solid rivalry.Bird and the Doc got the best out of each other.

@tonymanfredi6844

4 жыл бұрын

Underrated only to people who never witnessed his ability to absolutely dominate a game in a fashion never seen before.

Dr. J was my first NBA hero. Back in the early 80's. He was simply cool, great afro, and had the best dunks and moves. Still my #1 pick.

For me, Dr J is the GOAT. He changed the way basketball is played by inventing the high flying type of show basketball that is still being played today. Michael, Kobe and the like took it to another level, but he was the inventor. He's not getting enough credit for that. Thank you for uploading.

@eduardoberrios7617

5 жыл бұрын

Yes Hello I being saying the same thing all along . This thing of Lebron being the GOAT is ridiculous at least Jordan don't go around bragging about it . Dr. J figure came around when hour young generation where getting wasted do to so many gangs taken over the neighborhood . Dr. J with his skills and sense of humor took over .I'm 68 years old and was able to witness his greatness against NBA Players .we regret and felt sad when the NY Knicks didn't look for him . He is the Real GOAT Period . God Bless All of You and keep on Bouncing ;

@Flametree1492

3 жыл бұрын

I agree but Dr "J" hero was Elgin Baylor who invented above the rim play, Dr J took to another level! That is a fact that people don't realize. Players today have 70 years of past players innovations to copy from and learn. Players like Baylor, Chamberlain, Russel, Hawkins had no role models so they had to invent the game as they went along!

@johnthebaptist1012

2 жыл бұрын

@@eduardoberrios7617 lebron is way better then dr j old man

@vitosciortino3943

2 жыл бұрын

He was the first no doubt

@dougjones7609

2 жыл бұрын

He is greatest in my book some of the things he did they still can't do to this day

The dunk over Cooper is absolutely a classic! Dr. J and years later Jordan changed the basketball 🏀

@brucescott4261

Жыл бұрын

Jorge Maisonet Mimo Mio ...Jordan didn't change anything.

@erichvonmolder9310

Жыл бұрын

I watched the game when he did that.

My first basketball hero, the one and only Dr. J!

@darrellshaw5288

6 жыл бұрын

Mine too

@michaelcampbell4535

5 жыл бұрын

alohawg mines to g

@68thalien

5 жыл бұрын

mine too!

@kakluver

4 жыл бұрын

He was my first Pro Basketball hero, David Thompson was my first College Basketball hero

@randysine752

4 жыл бұрын

He was my first basketball hero 2

I remember reading in Sports Illustrated a letter to the editor. The 76'ers were playing an afternoon game on a weekday. A father sent his son to school that day with a note that said, "Please excuse my son at noon today. He's going to see the Dr.". I was fortunate enough to see Dr. J. play live for the NY Nets of the ABA at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. To me, he will always be the greatest! I know others will disagree and that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.............

@evaleomcallister7649

5 жыл бұрын

confrontation between bird and Irving

@usmanbabaaudu1121

4 жыл бұрын

You are spot on sir, Dr j is the best ever!

@hayseaglets9966

4 жыл бұрын

Doc played in the best era in NBA history and was that era's best player. The 90's brought expansion and a watered down league.

@tonymanfredi6844

4 жыл бұрын

Moses Malone was Dr J's Scotty Pippen no doubt.

@michaelpullen2004

4 жыл бұрын

@@tonymanfredi6844 4 4 4 = CHAMPIONSHIP 👍😁

He changed the game of this sport hands down.....Jordan came yeeeaarrss later.

@stephenbruce5431

6 жыл бұрын

RaceIsOpen Absolutely! I grew up watching Jordan play and now that I watch what Dr J did I think to myself “wow you can tell how much MJ was inspired by him!” Great stuff!

@toddsands6000

5 жыл бұрын

I admire both Dr. J and MJ for what both of them did for the game. I often enjoy watching videos on KZread of them playing against each other head-to-head. I honestly believe that Dr. J and MJ were so great during their respective eras that if it were possible, both players could definitely play in today's era easily.

@toddsands6000

5 жыл бұрын

There is a classic pic of Dr. J throwing down a one handed dunk over an outstretched Larry Bird trying to block his attempt. I think Dr. J's extension was well over 11 ft. high. No shame in that. Dr. J has been able to dunk over some of the tallest defenders in the game which definitely included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The 1980s was an awesome era for NBA basketball.

@robertpadis2123

5 жыл бұрын

Imagene

@robertpadis2123

5 жыл бұрын

Top tracks

Without a doubt, the greatest dunk of all time was performed by Dr. J against Michael Cooper of the Lakers! I have not seen that dunk performed by anyone since. As a matter of fact, never saw that dunk performed by anyone before that game. The man was amazing!

@markjohnson-sl9qf

2 жыл бұрын

Look at Vince Carter dunks in games.

@jeffedler5227

Жыл бұрын

I saw Doc play as a12 year old kid with The VA. Squires. He dunked on everyone night after night. Doc has the biggest Hands I have ever seen." New York Made You Superstar.. But Virginia Made You What You Are"..Big Jeff

The Doctor was simply the Greatest...I would take him with the first pick at anytime past present of future players... no compares to him...NO ONE! All that followed had their time and moments but the Doctor is forever!

How was he a "polarizing figure"? That statement was way off! He was, and still is, pure class. 💯%

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

Dude doesn’t know what polarizing means. I think he’s using it to say Dr. J did something that was cold to Michael Cooper, which it was, but he’s not using the word correctly.

@berachtdorian6191

Жыл бұрын

Right. His game was revolutionary. He is class. "Polarizing" has nothing to do with it.

@Link7029

9 ай бұрын

maybe he meant posterizing---like made a poster out of him. I don't know. The Dr. wasn't polarizing at all!

Played with Julius at UMASS preseason and postseason with the varsity and others in Boyden Gymnasium from 1969 to 1971. Obviously fantastic experience without truly realizing just how lucky we all were while certainly expecting great things going forward. Best experiences of most of our Basketball "careers" which really didn't exist. Small white guy who couldn't jump but quick, defense and could shoot so was privileged to play. Julius treated all the same and all with respect. All while pulling rebounds off the top of backboards and setting countless fast breaks in motion. Unbelievable experiences and agree, after watching his career, most amazing all around player and contributor to innovation in the history of the NBA.

@robertfultz5481

3 ай бұрын

Who are you? I am Bob Fultz. We may have played together as UMass freshman or preseason at Boyden. I only played as frosh and realized as you say the dream was not to be. Do you remember when Julius broke his thumb over xmas vacation practice? It was an aggression drill we never did again!

I can write a book about the times I saw Dr. J. in San Antonio live, especially his days with New York Nets, when he was at his high flying youthful best; however, I wanted to pass on my first experience seeing the Doc. I was stationed at Yorktown Coast Guard Station and one night, my buddy Mitch and I went to see the hometown Virginia Squires. It wasn't on April 1, 1972. We were part of about 4000 fans or so. I would kill to have my ticket stub from the game at Hampton Roads Colosseum. This was a playoff game against the Miami Floridians In the pregame, Julius was dunking 2 balls at once, 180° dunks, etc., all to the delight of the crowd. This was a playoff game!! That's why I loved the old ABA! We also noticed when walked in banners reading "Who Needs Charlie, We Got the Doc", referring to Charlie Scott's jumping to the NBA's Boston Celtics. I believe Julius had 38 pts and 15 boards that night. He made a play I have still never seen any other player make. He grabbed a one handed rebound (with his right hand) off the board and in one motion, connected with Fatty Taylor at the other end. I KNEW I was watching one of the greatest players to ever play.

@robertcgordon

3 жыл бұрын

Charlie jumped to Phoenix, traded to Boston a few years later.

Dr. J put the Show in Showtime. He was spectacular. Showtime in the Spectrum. Off the charts.

@jalphonso2

3 жыл бұрын

My Father worked as an usher and I heard about this guy, "DR. J" and thought I have to see this. Wow, never seen anything like him. Far ahead of his time like The Great One in Hockey. He was the best representation of the NBA. Didn't beat his Wife, Didn't hear about him getting in trouble, doing drugs. Julius Erving was the face of the NBA. People cheered him everywhere he went. He was the reason Cities sold out their stadiums because everyone wanted to see the Doc play. He didn't disappoint. Great ambassador of the game the NBA has ever had. There will always be DR J, and then everyone else.

@ScottParisi

3 жыл бұрын

@@jalphonso2, remember the concession guy that did all the player announcements from the stands?

There’s legends but Theeee Legend is Dr. Julius Erving. GOAT who was majestic and was “AIR” long before Air Jordan 🏀

One important note about his MVP award in the 1980-81 season is that it was won during a time that the NBA was still a league dominated by centers. Erving's award was the first time a non-center won MVP since guard Oscar Robertson in the early 1960's. Also, in the 1983 Finals, it was Erving who made the clutch plays in the championship-clinching Game 4, scoring 7 points in the last 2 minutes, including stealing the ball and dunking it to tie the game, then converting a three-point play on a fastbreak with less than a minute play to give the Sixers the lead for the first time since the first quarter. Then when Jabbar made a free throw to cut the Sixers' lead to 1, Erving sealed it with a jumper over Magic Johnson.

@geestack9002

7 жыл бұрын

Ed Vega thank you for that great analysis and precise of the last few minutes of that championship game that was superb

@rrrickster3137

7 жыл бұрын

Also Remember Dr. J won the title in 83... getting close to end of his career 33yrs. old at a time when Celtics and Lakers dominated the league....Dr. J Greatest of all time.....Second to none....

@IraProctor

6 жыл бұрын

Stop it, Bird lost to him by only 20 points in voting. The '81 MVP was a nod to the old man that had not won one over the new guy that was better that year, but positioned to win a bunch later.

@johncooper2265

5 жыл бұрын

@@IraProctor - Wrong. Julius was the best player in the league that season. Period. Night in, night out. Bird? He wasn't even the best player on his own team every night that year. Yeah sure, he was his team's BEST overall player, and he was unselfish which led to his team's success. So, I'm not knocking him. But the league MVP award was rightfully given to Erving that year because without him the Sixers would've been a bottom-3 team. With him, they were a Top-3 team. Bird, nor anyone else had that level of importance (or "VALUE") to his team!

@IRAANIMALMAN1

5 жыл бұрын

@@IraProctor wtf are you ranting about?? Not only was DrJ better than Birdy in 1981 he had an even better year in 81-82 and should have won the MVP that year as well but the NBA was gaga over Birdy with his big mouth he made for great interviews and the writers loved the loud mouthed punk ! Dr J over Birdy any day of the year !!!

My favorite moment was from before a game. It was 1976 mid-season, The 76er's were in town to play the Denver Nuggets. In warm ups both Dr. J and David (DT, Skywalker) Thompson were doing different dunks. DT would do one and then Dr. J. would follow up, and it continued that way for a few minutes. Some of the best dunks being showcased pre-game. The crowd cheered on both players.

That move behind the backboard, ON Kareem, was the GREATEST individual move EVER!

My favorite moment is that he had class off and on the court. Just a great human being that was also a superstar

The 83' Sixers were one of the best all time NBA teams. The Sixers were as dominate as it gets.

@caesarfiorini1728

4 жыл бұрын

Fo Fo Fo ......................

@GeeToven

4 жыл бұрын

From modern era Ben Simmons , to The Answer and doctor ! Yup

@courylanders5154

4 жыл бұрын

@@caesarfiorini1728 But it ended up fo,five,fo.LOL

@lloydkline6946

3 жыл бұрын

With a healthy andrew toney, they win again in nba championship in 1984

@AngelRivera-qi7vb

3 жыл бұрын

to bad not get malone wen he got 2 the sixers wood have won 4

Dr. J...The Ambassador Of The NBA...." Pure Class ". Magic And Bird Took The NBA To The Next Level.....Dr. J Brought The ABA And NBA Together.

I was 11 years old in 1979 and had converse all stars and Dr. Julius Erving was the man! !!!! To watch him dunk and tear up the court was awesome! !!!! Me and my brothers who at the time lived in Philadelphia used to sing " Dr. J is here to stay! !!!! " lol! !!!! I must say it irritated my mom lol !!!!!

Dr J is one of those GOAT contenders that no one knows about except us old guys who actually saw him play and can put him into historical perspective.

My favorite Dr. J moment is -- all of them! He is the greatest. As an ABA Kentucky Colonel fan, I was not really disappointed that his super-human play eliminated our team in the 1974 and '76 playoffs on the way to bringing the Nets titles, because Julius brought the ABA so much greatness and pride!

I remember an aba vs NBA all star game. Dr. J makes a steal and breaks to the other end. The only defender was Oscar Robertson who is in the lane in front of the basket. Doc takes off from the free throw line and dunks over him. What I remember most is the look on O's face. He is in a guarding position and his eyes were looking up at the flying object going overhead.

The most elegant player in the story of NBA. Man of other times:loyal,faithful,true.

@TheXaimaca

4 жыл бұрын

@Un Redacted ''Julius the Butterfly'', d'ya remember? Iries

I had a poster of the thumbnail pic. Dr J is always my basketball idol. He had class, dignity, and great sportsmanship. Truly one of a kind.

I remember when he used to come over to the house. My dad play with him and won the ABA Championship in 1976. None of those highlights that they showed their are my favorite. My favorite moment was when Mr. Irving as I had to call him, would come over for dinner at the house. Then we would talk , about any everything. That's my favorite moment. Julius Erving is just an all-time all around awesome person. I salute him and take my hat off to him. His career speaks for itself, If you know basketball you know Dr. J is one of the all-time greats no question. His game was way ahead of his time.

@ericchisolm2768

5 жыл бұрын

G Thompson Yes, I enjoyed your comments, wow what a privilege to know him like that. I happy to say I graduated from the same high school (Roosevelt Jr-Sr High) that he did.

@gthompson4707

5 жыл бұрын

eric chisolm thanks yeah it was cool being six seven years old knowing doctor J all your friends over at the house getting autographs it was a real cool experience for me one I'll never forget

@onlyrog5

4 жыл бұрын

Yo G, he was my aunt's nephew by marriage!

@gthompson4707

4 жыл бұрын

@@onlyrog5 to That's what's up. You ever play around on the court with him? He just had this eclectic energy whenever he's around.

@onlyrog5

4 жыл бұрын

@@gthompson4707 never got to meet him. Alot of my family said he's a real nice guy and loves golf

All i can say is Wow Doc was the man.

His stylish fro, the behind the backboard layup, the rock-the-baby slam dunk, and the free-throw line dunk were stellar! My hero. I got my all white hi-cut converse, made in the USA, and wore different colored shoelaces doin' a windmill under the backboard layup thinking I was Dr. J, back in '79-80!

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

@ChrisAcheson - You and me both, brother! I lived it, too. Those were the days!! ✌🏼

DR. J Fans and those who claim to be NBA fans Remember this. Doc saved the NBA not Bird and Magic! Doc sold out everywhere he went for three straight years! The word was, you must go and see Dr. J, he will do something you have never seen before and may never see again! That is True Greatness!

@peat381low8

4 жыл бұрын

He made it to what it is today. And adding the ABA players in. This changed the NBA ever since.

@daBEAGLE1017

4 жыл бұрын

He'd have more than just one NBA championship if he would've played for Milwaukee. Imagine Kareem, The Big O and Dr. J on the same team?

@UncleMikeNJ

4 жыл бұрын

By time Doc really got going, Oscar was done. The Bucks teams of the late '70s and early '80s were very good, with Sidney Moncrief and Marques Johnson, but they kept smacking into the 76ers and the Celtics. Keeping Kareem or having Doc could have made a difference. Then again, the 1960s Cincinnati Royals had Oscar, and Jerry Lucas, and Jack Twyman, and couldn't get past Russell's Celtics, so you never know.

@shermanpearson1171

4 жыл бұрын

I agree i scringe everytime i hear that bird magic bullshit..its just media narrative

@daBEAGLE1017

4 жыл бұрын

@@UncleMikeNJ don't forget Brian Winters of the 80s Bucks. Milwaukee had a rivalry with Boston and Philly back in those days. Always seemed to Meetup in the playoffs during that era.

The NBA fans never saw the real Dr. J......he flew higher in the ABA when he was younger.

@mrc302

4 жыл бұрын

True that!!

@brown8493

4 жыл бұрын

The games he played in the aba are here on KZread so now NBA fans can see 👀him play.I first saw him in 1972 when he dunk free the free throw line

@disco4093

4 жыл бұрын

I wish the Nets would of kept him during the merger, omg is talent was sacrificed because of it.

@tima.478

4 жыл бұрын

He only played 5 years in the ABA though...

@chuckwright8889

4 жыл бұрын

@@tima.478 so what would be your point? Careers were generally not as long back then (for two reasons)....and even now, we know people's leaping ability normally peaks in their mid 20s. That was when he was in the ABA. I'm telling you, ask anyone who saw him in both leagues...they'll tell you the same thing.

Before Jordan before Lebron before Kobe there was 'THE DOCTOR'!!!.. He made house calls in every arena of the ABA & the NBA.... Grace, style, power, & finesse. One of if not the greatest to ever lace 'em up.

Definitely the dunk of the century...against Michael Cooper..1983 NBA finals...I believe I saw that live..when I was studying at the University of Minnesota..

@brucescott4261

5 жыл бұрын

reza abasali ... The date was January 5, 1983.

I'm Born and Raised in Philly, I lived these times!!! And Yet constantly Amazed at the FACT that NO video coverage SPOTLIGHTING Dr.J's 3!!! Consequetive TOMAHAWK DUNKS on the ENTIRE LAKER TEAM!!! Karim, Magic, Worthy, Cooper, etc!!! Those 3 DUNK'S set the Tempo, at the beginning of the Game (in LA, I believe?!?) And SECURD the SWEEP!!! In the NBA Finals that year!!! Any Documentation without this History is Simply Incomplete!!!

I will take him over Bird any day of the week. The Great Julius Erving!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

It's simply amazing how people can trick their minds to believe that the NBA represented the "finest" basketball talent of that era. The ABA was pure entertainment. Watching the NBA at that time and before the huge influx of African American players was akin to watching paint dry. Julius Erving - The Best to ever do it. #Amerikkka

@derwinmitchell9947

2 жыл бұрын

I agree the NBA was boring as hell, until they started letting a influx of Black ABA players into the league popularity grew, ticket sales increased, it virtually change the entire NBA to what it is today.

Dr. J will always be my favorite basketball player of all time. Like the video you just watched he did invent a lot of the dunks and moves you see today. And I will always be a Philadelphia 76ers fan. Thank you Doc.

Born in 1968, and in a time with almost no social media....certain people were viewed and reputations developed. Dr.J was and always will be one of the true LEGENDS of the game. He displayed class,dignity and sportsmanship despite having a style with incredible flair and he did things that had never been done by anyone.To this day there are things he did that are absolutely unique that no one has ever done.He could run and fast break like a GLOBETROTTER, YET HE WAS RESPECTFUL AND HE HAD THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF HUMILITY. BEFORE MAGIC AND BIRD CAME ALONG, DR.J. WAS IT. TO ME ITS THOSE 3 before M.J Came along. The battles in the 80s between Doc.Magic and Bird every season for the championship were awesome. Also, I kinda think the A.B.A was the all time best alternative major sport league, considering all the H.O.F amers that started there and were ALL STARS In the NBA. LIKE DOCTOR J. wasThe man could do it all, and he took over games at times. He was that great. Kinds like MJ, Although different as a player, and he doesn’t have the 6-0 finals record as MVP every time. There is NO WAY that anyone who has watched basketball long enough to see the doctor play can leave him off of any all time team

No doubt in my mind. Dr J was THE most spectacular, one of the most unstoppable ever to play basketball!. Even more impressive when u consider he played in the era of 'towers of power' Chamberlain, Jabbar and Walton. I was in awe of him when I was in HS and he in the old ABA

Dr J was something special. Dunking is routine now, but he made it into an art form. With his huge hands and his flair for athletic moves that were unique to him, he would swoop to the basket with the ball palmed and his arm fully extended high above his head, then slam it through from various side angles and straight flushes. The man's game was breathtaking.

He asked us to call him Julius. Me, just a guy lucky enough to play golf in a tournament for retired NBA players with one of the finest, nicest gentleman I have ever had the good fortune to meet. I had a million questions but basically couldn't speak. And when Bill Russell asked me if he could join us for lunch, I almost passed out. I would have started by asking them about playing in the 60's, race relations, then and now. Then tell them my favorite player back then was Hal Greer because he shot free throws with a jump shot. :) I tell this story to as many kids that will listen. Moments in life never forgotten for a fortunate kid.

My Dad took me to see the Dr. at Madison Square Garden back in the day , phenomenal to say the least and the classiest dude to ever play the game. Salute to the Doctor forever my hero👊🏾

I grew up in the 80'S...loved to watch the Celtic and Sixers go at it...many great players on both teams...but I must say I loved when Dr.J would come down and make a house call on the opponents home court...Dr.J class act to this day and one of the best to ever play...paved the way for many to play the the way he did..#6 the inventer of the Dunk..

@tamilashultz9194

6 жыл бұрын

The dunk was invented in the 1940's by Bob Kurland.

@brucescott4261

5 жыл бұрын

@@tamilashultz9194 ...Correct. However, it wasn't anything like the Julius Erving era and beyond.

@brucescott4261

4 жыл бұрын

@@robertbarber7986 ...You're so right, Bob! That's why Doc went to Rucker Park in Upper Harlem. He's a native New Yorker, and so am I.

@Jangocat

2 жыл бұрын

He was considered a "class act" until his wife busted him for cheating on her lol. Don't confuse "class act" with being a good player.

The greatest shot that I saw from Dr.J was one that he missed.My friend Kenny and I went to the Garden to see him play against the Knicks.He grabbed the rebound from the missed basket drove the length of the floor was all alone and could have easily dunked the ball and that would have been the highlight itself. Not Dr.J,he took ever opportunity to give fans their money's worth when you come to see him play.As I was saying he comes past the top of the key and it appears he is going to lay the ball up for a high flying layup but as he gets close to the basket he takes the ball away from the rim as he is approaching it and brings it back to the right side of his hip and on his flight down he brings it back up past the rim to kiss the glass inside the box.The ball spins around the rim a few times and spills out! He didn't make the shot, but everybody in the Garden including Knicks Fans were in awe and we applauded because he entertained you on the court by bringing a different basketball move that you have never seen before! Jordan is one of the greatest players however,if given the choice to see one or the other I would chose Dr.J. I think this way because I heard a broadcaster, I think it was Brent Musenburger pay him the highest complement during one game that Dr.J was making highlight moves throughout the game when he said something to the effect: I should pay to watch his performance today! He went on to say he was the most exciting player to watch because you didn't know what Dr.J would do once he got the ball but you knew it was going to be something incredible!

Late 70s as a 10 or 12 yr old I got to see 76ers in Atlanta. The Hawks put Dr J on the program cover. That’s respect. He missed a baseline jumper in final seconds and Hawks won by 2. I stood outside visitors locker room for 30 min with 100 others and Dr J signed EVERY autograph request. After a gut wrenching loss. On the road. Already idolized him as a player. That made me appreciate him as even more.

Part basketball player Part acrobat Part ballet dancer. Dr J is still my all time favorite. No one past, present or future will equal him.

Dr. J the reason I fell in Love with Basketball, there were a lot of great moments I witnessed in Doc's career and one of them was the 1982 Eastern conf. Finals game 7 were Doc came on a fast break and dunked on Bird and the ball bounced off Birds head, the Sixers would go on to win that game and reach the finals. At the time of his retirement after the 86 season Dr. J was the only non center to have over 30,000 points in The ABA & NBA Combined.

Thanks for posting this. I was blessed to grow up in Philly so I saw many dunks that are not part of Doc's highlights. It was a special time from a special person who also was a great all-around player

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

He wasn’t always a showboat, but was one of the most unselfish players in the game and some of his passes, steals and blocks were as exciting as his dunks! He was able to up his game and completely change the course of his team’s trajectory on any given night. And off the court, he was pure class, grace and intelligence. If anyone was ever the man, it was THAT man! An inspiration to me and thousands of others and an immortal legend.

Happy that the doc got his ring. I’m a lakers fan and even though the lakers got swept in that series it was one of the great memories of the game. Dr. J you change basketball and thank you for playing it.

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

@Joey0077d - Your comment is what it's really all about. Everyone marveled at Dr. J even if you were routing against him.

@joey0077d

Жыл бұрын

@@crusheverything4449 … it will be 40 years this year that he won his NBA championship. Time flies but his game play will always live on.

Dr j was carry both ABA and NBA in his shoulder, erving was my favorite nba player and i would say dr j is GOAT then jordan

@68thalien

5 жыл бұрын

i agree

@sactownsteelers6748

4 жыл бұрын

I agree i wore Dr.J.s all leather Cons he in my book the first to fly GOAT Jordan #2

@sactownsteelers6748

4 жыл бұрын

Jordan phenominal hardly he traveled palmed and if u got near him it was automatic foul Doctor J. I Was the Phenom hands down Jordan copied Doc everything Doc did Jordan tried except some of docs phenominal moves

The most exciting high flyer ever!, bar none!!!

I saw him play quite a bit, both live and on television, and he was amazing. Thanks for doing this, some great memories.

Favorite moment: I was at Larry Bird's first game at the spectrum. He guarded Dr. J all game and Erving torched him for 37. On one play he faked Bird out of his shorts and went in for the layup and the scoreboard said "Welcome to the NBA Larry Bird" Sixers won by 1 point.

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

Phenomenal!!

Great video Mr. Johnny. The Dr was everything to everyone. My hero and mentor. When The Doc was paying we stopped what we were doing to watch him play. I was blessed to live near the Nassau coliseum and see this live. Dr. will always be the greatest.

My all-time favorite player. I've been an NBA fan for 45 years. Love MJ, Magic, Bird, Russell, Wilt and so many more players but the Doc stands alone for my money because he completely redefined how how high the NBA could fly and paved the way for players like MJ, Kobe, etc... His under the backboard layup against the Lakers - in the finals no less - is the single greatest shot in NBA history. PERIOD. His ridiculous dunk against Michael Cooper on that breakaway play is one of the greatest dunks in history and in terms of degree of difficulty - in competition - I rate it the best of all time because it was a straight arm windmill dunk having to navigate going through and over a defender in front of him while simultaneously launching that dunk with one hand. Truly extraordinary. When you look at dunks of his in the past, what stands out is his other-worldly vertical which was never more apparent in that final against Portland when he had that stunning dunk over Bill Walton. This was 1977. Bill Walton was 25 and was very much in his prime as one of the best NBA defenders in the game and the Doctor not only had the audacity to think he could simply dunk over him, Walton was right there defending and with that 6'11 roadblock in his way, Dr. J had to improvise by not only going high, he actually had to adjust out - away from the basket before flushing it down home. Look at the expression on Walton's face. Utter disbelief! In terms of greatest teams of all time, sorry, I'll take the 82-83 Sixers over anyone you give me. Not only did they have the best record that year, they swept the might Lakers in 4 games in the final! This was the defending champion Lakers who had Kareem, Magic, Cooper, Nixon, Rambis and others. Incredible domination. When I look at Dr. J, I see an athlete who had unmatched talent and creativity who could just fly above his competition.

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

@andyh163 - I agree wholeheartedly with every word you typed!

One thing I wish they had done was kept the ABA ball for play in the NBA. Something about the colors make the moves look that much better.

I’ve always loved him as a player.. he’s very classy. You’re the best doc.

People who only have highlights to go off of, just don’t know how good Dr. J was. He was must see TV anytime the network decided to broadcast a game. One of my top 5 favorite players!

Just so glad I got to see him play ! .........Master Jedi of the Dunk DR. J !!!!!!!!!

@richardkowal4711

5 жыл бұрын

Earl the pearl monroe

My favorite is when Doc dunked over Michael Cooper!

@courylanders5154

4 жыл бұрын

Weissksw The dunk on Bill Walton.And he to many nasty dunks against the Celtics in the 80's.

@kenperk9854

4 жыл бұрын

And the smile on Doc's face told Cooper it was time to clear the runway for the 747 slam!

@courylanders5154

4 жыл бұрын

@@kenperk9854 Dr J's greatest dunks are like Prince's music catologs.TO MANY TO NAME! LOL

@mike042465

4 жыл бұрын

whenever i hear dr. j's name, that dunk over cooper is what always pops into my head first.

@courylanders5154

4 жыл бұрын

@@mike042465 Dr J on Cooper.The "craddle/cuff the ball dunk!" LOL 40 years later still legendary! The original,Dr J! Peace out!

Most exciting player to watch...His moves were remarkable!

My favorite...coming around the backboard with a sweet bank shot while Kareem looked stunned.

This was, is and always will be my favorite athlete, the big fro, come on man!!! Swag before swag!!!!

Just getting to play Dr.J vs Larry Bird on my computer was awesome! One of the first stars of basketball to have their own video game. Dr.J is a Legend!

@tamilashultz9194

6 жыл бұрын

Bird was better.

@Braktooth

5 жыл бұрын

I loved that game.

The smile on Doc's face when Mo Cheeks dunks at the end of Game 4 vs. LA in 1983.

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

Love that shit!!! Saw it live on TV!!

The excitement of being a young kid home watching the game and actually witnessing the rock the baby dunk. I went crazy in my house!

One of the all time greatest in the game and a true gentleman. The man who brought the game above the rim. Hats off Mr. Erving and thank you. 🙏🏻

True goat right here no word about it!!!!

Man!!! So glad you included my fav dunk in this video.... first all star game after the merger... up and over Kareem!! Dunk contests are ok... but the innovation and to do it in a live game... THATS why he’s always going to be the Doctor!!

The dunk over Bill Walton in a Championship game was pretty amazing.

as great as he was in the NBA in the ABA. He was simply amazing, a basketball legend and great class

My fav. Dr J moment would have to be his impeccable manners and honorable sportsmanship. He wasn't just a great player, but a real hero.

@honeysucklecat

5 жыл бұрын

He also once did this move - no way I can describe it - this loopty loop thing, kind of a figure 8 windmill move as he flew towards the basket. I've never seen a clip of it, but wow. It was the first time I saw him play, actually.

My favorite player ever in the NBA. The Sixers asked Doc to be more of a team player but if they had not I feel the conversation of GOAT would be a race of three and not just MJ and the King. The "Rock the baby to sleep" dunk is the greatest in game dunk ever.

I was happy to see him win a championship to add to his accomplishments!

Thanks for doing this for my favorite player ever

@lloydkline6946

3 жыл бұрын

❤ dr.j, an airwalker towards the basket 🧺 to score, unstoppable

He keeps saying "one of the most 'polarizing' dunks in NBA history." Don't you mean the most "posterizing" dunks?! LOL I just think 'polarizing' is the wrong descriptive word to use altogether. Erving never polarized anyone. Everybody loved him.

@DeCurtaRican

6 жыл бұрын

sherwinfitz : He also called Dr. J a “polarizing” player. Smgdh. Everybody loved him, so how was he polarizing? The dude in the video is illiterate and using words of which he does not know the meaning. A polarizing figure is controversial at best.

@dthtoneocons1

6 жыл бұрын

Agreed, " polarizing" is a huge negative, Dr J was loved by all.

@pallen49

5 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY... I keep hearing him saying that, and I go ' what '?...Dr J's not ' polarizing '...And I've been a fan of his since the merger of ABA and NBA.. I would NEVER considered Dr J a ' polarizing ' figure at all...so far from it..lol

@DanielBarberMusic

5 жыл бұрын

This is why I started reading the comments to see if anybody else had commented on that adjective. Dr. J was probably one of the least polarizing figures in the history of the game, loved by everyone.

@geestack9002

5 жыл бұрын

You do know how dr. J got his name they call him the doctor because he did surgery on fools on the court so I guess the word polarizing kind of does fitting if you don't believe me when you finish watching this go on KZread and watch some of his Aba dunks on people and his early NBA days and you will see that he was polarizing people meaning putting people on posters

The magic for DR.J.was his enormous hands and those poetic finger rolls..😆🇨🇦

My favorite Dr J moment: In the ABA playoffs against the Kentucky Colonels, "The Doctor" jumped from the foul line, faked pushing the ball to the right side into the face of 6'9" Dan Issel, then still floating, faked pushing the ball to the left, into the face of 7'2" Artis Gilmore, and STILL floating upward, threw down a dunk! Amazing!

@brucescott4261

6 жыл бұрын

larry C ...I remembered that one, too!!! Thanks, Larry!!!

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

Who else could do that?!!!

Much respect to the legend DR.J.

before Hollywood came to the nba, he was the original air Jordan.

@jalphonso2

3 жыл бұрын

No, He was the original, Julius Erving. Mike wanted to be like Doc.!!

Julius Erving,, damn near saved the NBA all by himself, he was the show and the first to get a shoe contract. 💯 Class act and one of the greatest showman to ever play

The behind the backboard layup. That 1980 NBA Finals was a huge event. I was a diehard Sixers fan and when Doc did that and the Sixers won to tie up the series it was like heaven on earth. I still remember sitting and watching when Doc did that layup....it was so incredible I had no idea he was going for the layup and when he did it was like OMG...How did he do that!!? Did that just happen???! The Spectrum went craaazzyy! But just to let you know as a Sixers fan we used to watch so many nights of him doing so many great moves/plays. I mean it's just what he did....one of the greatest original inspiring athletes of all time.

@crusheverything4449

Жыл бұрын

@surfshack2 - I had the same experience growing up. I can still hear the announcer, “Julius ERRRRRRRVIIIIIING!!!! Still the most exciting player I’ve ever seen in my 59 years on Earth!! Your comment brought back some very near and dear memories! I watched all those classic match-ups with my best buddy who was like an older brother. He passed in ‘86, but these videos and people like you help keep his memory alive and for that, I thank you, my friend! ✌🏼

My favorite Dr. J moment...and my all-time favorite basketball ever...took place in the 2nd NBA/ABA All-Star Game, played in the old Nassau County Coliseum. He stole the ball about 3/4 of the court away from the ABA basket, took off in a sprint, split a double team by Oscar Robertson and Archie Clark, jumped from foul line and dunked. Or, SLAMMED, was more like it. The Coliseum erupted in screams and applause. I watched the game on tv,,and threw my hands up over my head and ran out of my house. My stepfather, who was watching the game with me, said, "What does that fool think he's gonna do ?", as he jumped the the line. After the dunk was completed, he jumped out of his chair and said, "Oh s%$t ! That was ungodly !" Sadly, and unbelievably, there is no footage of the dunk, nor of the game. That's a crime. Fans,who witnessed it, have referred to it on ABA blogs, and Oscar Robertson has mentioned in a interview. His NBA stuff was great, but the ABA showcased the real essence of DR. J.

@SteveColburn3

4 жыл бұрын

A treasured memory. Thanks for sharing it. See mine from the 1975 ABA All-Star Game.

my favorite moment.....will always be (7:04)-- the moment when you realize doc was gonna get his first ring.

@sandyivyjr2

5 жыл бұрын

YES!!!!!!!!

The Doc. Was the best... and the creator of freestyle moves... a true legend

I still can't believe just how down to Earth this #NBALEGEND is was when I meet him last week in Las Vegas. What a HONOR it was for him to just be in his presence. #ROCKTHEBABY IS MY FAVORITE!!!!🏀

My favorite moment 1. His layup against lakers 2. His dunk over cooper

Dr J ..😎 Goat

He was my idol and mentor all through high school when I played basketball for my church’s team. I patterned my play after his because he was unstoppable. When he was on the court he would always be operating, thus the nickname the “Dr” that was his clinic where he performed his duties, miss him! ⛹🏽‍♂️🏀

Thank you, Doc is a Hallmark hero from my childhood 👍✌️

The 1983 all star game when he dunked on Artis Gilmore😂😂😂😂 classic posterizing!

@AngelRivera-qi7vb

3 жыл бұрын

and the hook over him from the foul line we champs

Too many too pick one but the rock the baby dunk & the baseline out of pound reverse layup 👍🏀the Doctor making ER calls 👍

Julius Erving was my all time fav player!!!🙌🤙😎🤟🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀👏👏👏

Grew up in the philly burbs and he was my sports idol. Got to meet him once too. I was definitely star struck! Nice job with this video.