Slightly edited and cut version of a special on Julius Erving, I left out some boring stuff and you're mostly left with the important stuff and ofcourse all the action. Great story about the great and classy superstar, Mr Julius Erving.
I had the pleasure of meeting him once. I was a chef at a restaurant in Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta; and he came into our spot to eat. Pure CLASS!!!
What a brilliant documentary. I can honestly say that it is one that brought tears to my eyes but not those of sadness. The man has suffered personal loss that can just consume one’s being. He somehow found the strength to move on and give memories and joy to the fans that were fortunate enough to see him play. What a man. A truly class act Dr Julius Erving🙏🏼
What an awesome story. Never knew he suffered such heart-ache. Dr. J was always modest, professional, and a role model. Truly a great player, but more importantly...a great person.
By far the most influential, emotional, classy, humbling documentary I’ve seen. The man who literally paved the road for the NBA. Bow down to the DOC!!!
For me the greatest of all times when you combine his natural talent, persona, class and values. Came to the USA in 1978. He was the first player I came to love watching on the court. I was living in Washington DC where the Washington Bullets played, but loved the Philadelphia 76’ers because of him. Suffered the many years when he did not win the NBA World Championship and cried like a little kid when he finally did in 1983. The first time I cried as an adult. This documentary brought it all home for me. What a unique and special person DJ is and will always be.
As a teenager I remember getting so excited to see the Doctor play. 40+ years later, I realize more the greatness he is. So composed, so together, an inspiration for everyone
Beautiful to see Magic's commentary about how Doc invited him to his house showing him what NBA life would be like. In addition, Magic being an awed fan not a competitor on Doctor's historic move on Lakers. Damn, Magic is so real and pure in his view on Doc.
This was one of the greatest sports documentaries I ever seen. I had a lump in my throat watching it. The J was pure class, something that seems to be lacking in professional sports today.
He was a great player without a doubt. After watching this, I think his biggest imprint was the gentleman and class act he always was. If I’m half the man he was, I’ll call it a good life.
His legacy is unquestioned , but call him a “gentleman and class act“ is a bit of a stretch. Are you not aware of the daughter he refused to acknowledge for most of her adult life? Edit: when I initially wrote this comment, I hadn’t even realized that it was the product of an extra marital affair. On top of that, he did it twice! So, he’s serial adulterer who fathered two children with separate mistresses. Hardly what I would call a class act!
OK, if you want to cheat on your wife with multiple women and have two children outside of that marriage and then not even be in the life of them as well. OK, if you’re going to be only half as good as that lol.
I moved to the States in 1980 knowing nothing about basketball. The first time I watched Doc play I was hooked. To this day he remains my favourite player - ever.
Julius Erving is and will always be a class act. He is the one many professional players should emulate. He was professional on and off the court. Truly a class act.
@Tammy T You're a hater. Looking to bring people down to your level. Ask Bird what he thinks of Dr J and vice versa. You need a new heart. Only Jesus can help you and I pray you'll humble yourself and receive His Light instead of your darkness.
Cool !!!!! I'm seeing this docu for the first time. Love It. I grew up hearing the Name Dr. J. At approx. 17:30 of this docu I heard the words sold to for x amount of money and it stop me dead in ny tracks. Sound like this an extension of slavery. Buying and selling the best Buck Niggah for profit
This documentary is so well done. Every time I start watching it, I can't stop. This is the third time I have seen it and it feels like the first time again....but better.
I remember seeing Dr.J at the Ruckers in 1972 I was 17 at the time I shook hands with him after a game wow! His hands was big. There were about 20 kids waiting 4 him he took the time 2 sign his autograph 4 all of us 2 me that made an impact on me even now at 62 that time is still special 4 me
Damn this was an amazing documentary, brought tears to my eye. This man did alot for the black community and to be honest it looked like he helped bring the whole nation together.
I watched the Last Dance and there is one thing Dr Julius had on and off the court from the other players in the league as well as his teammates and that is RESPECT. I loved the rocking' chair at his final game which said so much how the other players saw him.
As a kid I remember Dr.J and having the feeling ,that the world was empty once Dr.J left the NBA...I even cried but just having the opportunity to watch him play was enough.
@@dawnpratt846 It was fitting that his last game was in Milwaukee. Standing ovation from the organization/fans who drafted him with the 12th pick in 1971 NBA draft. It may have been crazy pairing him with Jabbar and the BIG O. Wonderful blessed and UNIQUE basketball PHENOMENON.
Had the pleasure of watching him crush spirits on my Virginia Squires in the early 70’s. Jumping out of the gym on a nightly basis! Amazing player, better man, a class act!
A gentle giant! How many times have we heard that saying? Respect,Class,Passion humanity and talent out of this world. Always the best. Dr.J long live and prosper.
The Dr. was my all time hero! I ate, slept, and dreamt about becoming him as a kid! Majic said it best, what a supreme example of class mixed with God given talent! Thank you Dr. J for what you modled and continue to model for me!
One of my favorite documentaries. Didnt expect to get so emotional. I heard about him but I never watched his stories. Very happy I did. Will never be another Doctor J👨⚕️🏀
I saw this when it first came out. I'm crying again 😭. I have only cried three times in the last 25 years. My father's death and the two times I watched this documentary.
Me too, I've heard but never paid attention till now. Much love and respect Dr J Julius Irving. An epic shot caught on this documentary at the end when he made that last dunk shot and still got it at his age now 😲 WOWSERS 👏👏👏👏🙌 GOD BLESS YOU MR IRVING SIR❤️
im glad my childhood was in the 70's. We had the greatest stars in all sports to be our heros. Aaron and Banks in baseball, Payton in football, Ali in boxing, and of course, the great Dr J in basketball. Thanks Doc for changing the way basketball was seen and played.
What a guy! Growing up outside Philly in NJ, I remember him so well and I have never been a sports person but who didn't know him? He was a legend, a hero, a Black Man to be admired on so many levels. Still, he carries that. Watching this special brought me such joy, lifting my spirits at a moment when it was sorely needed. Greatness personified!
I am a 76ers fan from 800 mi away because of Doc. Magic said it best: the embodiment of greatness and class! About to dunk still at age 60+. Amazing! Still my favorite NBA player of all time.
i still remember the time Dr. J was literally out of bounds (in the air) and reached underneath the backboard and made the shot. Bad-ass-hell !!! always great!!!
dr. j revolutionized basketball....he was what the current nba needs to adopt....class, style, good sportsmanshp, along with amazing moves and a fairness thats missing in the game now....he should be the commissioner of the nba...and losing a son is something i can identify with...my son was overmedicated and died of a heart attack at 16...and like dr.j, i overcame the loss and continue to be a man my son would be proud of...ALL of the millionaires in the nba should give homage to the GREATEST OF ALL TIME...JULIUS DR. J ERVING
He was classy and a good sport...But he did fire on Larry Bird when his team mates were holding Bird... Bird talked a lot of shit ....and backed it up too!
Young men can learn a lot from Julius Irving and how he carried himself. I"m not saying he was perfect as no one is, but as a man, a father, an athlete, he's tops on my list.
So thankful that this showed up on my RU-vid feed! Wow! Excellent documentary about a man who decided to live to his fullest potential! Greatness indeed!!! Bravo to everyone involved in creating this piece... Including God who formed this Greatness in his mother's womb!
I had partial season ticked to the sixers during the Doctor J era. And also, play off tickets to the series the sixers went down to Walton and the Trail Blazers in the playoffs. Doctor J is a class act and fine human being. One day fishing by run arount the River drive and finishing at the front of the Art Museus I saw 4 of Philadelphia's top pro atletes being photographed because all the teams had great seasons. As I was not shy, I went over to the small group and asked for autographs and I did even have a pencil or pen with me. Doc told me to walk over to car with him and asked me to get in out of the weathe because is was a cold raw and wet day. He is, and always has been, one hell of a man. Thanks Doc.
He was one of the very Best, cannot imagine growing up without watching and modeling after his basketball. My dad and I use to watch him the Sixers and the Knicks!
I respect him so much, he is an honorable man, a man of substance and character. Too often that's hard to find today, I hope more young men and boys see this story and want to emulate this man....his light shines so others can follow. May God continue to bless him and protect him and his family.
yes true, but you know there were some other "unknowns" at the Rucker who helped turn him into the Badass he was. jus saying,It wasn't just the man but the culture that surrounded the man that brought out his potential. bucket list: I need to go see Rucker park one day.
Young child says: "I'm tired... They [the angels] need to come get me"... How sad and yet this child knew he was going and was ready to go to heaven; accompanied by angels... So sad; yet so beautiful Peace w/ a smile
Beautiful, but heart 💔breakingly sad at the same time. Followed Dr. Jay and big '76 fan in 80's, he was exciting to watch, a living basketball Legend G.O.A.T. even then it just seems like he carried a sadness... lost his son in 2000, shortly after parted ways with his wife of many years, makes you wonder😌As a star ABA and NBA superstar player was great family in spotlight news media, presented himself always as humble and a classy pro basketball athlete💙✨💜
I have always loved the Dr. He was my first basketball idol way before Bird and Jordan and the person who got me interested in basketball. Aside from being one of the greatest basketball players ever, he has always conducted himself with so much class and humbleness. But now add a great soul to this beautiful human being. Couldn’t help getting tears in my eyes after seeing he still hurting, after so many years, after his brother’s passing.
Over so many yrs Mr. Erving can still tear up about his brother. After all the stuff he has been through. That (to me) shows a man with exponential growth. Complete respect for this man
I grew up idolizing Dr. J! While going to school in Lincoln Nebraska, my brother got tickets in 1983 to a Kansas City Kings vs. Sixer's game. The only thing I remember was watching the greatest, coolest, and classiest player to ever play the game! The players who followed were some great players, but it was never as awe-inspiring, or electric before Julius Erving or since!
This is by far the Greatest sports Doc I have ever seen in my life.. I have never felt so many emotions watching something as I did this.. Thank you for allowing us to learn more about this man . He truly is a legend
I'm from UK moved to Cali and I watched the whole thing..it was epic...The story encapsulates the American dream it's perfect and what truly makes America great.
Brings back memories! My old stomping grounds...Saw Julius play from high school to 76ers. My all-time favorite player ever! The only reason colleges slept on Julius is because they never saw him play at Roosevelt, Kennedy, Lakeview, and Centennial Parks...lol
Class, Character and Charisma...these attributes attest to the measure of the person DrJ was. Unlike most Superstars who have the "weight" of a franchise on their shoulders, this guy carried TWO LEAGUES on his. BEST Ever!!
Easily one of the greatest and most uplifting sports documentaries I have ever watched. If there was a "Mt. Rushmore" honoring the greatest American athletes, Dr. J's face would be carved into it.
My favorite athlete of all time in any sport. People don’t understand how this man changed the game of basketball forever. He brought the game from the slow down, methodical style of the 60’s into the modern above the rim era. Still the most graceful player in history.
Man watching Mike Piazza get so emotional and giddy about Dr. J. inspiring him, I got a bit misty eyed! Listening to the narrations and the music, highlights, testimonies, and sorrowful moments has me wanting to see a movie of Julius Erving’s life. Excellent documentary...class personified.
My childhood idol. Love how he drags his hand along the fence. Triggering memories . . . . So much respect for Mr. Erving. A real mensch. And... yes, I bawled during this documentary. “When greatness meets class . . . that is Dr. J.” Magic
I’m a 46 year-old man, and less than 3 minutes in, I’m bawling when he starts talking about his sickly little brother, and how that fragile state of his brother’s health only made him even more protective. He loses his dad as a young boy...loses his brother while he was in college, and rather than shut down, he instead found that determination and commitment that would make him one of NBA’s Top 50 players of all-time. One of the classiest men I have ever seen portrayed.
+ESSJ333 No he doesn't. Growing up in the Dr. J era, Doc was 1 of the most iconic figures in pop culture. I'm not saying he was the greatest, but 1 of the most iconic. Everyone wanted to be Dr. J growing up; especially here in the Philly area.
Magnificent!!!! Dr. Jay, the ultimate professional. A truly class act! Brought back so many memories. I saw two guys from my old neighborhood John Butch Purcell and Bob McCollough.
I had the high privilege of meeting him at LaGuardia Airport in NY.. It was 86 his last year. He was playing with a broken finger. A few kids ask for his autograph, which he gave, then they walked away.. I thanked him for being a class act. We chatted for almost 15 minutes.. Your excellent vocabulary is an inspiration to all young people.. Just Like Walt Clyde Frazer??? He laughed an said thank you.. Clyde is good.. Yes, but your much better.. Thanks for the memories.. Your Welcome he said. A Class act always..
This Was Amazin...Im a 50 yr old guy...Cryin n shit from all these memories...damn Doc...I hate u went thru sooo much pain brah...but I soooo appreciate n respect your path...Gid Bless you and Your Family Man...To your Brother n Son Corey....TRUST U MADE EM PROUD MAN...MAY THEY REST IN HEAVEN!!!!
Doc was like Darth Vader and Superman rolled into one. The best finisher of all time along with Jordan. My dad took me to see them when I was a kid play the Lakers nonetheless! At the Spectrum. Andrew Toney went off. Still don't know the year 81-84, but I didn't fully comprehend the greatness of the players I was seeing. I just felt the building shake. It was something I'll never forget! This was the golden era of hoops!
You are so right! Yes indeed the old Spectrum building really did literally shake. When the crowd was rockin it was outrageous. Such a raucous environment, how Philly is that ? Cant get any better. It was truly an awesome venue to watch and be a part of an event. Concerts were incredible at that venue as well. Great great memories there. The DOCTOR! I will never forget those days. My late brother took me to see so many great Sixer games. Wow I really miss those days.
Thank you, DR. J..........for all the wonderful thrills you brought us and ushering in the modern era of beyond excitement basketball. Blessings be on you and your family!
I'm in tears. Today is seven years my beautiful wife Becky passed. In SoCal the sun shining after weeks of rain. Dr J is a beautiful human being. I'm still here LifeIsGood!
D Dawkins piece @ 32 minute mark is just great...." He was the first guy I ever saw w/ air brakes..air brakes...He was goin up to the basket straight..and all of a sudden he went..eeeerrrrrt...and started goin sideways...I was like somewhat of a girl...OHHH..Doc!...was bustin up..))
Just deleted a comment that claimed that piece for the second most funniest part of the video until I reviewed the David Thompson FT Slam Dunk recollection. Classics. Cornbread's recollection of the 18k fans rising though, lol!
