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.
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.
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.
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😂😂😂🔥💪🏼
@@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.
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!
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
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.
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 ;
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
I admire both Dr. J and MJ for what both of them did for the game. I often enjoy watching videos on RU-vid 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.
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.
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!
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.............
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 !!!!!
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..
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.
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.
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!!!
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👊🏾
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!
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.
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.
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....
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.
@@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!
@@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 !!!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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
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!!
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! ⛹🏽♂️🏀
@@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.
He was just such a very very cool and smooth dude too. So classy! So glad I got to see him play (just on tv) when I was young. The whole ABA thing was so cool---red, white, blue basketball, the Afro, etc. He is my favorite basketball player ever! It was just awesome!
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!!!!🏀
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!
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.
@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 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Growing up in Philly, I got to see Dr. J regularly and went to a few games when I could afford to, he was the best I ever saw. He never lost a game! I/we just wanted to see him finger roll or slam it down. He gave us all the joy in the world for basketball. No player as doing the things he was doing. His defense, the blocked shots and breakaway plays had me glued to the TV. Big respect to Bobby Jones too who always stepped up when Doc had to rest. He doesn't get enough credit for being creative, amazing style, and the will to win. He was the game! Other players did well and no bad words for them, only good words for the Doc!
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
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!
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.
@@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.
Oh Man,..I grew up in the Bay Area,..in the East Bay ,.in Warriors country (still loved the DUbs) but growin up in the 70's and 80's,.The Sixers were my team and Dr. j was a 6 poster in my room. I lived and breathed those Sixer teams and I will forever be a Sixers AND Dr. J fan,..he was AMAZING,..
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
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!
