Julius Erving

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Before Erving, dunking was largely viewed as a brute-force tactic used by big men close to the hoop, often dismissed by purists as style over substance. Erving transformed this perception by utilizing the slam dunk as a high-percentage shot executed at the end of maneuvers starting well away from the basket. He demonstrated that there could be great artistry and grace in slamming the ball into the hoop after launching several feet from the target, bringing the practice into the mainstream. His signature move was so influential that it helped popularize the dunk as an art form, though the basketball slang 'posterized' evolved later—becoming common in the 1990s and often associated with players like Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins—rather than being coined specifically to describe Erving's plays. While players like Connie Hawkins and Elgin Baylor performed spectacular dunks earlier, Erving made the dunk a basic skill set of the game, incorporating it into the vernacular much like the crossover dribble or the no-look pass.

In Their Own Story

The path to Philadelphia was paved with legal battles and league-shifting drama. In 1972, NBA rules prohibited drafting players fewer than four years removed from high school, but Erving utilized an ABA 'hardship' rule to sign a $500,000 contract with the Virginia Squires after his junior year at UMass. Complicating matters, he had signed a deal with the Atlanta Hawks worth over $1 million. This sparked a three-team dispute involving the Milwaukee Bucks, who held draft rights. Judge Edward Neaher issued an injunction prohibiting him from playing for anyone but the Squires until arbitration resolved the issue. Once back in the ABA, Erving flourished, posting a career-best 31.9 points per game in the 1972–1973 season before being sold to the New York Nets. The Nets sent $425,000 to the Hawks to cover legal fees and fines. Under Erving, the Nets won their first ABA title in 1973–1974 against the Utah Stars, establishing him as the league's most important player before the eventual merger.

Reader's Guide

Erving's college career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst was cut short by a rule change; in 1968, the NCAA prohibited dunking, meaning his famous aerial feats were only seen by teammates during practice. He averaged an incredible 26.3 points and 20.2 rebounds per game over two varsity seasons. His nickname 'Dr. J' originated from high school friend Leon Saunders, who called Erving 'the doctor' after he called Saunders 'the professor.' The name evolved in the Rucker Park league from 'Black Moses' to 'Dr. Julius' and finally 'Dr. J,' a moniker first formally used by future teammate Willie Sojourner. In 1970, Erving played for the United States Olympic Development Team, wearing jersey number six as a power forward. He became the top vote-getter for MVP on that squad while competing against adult professionals from the Soviet Union and Finland.

Did You Know?

• Erving is the only player in history to be voted Most Valuable Player in both the ABA and the NBA.
• During his 16-year career, Erving's teams missed the postseason only once: the Virginia Squires failed to qualify in the 1972–73 ABA season.
• The basketball term 'posterized' evolved from the practice of players appearing on posters and became common in the 1990s, often associated with players like Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, not specifically coined
• Erving earned a bachelor's degree from UMass 15 years after leaving school via the University Without Walls program.
• In 2021, a statue of Erving was unveiled outside the Mullins Center on his university campus.