You know a documentary is top notch when you end up watching the entire thing even though you were randomly flipping through videos and no intention of sitting on the bedroom floor for over an hour watching highlights of one man. Damn this was too good to stop. Well done.
This video is my life on film. Growing up in Philadelphia at EXACTLY this time, I was in 9th grade when we got Doctor J from the Nets. No words can describe the disbelief and JOY that HE was coming to PHILLY to play for the Sixers. All my roots as a complete "basketball lunatic" started with Julius Winfield Erving II arriving in town to join the Sixers. We bought tickets in the rafters of ths Spectrum and swooned while Doc "operated". For the entirety of his career in Philadelphia, we swelled with pride because WE had Doc.
Dr. J = GOAT. He changed basketball forever. He came along and made basketball exciting to watch. Suddenly games were on prime time because everybody wanted to see Dr. J..
My father worked for the NETS in the front office, and this man NEVER left until EVERY autograph was signed, and that all of his sneakers and socks of that day were given away. I personally still have 8 pairs of game used sneakers, but have no idea from what games. But I'll give you a GREAT story about THE DOC, this man would drive a Rolls Royce, and he would start his car and warm it up. But, while he did that, he signed EVERY single autograph and I can tell you this, one time it was 22 BELOW and about 30 kids were waiting for him. He didn't even have a coat on and he still signed every signature until every kid was happy. THIS WAS NIGHTLY, and THIS, is who DR. J TRULY IS... THAT'S WHY HE IS CLASS, AND THE ONLY PERSON CLOSE TO HIM WAS WALTER PAYTON....BUT JULIUS ERVING IS STILL THE KING.
@M Is this a video about soccer? Or what game is the worlds' most popular sport? NO so why even bring it up? Can't tell if you're being a douche or just a troll!!!
I’m 59 years old from East St Louis and Chicago. Doctor J was and still is my favorite basketball player of all time. No one had seen anything like him on a basketball ball court. He started the isolation game. They use to take 4 guys to the other side of the court and you had to follow your player to the other side. He would then take his man to the hoop and dunk on him. If the Center rotated to protect the rim he would dunk on him to. He could not be stopped going to the rim, he started hang time, floating, and gliding. I was 16 and played basketball in high school. I spent hours on the court learning how to reverse layup , gliding, hanging one hand finger rolls. Later on I worked as a cook at the Rivera Hotel and he use to bring his family and kids there every year from 1977 to 1983 during our Hall of fame golf tournaments. I have pictures with him, I cut his prime ribs, fed his wife and kids. I shook his hands, and his fingers could go to the middle of my forearm. He was always nice and classy with everyone. DR. J and Ali will always be my sports heroes.
Yeah he had the 3 things which made his game incredible were his vertical jump, his hang time, and his huge hands. I wish I was old enough to see him play in game... I was lucky enough to see Jordan play but not Dr. J ... the reason we have the goat Jordan ... i’m sure Jordan would not be the same player he became without Dr. J
Also what do u mean his middle finger could go to the middle of your forearm? From the bottom of your hand? If it is then that’s really not that impressive but I know that he had gigantic hand so I’m guessing that it’s from the top of your hand
Also what do u mean his middle finger could go to the middle of your forearm? From the bottom of your hand? If it is then that’s really not that impressive but I know that he had gigantic hands so I’m guessing that it’s from the top of your hand
RoyD RaGe I met him numerous times when I was a cook at the Rivera hotel Las Vegas. He used to bring the wife and kids ever year after the seasons was over. I shook his hand when I was 17. His finger tips went up to my forearms. You are correct just like DR J got his game from Elgin Baylor, Jordan got his game from DR J and made it better.
RoyD RaGe when you shake hands you can Normally grasp someones hand with yours. I can Palm a basketball 🏀. His fingers went to the middle of my forearms. That’s not even close to normal, I met Kawi when he played for the Spurs at a San Antonio game. Did not shake his hand but I was close enough to see him hold the basketball 🏀 with one hand. Dr J hands were larger than his, and Kawi hands are huge.
Julius Erving is and always has been class personified! He's not an athlete he's an artist!!! His game inspired kids like me to be better than what we were, because we all knew there was only gonna be one DR J!
I have loved sports for over 50 yes. Julius Erving was and is my favorite basketball player/person my whole life. I consider it an honor and a blessing to have been around from the beginning of his career until he retired. And I have to mention that I begged my father for yes to take me see him play. Finally on Dr J's birthday we went. He scored 56pts. Incredible.
When Dr. J left the game, I lost my interest in basketball. Hell it was all good till then...Heck I still wear converses....Happy to say I met him and still feel the same as I did them....Thank you Mr DOC J FOR THAT YOU GAVE TO ALL OF US..........JRC
Jackie Robertson, Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Julius Erving. Thank you to all of these greats who transformed sports and culture.
His leaping ability, those long arms and huge hands, the full extension of his arm above his head with his hand gripping the ball like it was an egg, then the snapping down of the dunk at full force made it unstoppable. He was style, magic, creativity, power and athletic brilliance in one package. Off the court, a man of intelligence, articulate in his speaking ability, and all class.
Wow. How can this man not ever come up in the GOAT discussions. He changed the game of basketball to what it is today. What a great documentary. Sadly I rmember the time when he lost his son living here in Orlando. We love ya Doc.
That 83 team should be considered one of the greatest of all time, too. Like Moses said "Fo, fo, fo." Even though they did lose one to a great Bucks team.
He's always in my list. I grew up in NY watching him in the ABA every night on out local channel, and I can tell you that no better player has ever played. Maybe as good, but not better. He was absolutely regal. In the way Elvis was regal. The most exciting player to ever play. Red Auerbach said that if you wanted to start a team, you began with Bill Russell, Wilt Chamerlain, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and so on; but if you wanted to start a league, you start with Julius Erving -- Dr.J. To this very day, he holds the record for most blocks for a small forward in NBA history. And they didn't even count his first year.
I'm 54 years old and a former division 1 player back in the day. I know we've had the Bird/Magic era, the MJ, Kobe and now Lebron era, but I can't explain in words how amazing and special it was to finally see Dr. J during the ABA merger. He was doing things we had never seen before, especially in the air. He revitalized the interest in the league from 76 thru 81. Everyone wanted to be Dr. J. He changed the game.
I am 62 when I was growing up I think of three players that started doing things that hadn't been done before, Earl the pearl Monroe, pistol Pete maravitch and the most impressive Dr j ! Dr j did some of the great dunks before Jordan !
I'm 57 n DR .J.u will always will be my # 1 n I think a hole lot of millions n millions of people would agree luv u man u are the BEST ever in the universe, respect always I'm wes
I’m 53 and Dr. J is simply one of my favorite humans. Ever. He means so much to so many. We would do well to heed his example. I know I sure have a lot to learn from this incredible man. (I was fortunate enough to briefly thank him when I played drums for an NBA off season event in Orlando which he attended. He was as gracious and kind as you would expect. The man has an aura about him that is impossible to properly convey. Simply class personified.)!Thank you Julius Erving. God Bless you and your sweet boy.
Such a great champion Dr J , I am so sorry to hear that he has experienced so much drama in his childhood ! My hero Dr J , I greet you Artist .. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
The greatest thing about Mr. Erving is how humble he is. He's just the person he is and that's all he is to himself regardless of who or what he is to anyone and everyone else.
I remember this came out when I was in 7th grade in the summer time. The 2012-13 season exactly 30 years after the 76ers championship season. That intro where Doc puts his hand over the camera still gets me till this day. I was a huge Dr.J fan and could palm a basketball in 7th grade and wanted to do all of his moves. A lot of cats gave me heat because I used to tell them Doc was better than Lebron and Jordan😂. Good days man, I watched every bit of Dr. J history that I could. He’s a legend
Hats off to the man who saved professional basketball. A great athlete , the ambassador of basketball, and a real gentleman. May health and happiness follow him for the rest of his life.
@@williamsmith920 it's pro basketball not just the nba, and dr. j paved the way for the two of them, it takes dozens of big names to save the NBA, larry and magic were just the last names we remember when it took flight, but the doctor was the pilot who took over the runway and first made it airborne. #topoftheclassisdrj
@@williamsmith920 Who was the following mirror image to Dr. J? MJ! So, while Larry and Magic actually played with him (jealous!) it was actually Jordan who people looked up to because he was the Dr J that nobody ever saw. Did everything the Dr did; up and under the rim shots, even the foul line dunk! His idol... Ironically, MJ had a son who also died in a car accident and had a brother who got sick and died. Though it never took him 7 seasons to win a championship, it did take him a few years to do so. So there was no saving the NBA the Dr. paved the way!!
I GREW UP WITH JULIAS PLAYED FOR SAINT JOSEPHS AND VALLEY STREAM AND WE WOULD PLAY ROOSEVELT AND HEMPSTEAD, THEY WERE GOOD, MET WENDALL AT MODELLS FROM THE NETS BEFORE THE PLANE CRASH THAT KILLED WENDALL LADNER,,, I LOVE THIS VIDEO THANK YOU DR J AND THANKS FOR POSTING THIS WONDERFULL HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND , NETS ABA,
I remember I was 8 yrs old when my Dad took me to see The Doctor when he played for the Nets. It's the only professional basketball game I've ever seen and I had no idea why my Dad took me. So I asked him. He told me that he wanted me to be able to see the best player that ever played the game of basketball. Now he's taken me to plenty of NFL games. Mainly Baltimore Colts and NY Giants but that ABA game just felt different. Thank you Dad for taking me and thank you Dr J for making it so memorable.
He is the reason we have high flyers, and dunkers, and athletes who walk in humbleness and style and class. he changed the NBA before larry and magic and michael. the reason I love basketball is because of Dr. J. don't love the game anymore. These young players don't have the class or love of basketball and its passion. We saw Dr. J play with compassion and Love of the game .
This man is inspiring in a way that is even more rare today than it was back then. A professional with humble beginnings who's dignity, class and innate sense of respect was on the level of a revered king. I wish figures like him were the norm in our society today.
Beautifully Said ! Thats why there's only one Dr.J. Thee King of Basketball ! I'm a Celtic fan...but you have to be realistic and recognize Greatness, it's not hard to see. Julius Erving...big heart.. A LEGEND for the rest of time..they talk about him in mars , on the moons of Jupiter. And beyond....
I've met him as he raised money for an inner city school in kc years ago. ..I told him I desired to help kids in inner city too...He looked right thru me down to the lamp of my heart, pulled out his business card, said call me, and showed me his heart was even greater than his dunks..God bless this man even now more than he has ever dreamed or hoped or ever asked...
My favorite athlete of all time. The Ali of basketball. I met him once after a preseason basketball game in Birmingham Al where he conversated and signed autographs for a mob of people over an hour until everyone was gone. It was just him me and my buddy. I just stood there looking at him like OMG.
Without a doubt the greatest who ever played the game. He could do more in the air then people could do on the ground. He changed the entire game of basketball.
Dr J has lived a public life in the right way. He is pure class. I was fortunate to see him play decades ago while he was at UMass. I lived in Maine and saw him play there. I think he went 14 for 14 , or something like that. He couldn't dunk because of the NCAA rule at the time, so he simply jumped over everyone and finger-rolled, or floated, or banked the ball in time after time. From then on I was a huge fan of his style and his character, even when the Sixers bullied my Celtics. Wonderful memories of his game and career!
Great Documentary. I always loved Chuck D's voice. I'm 53 and remember watching Dr. J play. Being such a tomboy basketball was my favorite sport. I wasn't a 76ers fan because I was a home team fan. (The Lakers) But a fan of Dr. J. I always wanted to watch him and root for his team unless they played against our team. I watched that 82-83 Championship game series that was high lighted, man. The 76ers came in and swept and each game I still had hope. I remember my brothers saying it's over it's over. I cried like a baby, Literally. He was that player you hated because he was that good but loved because he was that good. And yes class, style, great sportsmanship, and gentlemen. Thank you Julius Erving.
Being a long-time Jordan fan I am also an admirer of Dr J, he was and still is a class-act and an all-around gentleman in and out of the courts. He deserved the championship.
I remember my older brother telling me man you have to see this guy they call Dr J.wasn't long afterwards all kids wanted to be like Doc like later kids wanted to be like Mike! Doc had that Afro and in those days just wearing a Afro was a revolutionary statement. So he clicked with the Civil Rights Movement! Such an exciting but scary time to have grown up in...I treasure those days of unity among people to inspire change! I believe we are better because of that era.
Hey i played for this org inHempstead Julius is like an uncle he loved my dad many of us played for Don Ryan = ken chenault mike malone Denver hc mybro steve Frm Knicks prez Tu Holloway Rob moore etc etc great place
Dr. J, true legend from a 1991 graduate of the same Roosevelt High School....Rough Riders!!! I still remember playing in that gym. -1 Wagner Avenue, Roosevelt NY, always in my heart. - 7:08
I'm in my 20's Life long Laker This brings me chills I remember my uncle telling me all the stories about the greats and this was by far his favorite! #Respect #DrJ
I was one of the luckiest kids in the world bcuz My Dad worked at the Spectrum and I practically grew up there. Of all of the wonderful memories watching the Sixers was always the Best. Being there to see Doc do so many incredible moves gave me a love for the game for life. The shot under the basket against the Lakers is still the Greatest Single Shot I've ever seen. That includes all of the times he took off at the top of the key and flew in for a Rock the Baby. Seeing his last game against the Bucks will always be bittersweet for me bcuz I'd grown up watching him play and I'd just experienced the end of my childhood. He gave all of us some of the Greatest Memories, but his off the court kindness will always be something I'll treasure. Thanks Doc.
I remember my father doing Dr J moves on the court. I even remember seeing my Dad being glued to the tv during basketball season; and watching The Doctor do his thing.
It was incredible to see the young DR J about 50 years ago when he first started playing with the Virginia Squares. His high energy, magnetic personality, & skills on the court were something Virginia had never seen.
Some guy's you just want to root for in life and Dr J was one of them. I remember that Converse commercial from the 70's. I'm 48 and haven't seen that since 77' or whenever it came out but I still new the words before they said them. Weird what packs itself deep in your brain.
I grew up watching the Doc; nothing but class personified. I watched many stars retire, Jordan, and Jeter. But when Doc retired, I cried. Nothing but class.
Years ago while still in the Military had the opportunity to play against Dave Thompson, Artis Gilmore and Daryl Walker. Though they were well past their prime it was a most exciting experience. I watched Dr J most of his career. True Legend and Ultimate Ambassador of the game. Those that followed in his path owe so much respect and for the most part have lived up to the hype.
Great ending.. I love the way that was shot.. (What you already know rarely needs to be seen..) The Doc was an EXAMPLE of how to be a man's man, and played the game with tenacity. I don't think he was the greatest player I've ever seen, but he might be the best HUMAN BEING that ever laced 'em up.
One of the best documentaries I've ever seen. Bird and Magic might have saved the nba, but the Doctor kept it floating long enough for them to let it shine. 1983 Philadelphia 76ers, the pinnacle of a legend. Thank you Doctor J, Magic, and Larry Legend for making me love basketball as a young kid. I mean it, thank you!!!!
My most significant sports idol growing up! He was eloquent, articulate & cerebral in a manner that most athletes - let alone a black athlete - had never been viewed or perceived. Julius "Dr. J" Erving is one of the MOST significant figures in American Sports history. I can state without hesitation that this man inspired me to personally achieve at a higher level & present myself with class at "every" turn! Magic says its best Julies is God's creation of "greatness & class!"
I grew up a few miles away from Erving. I saw many Nets games at the Nassau Coliseum. I saw him at a clinic at Nassau Community College. Erving was a clinic. He was virtually unknown in high school. He was a great player an an inspiration to all. He is ours....from our neighborhood. He's the greatest.
I saw Dr Js last game , in Milwaukee, sometime in the mid 80s... like 86 I think. I think it was halftime , but at some point they said it was his last game with a little ceremony, and even all us Buck fans gave a standing ovation for the great 👍 🏀⛹🏾
Truly the greatest! The 80s had magic and Larry, the 90s had Jordan, the 2000s had kobe, and we have LeBron now. In the 70s though you have to put the doctor above everyone else!
The greatest of ll time in pro baskeket ball qed up his pro points and you'll agreethree titles slam dunk fhampterrorize other players like no one else
I've seen almost every ABA and NBA player. The Doctor was incredible as a player and a person. So glad they got Moses. They both got their NBA championship together. Thanks Doc!
Growing up in Philly in the 70's and 80's every kid would go to the playground and try and emulate Dr.J. I am fortunate to have gotten to see him play in person on numerous ocassions and each time I left feeling that I just witnessed something special in my lifetime. Dr.J IMO is a top 5 sports personality that transcended sports much like Muhammed Ali, Arthur Ashe, Jesse Owens and Michael Jordan. Thanks for posting the documentary!
I can never get enough of hearing the stories or watching highlights of the Dr. he was an idol of mine growing up. Yes, I was a tomboy who fell in love with basketball because of him and my daddy ( who favors him) I love and respect Julius Dr. J Erving. ICON & LEGEND
I truly want to thank all those involved who put this together, about one of the greatest players will play the game and change the game. Julius Winfield Irving, AKA Dr j will always be remembered, respected and admired for his uniqueness and greatness on and off the court. Dr j if you ever read this you have nothing but blessings coming from here for you and your family. THANK YOU FOR AN AD MARBLE ADVENTURE AND JOURNEY AS I WAS FORTUNATE TO SEE MOST 🙏👍😇
I was born in 1976, and had never seen him play, but even I knew that he was the best player. Back in the days of my first memories of basketball, there were the Harlem Globetrotters and there was Dr. J.
I didn't know much about Doctor J,well, until this documentary. He's even more epic than his legend will eventually past down through the ranks. The character he has is amazing... what a talented individual. I believe goodness will overcome all evil.
There were a lot of great basketball players before the doc came along, but no one had ever done the things he did. He was larger than life. And just so cool about it.
I was in the Dr. J era and he was the MAN!! I LOVE WATCHING HIS STORY!! I HAVE GREAT COMPASSION FOR THE LOSS OF HIS BELOVED BROTHER AND HIS BELOVED SON😢 EVERYTIME I LOOK AT THIS I GET TEARY😢 BECAUSE OF HIS LOSSES. IT BROKE THAT MY HEART WHEN HE AND HIS WIFE BROKE UP.😢DR. J, MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, MUCH LOVE, TERESA
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You know a documentary is top notch when you end up watching the entire thing even though you were randomly flipping through videos and no intention of sitting on the bedroom floor for over an hour watching highlights of one man. Damn this was too good to stop. Well done.
No cap 💪🏾🏀
I hope your back starts feeling better
Times 2....
.
I know, right? I'm doing the same thing! Glad I found it.
This video is my life on film. Growing up in Philadelphia at EXACTLY this time, I was in 9th grade when we got Doctor J from the Nets. No words can describe the disbelief and JOY that HE was coming to PHILLY to play for the Sixers. All my roots as a complete "basketball lunatic" started with Julius Winfield Erving II arriving in town to join the Sixers. We bought tickets in the rafters of ths Spectrum and swooned while Doc "operated". For the entirety of his career in Philadelphia, we swelled with pride because WE had Doc.
Dr. J = GOAT. He changed basketball forever. He came along and made basketball exciting to watch. Suddenly games were on prime time because everybody wanted to see Dr. J..
My father worked for the NETS in the front office, and this man NEVER left until EVERY autograph was signed, and that all of his sneakers and socks of that day were given away. I personally still have 8 pairs of game used sneakers, but have no idea from what games. But I'll give you a GREAT story about THE DOC, this man would drive a Rolls Royce, and he would start his car and warm it up. But, while he did that, he signed EVERY single autograph and I can tell you this, one time it was 22 BELOW and about 30 kids were waiting for him. He didn't even have a coat on and he still signed every signature until every kid was happy. THIS WAS NIGHTLY, and THIS, is who DR. J TRULY IS... THAT'S WHY HE IS CLASS, AND THE ONLY PERSON CLOSE TO HIM WAS WALTER PAYTON....BUT JULIUS ERVING IS STILL THE KING.
@M ok?
@M still won’t be huge in the US by then
@M soccer is for pussies
@M Is this a video about soccer? Or what game is the worlds' most popular sport? NO so why even bring it up? Can't tell if you're being a douche or just a troll!!!
Well said my friend, well said.
I’m 59 years old from East St Louis and Chicago. Doctor J was and still is my favorite basketball player of all time. No one had seen anything like him on a basketball ball court. He started the isolation game. They use to take 4 guys to the other side of the court and you had to follow your player to the other side. He would then take his man to the hoop and dunk on him. If the Center rotated to protect the rim he would dunk on him to. He could not be stopped going to the rim, he started hang time, floating, and gliding. I was 16 and played basketball in high school. I spent hours on the court learning how to reverse layup , gliding, hanging one hand finger rolls. Later on I worked as a cook at the Rivera Hotel and he use to bring his family and kids there every year from 1977 to 1983 during our Hall of fame golf tournaments. I have pictures with him, I cut his prime ribs, fed his wife and kids. I shook his hands, and his fingers could go to the middle of my forearm. He was always nice and classy with everyone. DR. J and Ali will always be my sports heroes.
Yeah he had the 3 things which made his game incredible were his vertical jump, his hang time, and his huge hands. I wish I was old enough to see him play in game... I was lucky enough to see Jordan play but not Dr. J ... the reason we have the goat Jordan ... i’m sure Jordan would not be the same player he became without Dr. J
Also what do u mean his middle finger could go to the middle of your forearm? From the bottom of your hand? If it is then that’s really not that impressive but I know that he had gigantic hand so I’m guessing that it’s from the top of your hand
Also what do u mean his middle finger could go to the middle of your forearm? From the bottom of your hand? If it is then that’s really not that impressive but I know that he had gigantic hands so I’m guessing that it’s from the top of your hand
RoyD RaGe I met him numerous times when I was a cook at the Rivera hotel Las Vegas. He used to bring the wife and kids ever year after the seasons was over. I shook his hand when I was 17. His finger tips went up to my forearms. You are correct just like DR J got his game from Elgin Baylor, Jordan got his game from DR J and made it better.
RoyD RaGe when you shake hands you can Normally grasp someones hand with yours. I can Palm a basketball 🏀. His fingers went to the middle of my forearms. That’s not even close to normal, I met Kawi when he played for the Spurs at a San Antonio game. Did not shake his hand but I was close enough to see him hold the basketball 🏀 with one hand. Dr J hands were larger than his, and Kawi hands are huge.
How Can anyone watch this and not get Goosebumps!!! I absolutely love watching these documentaries. It's like traveling back through time
Julius Erving is and always has been class personified! He's not an athlete he's an artist!!! His game inspired kids like me to be better than what we were, because we all knew there was only gonna be one DR J!
I have loved sports for over 50 yes. Julius Erving was and is my favorite basketball player/person my whole life. I consider it an honor and a blessing to have been around from the beginning of his career until he retired. And I have to mention that I begged my father for yes to take me see him play. Finally on Dr J's birthday we went. He scored 56pts. Incredible.
wow must have been amazing
When Dr. J left the game, I lost my interest in basketball. Hell it was all good till then...Heck I still wear converses....Happy to say I met him and still feel the same as I did them....Thank you Mr DOC J FOR THAT YOU GAVE TO ALL OF US..........JRC
joirjoja1 You said I have a converse collection of shoes and shirts. I have Dr j shirts., shorts, jackets, you name it.
Larry bird calls Mj God
@@alexandermonday3017ppl j.g ewwww
I'm surprised you didn't watch Jordan since he modeled his game after the doc.
Jackie Robertson, Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Julius Erving. Thank you to all of these greats who transformed sports and culture.
His leaping ability, those long arms and huge hands, the full extension of his arm above his head with his hand gripping the ball like it was an egg, then the snapping down of the dunk at full force made it unstoppable. He was style, magic, creativity, power and athletic brilliance in one package. Off the court, a man of intelligence, articulate in his speaking ability, and all class.
Such an amazing story. Dr J is an amazing man.
He inspired me so much when I was 12.
Im 55 now💔🙏😇😇
He was a phenomena in the 1970s with the street ball dunking moves that people went nuts to see him.
The best of all time. Class. Dignity. Legend.
Wow. How can this man not ever come up in the GOAT discussions. He changed the game of basketball to what it is today. What a great documentary. Sadly I rmember the time when he lost his son living here in Orlando. We love ya Doc.
I can’t believe it Either, considering all those greats saw him as a god
He comes up in MY discussions.
That 83 team should be considered one of the greatest of all time, too. Like Moses said "Fo, fo, fo." Even though they did lose one to a great Bucks team.
He's always in my list. I grew up in NY watching him in the ABA every night on out local channel, and I can tell you that no better player has ever played. Maybe as good, but not better. He was absolutely regal. In the way Elvis was regal. The most exciting player to ever play.
Red Auerbach said that if you wanted to start a team, you began with Bill Russell, Wilt Chamerlain, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and so on; but if you wanted to start a league, you start with Julius Erving -- Dr.J.
To this very day, he holds the record for most blocks for a small forward in NBA history. And they didn't even count his first year.
I'm 54 years old and a former division 1 player back in the day. I know we've had the Bird/Magic era, the MJ, Kobe and now Lebron era, but I can't explain in words how amazing and special it was to finally see Dr. J during the ABA merger. He was doing things we had never seen before, especially in the air. He revitalized the interest in the league from 76 thru 81. Everyone wanted to be Dr. J. He changed the game.
the dr.j i remeber needed 2 other players to jump one bird
LeBron era is era of long berd in players mouth. This is not sports image. I scared grandsan with picture of le bron.🤪
I am 62 when I was growing up I think of three players that started doing things that hadn't been done before, Earl the pearl Monroe, pistol Pete maravitch and the most impressive Dr j ! Dr j did some of the great dunks before Jordan !
So you never made it.
@@marcusaurelius652 Had two NBA tryouts and played in Europe for 10 years. It was a great experience.
I'm 57 n DR .J.u will always will be my # 1 n I think a hole lot of millions n millions of people would agree luv u man u are the BEST ever in the universe, respect always I'm wes
I’m 53 and Dr. J is simply one of my favorite humans. Ever. He means so much to so many. We would do well to heed his example. I know I sure have a lot to learn from this incredible man. (I was fortunate enough to briefly thank him when I played drums for an NBA off season event in Orlando which he attended. He was as gracious and kind as you would expect. The man has an aura about him that is impossible to properly convey. Simply class personified.)!Thank you Julius Erving. God Bless you and your sweet boy.
I'm 70 and have seen his journey since the inception . Julius Irving is the personification greatness. Nice thoughts you had .
Awesome that Chuck D narrated the story of his home town hero. Chuck D is a hero to so many people after him. Has to feel good.
"The Legend is incredible, the real story is even Better "
I couldn't say it any better than that about the Man Dr J 🙌
Yes Dan...yes...
Such a great champion Dr J , I am so sorry to hear that he has experienced so much drama in his childhood ! My hero Dr J , I greet you Artist .. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
The greatest thing about Mr. Erving is how humble he is. He's just the person he is and that's all he is to himself regardless of who or what he is to anyone and everyone else.
I remember this came out when I was in 7th grade in the summer time. The 2012-13 season exactly 30 years after the 76ers championship season. That intro where Doc puts his hand over the camera still gets me till this day. I was a huge Dr.J fan and could palm a basketball in 7th grade and wanted to do all of his moves. A lot of cats gave me heat because I used to tell them Doc was better than Lebron and Jordan😂. Good days man, I watched every bit of Dr. J history that I could. He’s a legend
Hats off to the man who saved professional basketball. A great athlete , the ambassador of basketball, and a real gentleman. May health and happiness follow him for the rest of his life.
Dr J. was great but Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved the NBA
@@williamsmith920 it's pro basketball not just the nba, and dr. j paved the way for the two of them, it takes dozens of big names to save the NBA, larry and magic were just the last names we remember when it took flight, but the doctor was the pilot who took over the runway and first made it airborne. #topoftheclassisdrj
@@williamsmith920 Who was the following mirror image to Dr. J? MJ! So, while Larry and Magic actually played with him (jealous!) it was actually Jordan who people looked up to because he was the Dr J that nobody ever saw. Did everything the Dr did; up and under the rim shots, even the foul line dunk! His idol... Ironically, MJ had a son who also died in a car accident and had a brother who got sick and died. Though it never took him 7 seasons to win a championship, it did take him a few years to do so. So there was no saving the NBA the Dr. paved the way!!
@@georgetrevortan446 Very well said!
@@williamsmith920 ...Doc revitalized the NBA, PERIOD!!!
“When greatness meets class”
I had the pleasure and blessing to watch Doc play for Philly. It’s hard to put in words what he meant to this city.
I GREW UP WITH JULIAS PLAYED FOR SAINT JOSEPHS AND VALLEY STREAM AND WE WOULD PLAY ROOSEVELT AND HEMPSTEAD, THEY WERE GOOD, MET WENDALL AT MODELLS FROM THE NETS BEFORE THE PLANE CRASH THAT KILLED WENDALL LADNER,,, I LOVE THIS VIDEO THANK YOU DR J AND THANKS FOR POSTING THIS WONDERFULL HISTORY OF LONG ISLAND , NETS ABA,
I remember I was 8 yrs old when my Dad took me to see The Doctor when he played for the Nets. It's the only professional basketball game I've ever seen and I had no idea why my Dad took me. So I asked him. He told me that he wanted me to be able to see the best player that ever played the game of basketball.
Now he's taken me to plenty of NFL games. Mainly Baltimore Colts and NY Giants but that ABA game just felt different.
Thank you Dad for taking me and thank you Dr J for making it so memorable.
Amazing
It has been said, "You start your team with MJ but you start your league with Dr. J".
Mj started an empire. But I love that quote
@@OpinionatedPeach ...Jordan didn't start an empire.
@@OpinionatedPeach without julius it wouldn't have been possible, from the doc to magic and bird to MJ to kobe
@@OpinionatedPeach Mj is a corporate creation. When Champions correlate to shoe sales, shit is bogus.
@@bassheadchilled1344 speak
He is the reason we have high flyers, and dunkers, and athletes who walk in humbleness and style and class. he changed the NBA before larry and magic and michael. the reason I love basketball is because of Dr. J. don't love the game anymore. These young players don't have the class or love of basketball and its passion. We saw Dr. J play with compassion and Love of the game .
A real classy and great man of basketball
was at the last ABA game at the coliseum and the nets won the championship. When the Nets traded or dealt him to the Sixers broke a lot of hearts .
This man is inspiring in a way that is even more rare today than it was back then. A professional with humble beginnings who's dignity, class and innate sense of respect was on the level of a revered king. I wish figures like him were the norm in our society today.
3333333 we rhythm##
Beautifully Said ! Thats why there's only one Dr.J. Thee King of Basketball ! I'm a Celtic fan...but you have to be realistic and recognize Greatness, it's not hard to see. Julius Erving...big heart.. A LEGEND for the rest of time..they talk about him in mars , on the moons of Jupiter. And beyond....
A man to THAT my BROTHER$
He is one of the greatest of all time but more importantly he is a class act
We used to go watch the Dr when he was in college and you could tell even then that he was destined for greatness.
I've met him as he raised money for an inner city school in kc years ago. ..I told him I desired to help kids in inner city too...He looked right thru me down to the lamp of my heart, pulled out his business card, said call me, and showed me his heart was even greater than his dunks..God bless this man even now more than he has ever dreamed or hoped or ever asked...
Dr J stayed in the Sky just like they said he was Jordan before Jordan one of the Greatest Ever to Play the game and did it with class
My favorite athlete of all time. The Ali of basketball. I met him once after a preseason basketball game in Birmingham Al where he conversated and signed autographs for a mob of people over an hour until everyone was gone. It was just him me and my buddy. I just stood there looking at him like OMG.
This giant of a man in so many ways, and all the years later feeling the deep emotions of the loss of his brother. Very moving.
Dr J was like a real life superhero when I was a kid...I mean everybody wanted to be Dr. J!
If you're a 70's kid like me, you know what to say!!👊🏾🏀🏀
@@elwin38 Dr. Chapstick to me.
@@daBEAGLE1017 😁✌🏾
Dr J and Air were the most consistently sensational players I have ver seen.
God bless Dr J
The doctor was and still the most spectacular player of all time...
And he was that good in college too
I’m 51 and I still get childlike when I watch and hear the story’s of the Doc. Majestic
When you are put on this earth to witness a greatness in motion consider yourself blessed Thank God for The Dr.!!!
I met the Dr. in Houston before the game outside in 1980. He had the coolest walk. Gliding. His hands are huge.
This is my sixth time watching this within the past year and I still love watching it!!🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
The Doctor. No bad stories. Just all amazement about his skill!
Without a doubt the greatest who ever played the game. He could do more in the air then people could do on the ground. He changed the entire game of basketball.
A living legend.
God bless his family.
I’m positive his mom, had a big influence on him.
Thank God for the internet...Such a privilege to be inspired by such a great human being...God bless you Doc
Dr J has lived a public life in the right way. He is pure class. I was fortunate to see him play decades ago while he was at UMass. I lived in Maine and saw him play there. I think he went 14 for 14 , or something like that. He couldn't dunk because of the NCAA rule at the time, so he simply jumped over everyone and finger-rolled, or floated, or banked the ball in time after time. From then on I was a huge fan of his style and his character, even when the Sixers bullied my Celtics. Wonderful memories of his game and career!
Great Documentary. I always loved Chuck D's voice. I'm 53 and remember watching Dr. J play. Being such a tomboy basketball was my favorite sport. I wasn't a 76ers fan because I was a home team fan. (The Lakers) But a fan of Dr. J. I always wanted to watch him and root for his team unless they played against our team. I watched that 82-83 Championship game series that was high lighted, man. The 76ers came in and swept and each game I still had hope. I remember my brothers saying it's over it's over. I cried like a baby, Literally. He was that player you hated because he was that good but loved because he was that good. And yes class, style, great sportsmanship, and gentlemen. Thank you Julius Erving.
Being a long-time Jordan fan I am also an admirer of Dr J, he was and still is a class-act and an all-around gentleman in and out of the courts. He deserved the championship.
I remember my older brother telling me man you have to see this guy they call Dr J.wasn't long afterwards all kids wanted to be like Doc like later kids wanted to be like Mike! Doc had that Afro and in those days just wearing a Afro was a revolutionary statement. So he clicked with the Civil Rights Movement! Such an exciting but scary time to have grown up in...I treasure those days of unity among people to inspire change! I believe we are better because of that era.
Isaiah and Magic tell these great stories with a smile and enthusiasm. Like two old men laughing it up talking about the old days.
It gives me gay vibes tbh
@@OpinionatedPeach how so?
Isiah ***
Magic and Isiah could be talking about killing mentally challenge people and they would have a smile on their faces.
Hey i played for this org inHempstead Julius is like an uncle he loved my dad many of us played for Don Ryan = ken chenault mike malone Denver hc mybro steve Frm Knicks prez Tu Holloway Rob moore etc etc great place
Dr. J, true legend from a 1991 graduate of the same Roosevelt High School....Rough Riders!!! I still remember playing in that gym. -1 Wagner Avenue, Roosevelt NY, always in my heart. - 7:08
Official #VeltTime #Exit21 #Exit21Tribe Roosevelt, New York 11575 Square Mile Gang 💯💯🙏🏿
@@TaleHatez_Management no doubt Exit 21 my home town 1 McClellan Pl back in the day.
@@dee65cee53 I Used To Live On Frederick Ave Off Of B.T Babylon Tpke, Around Corner from STOP N GO 💯💯💪🏿💪🏿
@@TaleHatez_Management I had a lot good times on Babylon Tpke playing ball at Centennial Park
I'm in my 20's
Life long Laker
This brings me chills
I remember my uncle telling me all the stories about the greats and this was by far his favorite!
#Respect
#DrJ
No doubt about it....this gentleman is a legend. Loved watching him play
Doctor J changed the Game forever , with dignity and class . One of my heroes
I was watching 49er highlights and was brought here. Glad I was brought here, I just learned a lot about Basketball.
I'm so happy I got to see the Doctor operate on the court. He was an inspiration to all the young boy coming up in the that era.
I was one of the luckiest kids in the world bcuz My Dad worked at the Spectrum and I practically grew up there. Of all of the wonderful memories watching the Sixers was always the Best.
Being there to see Doc do so many incredible moves gave me a love for the game for life. The shot under the basket against the Lakers is still the Greatest Single Shot I've ever seen. That includes all of the times he took off at the top of the key and flew in for a Rock the Baby.
Seeing his last game against the Bucks will always be bittersweet for me bcuz I'd grown up watching him play and I'd just experienced the end of my childhood.
He gave all of us some of the Greatest Memories, but his off the court kindness will always be something I'll treasure. Thanks Doc.
I remember my father doing Dr J moves on the court. I even remember seeing my Dad being glued to the tv during basketball season; and watching The Doctor do his thing.
This is the best documentary on The Doctor, You will ever see.Period!
Dr J...what a class...truly...your loved ones are in heaven...you have the prayers of billions of people...hats off to you sir..
He’s in the Top 5 of your Top 5’s.
Legendary 💯
It was incredible to see the young DR J about 50 years ago when he first started playing with the Virginia Squares. His high energy, magnetic personality, & skills on the court were something Virginia had never seen.
Yes indeed. He is the GOAT of his generation. All the GOATs who came after patterned some if not all their game after his.
Some guy's you just want to root for in life and Dr J was one of them. I remember that Converse commercial from the 70's. I'm 48 and haven't seen that since 77' or whenever it came out but I still new the words before they said them. Weird what packs itself deep in your brain.
cowboysfan782008 I remember the Dr. Pepper commercial when he was with the Nets
I grew up watching the Doc; nothing but class personified. I watched many stars retire, Jordan, and Jeter. But when Doc retired, I cried. Nothing but class.
Years ago while still in the Military had the opportunity to play against Dave Thompson, Artis Gilmore and Daryl Walker. Though they were well past their prime it was a most exciting experience. I watched Dr J most of his career. True Legend and Ultimate Ambassador of the game. Those that followed in his path owe so much respect and for the most part have lived up to the hype.
Loved this ....I cried, I smiled and I cheered.........thanks for the memories.....I grew up following the Doctor
Great ending.. I love the way that was shot.. (What you already know rarely needs to be seen..) The Doc was an EXAMPLE of how to be a man's man, and played the game with tenacity. I don't think he was the greatest player I've ever seen, but he might be the best HUMAN BEING that ever laced 'em up.
One of the best documentaries I've ever seen. Bird and Magic might have saved the nba, but the Doctor kept it floating long enough for them to let it shine.
1983 Philadelphia 76ers, the pinnacle of a legend. Thank you Doctor J, Magic, and Larry Legend for making me love basketball as a young kid. I mean it, thank you!!!!
Bill Walton is right - Dr. J is universally loved. Magic Johnson was spot on - greatness meets class.
he was my bball hero growing up.. Love this man!
Great documentary.. Made my laugh.. made me cry.. made me shout loud for a great great player and human..
Wow i started crying about how much this guy loves basketball and loves making people happy.
My most significant sports idol growing up! He was eloquent, articulate & cerebral in a manner that most athletes - let alone a black athlete - had never been viewed or perceived. Julius "Dr. J" Erving is one of the MOST significant figures in American Sports history. I can state without hesitation that this man inspired me to personally achieve at a higher level & present myself with class at "every" turn! Magic says its best Julies is God's creation of "greatness & class!"
So was mine !! He is a living Legend and Mr Cool 😎
Everything he did was with absolute class.
"When greatness MEETS class." he said.
I grew up a few miles away from Erving. I saw many Nets games at the Nassau Coliseum. I saw him at a clinic at Nassau Community College. Erving was a clinic. He was virtually unknown in high school. He was a great player an an inspiration to all. He is ours....from our neighborhood. He's the greatest.
I started to cry when he talked about his brother..man this was a good documentary
Yes this was a great documentary. Very touching when Dr. J mentioned the last words his heard his bro tell him in the hospital. Had me teary-eyed
Me too
Cried 2 times during this great documentary.
Dr j got nothing to do with race he is the greatest player period!
Me too,couldnt stop till the end
I saw Dr Js last game , in Milwaukee, sometime in the mid 80s... like 86 I think. I think it was halftime , but at some point they said it was his last game with a little ceremony, and even all us Buck fans gave a standing ovation for the great 👍 🏀⛹🏾
Truly the greatest! The 80s had magic and Larry, the 90s had Jordan, the 2000s had kobe, and we have LeBron now. In the 70s though you have to put the doctor above everyone else!
What about Spud Webb?
Kareem?
Don’t forget Kareem
You know Da Wae? No way Dr j made the NBA relevant again. Kareem is a legend but he's not the doc
@@caseywinters8650 Yeah but Doc was in the ABA with the Nets, Kareem was in the NBA with the Bucks and Lakers. Although Doc is way way cooler
No doubt he was the greatest Player Ever in the world period Understand
Here come the doctor.j
Congratulating your opponent after they beat you is not only class, but it’s good for yourself in accepting the loss.
Take note ; all people ; all races - This is a who you look up to. This is who you want to be like . This is a MAN.
Dr Jay was So far ahead of his time.
@@questionitall3053 0
The greatest of ll time in pro baskeket ball qed up his pro points and you'll agreethree titles slam dunk fhampterrorize other players like no one else
YASSSSSS HUNNY!!! GOD BLESS HIM & HIS FAMILY!!!! MY CHILDREN ARE "COMING OF AGE" TO BE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE NOW
Kitty Kitty Boom Boom ‘Dr J’ …. IS …. the Man!!
I've seen almost every ABA and NBA player. The Doctor
was incredible as a player and a person. So glad they got Moses. They both got their NBA championship together. Thanks Doc!
Growing up in Philly in the 70's and 80's every kid would go to the playground and try and emulate Dr.J. I am fortunate to have gotten to see him play in person on numerous ocassions and each time I left feeling that I just witnessed something special in my lifetime. Dr.J IMO is a top 5 sports personality that transcended sports much like Muhammed Ali, Arthur Ashe, Jesse Owens and Michael Jordan. Thanks for posting the documentary!
Well said
I can never get enough of hearing the stories or watching highlights of the Dr. he was an idol of mine growing up. Yes, I was a tomboy who fell in love with basketball because of him and my daddy ( who favors him) I love and respect Julius Dr. J Erving. ICON & LEGEND
Love Dr. J. Seems like such a nice man. Legendary player.
I truly want to thank all those involved who put this together, about one of the greatest players will play the game and change the game. Julius Winfield Irving, AKA Dr j will always be remembered, respected and admired for his uniqueness and greatness on and off the court. Dr j if you ever read this you have nothing but blessings coming from here for you and your family. THANK YOU FOR AN AD MARBLE ADVENTURE AND JOURNEY AS I WAS FORTUNATE TO SEE MOST 🙏👍😇
I was born in 1976, and had never seen him play, but even I knew that he was the best player. Back in the days of my first memories of basketball, there were the Harlem Globetrotters and there was Dr. J.
This is one of the greatest sports documentaries ever made. Dr. J. A real life super hero
cried a few times during this.. amazing doco
I didn't know much about Doctor J,well, until this documentary. He's even more epic than his legend will eventually past
down through the ranks. The character he has is amazing... what a talented individual. I believe goodness will overcome all evil.
better man,father, brother,and just class!!!! We need another Dr J
Now you seen the " GOAT " for yourself ...... 👍👍👍
Never knew the extent of his greatness until today!!! You sir have just won a knew fan
Tyson Moana he wasn’t the franchise player he was the league...the goat !!!
New*
There were a lot of great basketball players before the doc came along, but no one had ever done the things he did.
He was larger than life. And just so cool about it.
This Man is Humble & Blessed.
I was in the Dr. J era and he was the MAN!! I LOVE WATCHING HIS STORY!! I HAVE GREAT COMPASSION FOR THE LOSS OF HIS BELOVED BROTHER AND HIS BELOVED SON😢 EVERYTIME I LOOK AT THIS I GET TEARY😢 BECAUSE OF HIS LOSSES. IT BROKE THAT MY HEART WHEN HE AND HIS WIFE BROKE UP.😢DR. J, MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, MUCH LOVE, TERESA
One of the all time greats both on and off the court.
Wow how cool I didn’t know Doctor J let a young Magic Johnson stay with him for a week to understand what it’s like to be an NBA player
"Man plans and God laughs" 💯💯💯