When the discussion turns to basketball legends, Julius “Dr. J” Erving’s name is often near the top of the list. As a transformative figure in the NBA and ABA, Dr. J is widely credited with revolutionizing the game, particularly in the realm of aerial artistry and creativity. The man who helped popularize the dunk in the NBA, Erving’s style of play and innovative flair left an indelible mark on the sport. Recently, veteran NBA/ABA coach Hubie Brown shared his thoughts on Dr. J’s playing days in the ABA, offering an insightful and heartfelt tribute to one of basketball’s greatest players. In a statement that has caught the attention of basketball fans and analysts alike, Brown said, “In the ABA, he was fearless… He played with reckless abandon. He made plays no one has seen before or since, plays that not even Michael Jordan can do.”
These words from Hubie Brown, a man with decades of experience coaching and analyzing the game, provide a fascinating look into Dr. J’s unique talent and the fearlessness that defined his approach to the game.
Dr. J’s Fearless Play in the ABA
Dr. J’s stint in the ABA (American Basketball Association), which began in the early 1970s, was not just a period of dominance but also one of innovation. The league was seen as a competitor to the more established NBA and was known for its high-flying play, colorful personalities, and unorthodox styles. Yet, it was Dr. J who came to embody the league’s revolutionary spirit.
Before his NBA career took off, Erving played for the Virginia Squires, the New Jersey Nets, and the Philadelphia/San Diego franchise in the ABA. He was already a known quantity in the world of basketball, but it was in the ABA where his style truly came to life. Dr. J was an athletic marvel, capable of leaping higher, faster, and more gracefully than almost anyone on the court. His plays weren’t just effective; they were works of art.
Hubie Brown’s comment about Dr. J playing with “reckless abandon” points to a central element of his game—his willingness to risk it all to make something special happen on the court. His fearless style led him to break away from traditional norms, throwing down monster dunks from impossible angles, performing acrobatic layups, and executing plays no one had ever imagined. His agility in the air, combined with his supreme ball-handling ability, allowed him to manipulate the game in a way that few could replicate.
One iconic moment that showcases Dr. J’s fearless play occurred in the 1976 ABA All-Star Game, where he delivered a dunk that would become one of the most famous images in basketball history. With his unique blend of grace and power, Dr. J soared from the free-throw line to slam home an unforgettable dunk. This moment encapsulated his ability to push the boundaries of what was thought possible in basketball, and it quickly became a defining image of both the ABA and Dr. J’s legendary career.
The Impact on the NBA
While the ABA was known for its high-flying play, it was Dr. J’s transition to the NBA that truly cemented his place as a cultural and basketball icon. When the ABA-NBA merger occurred in 1976, many of the players from the defunct ABA joined the NBA, and Dr. J’s arrival with the Philadelphia 76ers changed the NBA forever.
Even in a league already rich with talent, Dr. J stood out. His fearless mentality and acrobatic flair for the dramatic were now on display in front of a national audience. Though Michael Jordan would go on to be the NBA’s most iconic player, Hubie Brown’s assertion that Dr. J made plays “no one has seen before or since” is a testament to the distinctiveness of his game. While Jordan revolutionized the game with his scoring ability, leadership, and championships, it was Dr. J who set the stage for the possibilities of what a basketball player could be.
Dr. J’s high-flying dunks, which became his signature, weren’t just impressive in their power but in their elegance and creativity. He redefined what it meant to be a small forward, playing with a level of grace and creativity rarely seen in any era. His ability to glide through the air with a level of ease that seemed almost supernatural is part of what has made his legacy so enduring.
A Comparison to Michael Jordan
Hubie Brown’s comment that Dr. J made plays “not even Michael Jordan can do” may raise some eyebrows, but it highlights an interesting discussion point. Michael Jordan is often lauded as the greatest basketball player of all time, largely due to his six NBA championships, his scoring titles, and his unparalleled competitive drive. However, as Hubie Brown points out, there were aspects of Dr. J’s game that were ahead of their time—skills that were unique to him and have never been fully replicated.