Dr J — the most creative offensive player in basketball history before Michael Jordan, whose slam dunk artistry and fluid athleticism transformed the sport's visual language.
Julius Erving — Dr J — changed basketball. His combination of above-the-rim athleticism, creative improvisation and elegant movement created a visual language for the sport that defined it for a generation. He won ABA championships and the 1983 NBA title with Philadelphia. His famous "Rock the Baby" baseline move in the 1980 Finals — where he drove under the basket and scooped in from the other side — is the most celebrated individual play in Finals history.
His baseline move in the 1980 Finals — swooping under the basket and laying in from the wrong side — is considered the most creative individual play in NBA Finals history.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- NBA Champion 1983
- ABA Champion 2x
- NBA MVP 1981
- ABA MVP 4x
- 5x ABA scoring champion