they can blow mj and lebron all they want but a young Dr J was one of the baddest asses ever on a court....I do not know of any celtic fan like me who did not have the highest respect for Dr J
*Yes* plenty of times, like Dr J at... Chicago Stadium Milwaukee MECCA Brendan Byrne Arena NJ Capital Centre, DC MSG The Omni, ATL Pontiac Silverdome, DET Richfield Coliseum, CLE Market Sq Arena, IND Reunion Arena, Dallas Salt Palace, Utah The Summit, Houston McNichols Arena, Denver ARCO Arena I, Sacramento Hemisfair Arena, San Antonio LA Sports Arena Veterans Coliseum PHX Seattle Ctr Coliseum Oakland Coliseum Arena Portland Memorial Coliseum ...& the Fabulous Forum in LA
"How well spoken"... Somehow - that sort of comment...and it's a comment I repeatedly hear evoked in situations related to People of Color (namely, specifically, Black People)...has always rubbed me the wrong way.
Dr. J's retirement ceremony at the Boston Garden was the best closure during his tour. The battles Sixers and Celtics had during the early 1980's were second to none. Sixers vs Celtics during the early 1980's, one of the best games and stories ever witnessed by fans. Thanks.
My all time favorite Dr. J, thank you for giving me a bit of your time when I came over where you were sitting to let you know how much of a fan I was you took your time and listened to what this twenty two year old guy had to say and you couldn't been any nicer, it meant a lot to me and twenty years later the memory is as fresh as when the moment happened.
Wow you talked to Julius was this after he retired Man that's my dream to me him and to shake those huge big hands of his and get a huge from him .I love this great man He's the classest man to ever put on a sports uniform long live the Doctor And what a Lucky guy you were to speak with him
It’s because the NBA back then LITERALLY bought out the ABA specifically to bring Doc over, BUT they don’t count any of his statistics, rings, and awards from the ABA as part of his legacy… which is absolutely unthinkable. But with Jordan, the NBA purposely promoted him and literally marketed him as basketball Jesus. MJ is ACTUALLY responsible for the superstar rules in terms of officiating. I know nowadays, all of us old folks complain about today’s rules… You know, allowing zone defense, no hand checking, players taking 3-4 steps without traveling calls, tricky tack fouls in favor of the popular players, allowing guys to push off, and allowing guys to carry the ball CONSTANTLY when dribbling. We absolutely DESPISE it! But it’s not a new phenomenon; MJ was the pioneer of that specifically BECAUSE of the League being marketed around him for money and ratings purposes. But after MJ retired, the League saw how huge a mistake it was to do what they did with Mike, and they never did it again. Marketing him as god was great for the NBA while he was active, but it caused a nose dive when he left. So never did they do it that again with anyone else! Instead of marketing one guy as top dog and putting everything into him, they went back to the “Rivals” game plan. And first order of business to elevate several players and push the narrative that the top 2-5 superstars in the League were all battling for the opportunity to be considered “The NEXT Jordan.” So if you were either around for it and have a good memory, OR if you’re a young fan who missed it but have the ability to put in the work to research it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. But most importantly, something like that HAS TO BE done as objectively as humanly possible. Or else, you’re gonna do what 99% of fans do… They start with their personal preferences and favorites; THEN, they add and organize the stats/data in the way that best supports their preferences. (that, of course, doesn’t only apply to Jordan, the NBA, or even sports overall; people do it with all kinds of celebrities- from Eminem to Jay Z to Tupac to Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, etc). (Cont’d below)…
Since MJ is the example we’re using, I’ll use him for my illustration. MJ is to basketball what Tupac and Biggie came to be in hip hop. In other words, so many people have crowned him as the GOAT that not doing so is immediately dismissed, and the person who doesn’t go along with it is automatically cast off as someone who doesn’t know the game. Even that individual lists the criteria that led to their perceptions and perspectives. Go ask every hip hop fan you know to name the Top 5 greatest rappers in hip hop. No matter the generation or location, 98.9% of them will include Biggie and Tupac. Even guys who weren’t anywhere near being born at the time AND can’t even name 5 of their songs that weren’t released as singles. No matter what, they’ll have them in the list. Ask them why, and they’ll break into a long soliloquy parroting a bunch of vague, cookie cutter talking points about how “Tupac was so real… blah blah blah… and how he may not have been all that lyrical, but you FELT his music.” Then, “B.I.G. was so smooth, he was a great storyteller, and the greatest lyricist to bless the mic…blah blah blah.” With Jordan, we hear about how he’s the greatest bc of his killer instinct, how competitive he was… blah blah blah… great scorer AND great defender… supreme team leader… and (my personal favorite), he won six rings. And those championships make him the greatest. All of that’s hilarious because the same people will change the rules and criteria for determining who’s the best. And they’ll change it 19839 times as often as they need to in order to justify their guy. Never fails.
Tom Brady’s another one. For guys like these, people not only SAY they’re the best BUT will also actually try to force 100% of the public to agree and to validate the claims. But since they’re hands down the greatest EVER, how and why would such a player need help from the officials so much? I mean, Jordan got a LOT of calls/ non calls in his favor. But TB12 is even worse than him! Tom actually needed help from the refs AND from the NFL front office! Like, they LITERALLY created rules to protect him specifically… Because the statue he’ll have in up there in Boston can outrun the real actual Tom Brady. And we saw early on in his career, defenses with an effective pass rush were able to pretty much neutralize him completely. It’s why the first few Pats Championships were won by Belichick’s defenses and Adam Vinatieri’s leg. It wasn’t until the rule changes, the cheating, and the were wearing Patriots (then Bucs) jerseys under their stripes that 12 started being elevated into NFL all time great conversations.
I once had the thrill of playing dr j one on one when I was 48 and he was in his mid 60's. He gave me some space and I hit a couple of top of the key shots. He then came up close to me, and with total class, because there was a bunch of people watching, whispered, "I'm going to block this one". Nobody else heard him, he didn't trash talk, but he also wasnt going to let me beat him. I made a quick step to the left and threw up a wild hook. He blocked it easily. We played a while longer and he won (surprise!), but it was the sporting thrill of my life. Afterwards, he had very kind words for me. A total class person. Loved watching his games with the Celtics! And what class that organization has!!
Damn if that aint a great description. Yes it was. That era had it all. Attitude, rivalries, team loyalty, loyal diehard fans and Dr. J who pioneered the above the rim style. And nobody did it better or came close to creating the excitement that Dr. J did. He was the original.
Yes the do have respect But were talking about Julius Erving The classest man to ever put on a sports uniform Philadelphia gave Doctor j a huge parade and a very big ceremony when he retired I didnt see that with Magig ,Bird or Jordan That goes to tell you what a great man Julius Erving The Doctor J really was a great Man
Even as a diehard Celtic fan, I would have given my left nut to have watched a game in the Spectrum and hear Dave Zinkoff introduce the players, especially Dr. J.
Man how I remember those cold winter nights laying on the couch watching the 76s on TBS And watching Julius Play the game and just waiting for one of his many fantastic dunks .Those were the times to Remember I'm grateful for those memories We lived on a small dead end block with no cars going by making noise just laying on that couch and watching a great basketball game Between the 76ers and Boston .oh I wish I can turn back time To those simpler days And Jordan was no were in sight Plus watching a great athlete in Doctor J And all the ball players that were playing True Basketball players No tattoo gang looking players They all had class But Julius was on top of the mountain with his class The most classest man in any sport Love you Doc
Wow, just wow. We know how great a guy the Dr. was & is; but for Boston to acknowledge it like that is the biggest display of sportsmanship I can think of.
This is such thinly veiled racism. Whenever somebody remarks upon a black person speaking well, as if to imply that it’s shocking as 98% of them don’t. Or can’t.
Boston wins this game 118-100 on March 29, 1987. The Sixers would beat Boston 106-104 in OT a week later in the Spectrum to tie the season series 3-3 and win his final game ever vs the Celtics.
Both in 86 and 87 the Celtics lost close games at the Spectrum. I was hoping the Celtics would get revenge in the playoffs but both times the Sixers choked and lost to the Bucks.
Dr. J, class act and one amazing ball player. I idolized him growing up. He was instrumental in revolutionizing the game of basketball. Thank you Julius, you’re the man big dawg
This young man has been classy from the first time he laced them up for his first 2 years in the ABA playing for the Virginia Squires. Talent and Class. He had it from the beginning.
I was supposed to go to this game, but my mom, who’d been a huge Celtics fan since the days of Russell and Cousy wanted the ticket. I was 7, and I certainly can’t begrudge her that. It was a really nice moment.
This was one moment I was going to watch no matter what I had my vcr recording it as I watched this speech .Boston showed great respect for Julius hanging a red number 6 up in the rafters And the gold clock that they gave Julius And the saying was Time passes but the memories last forever .watching these Boston 76s Games way before there was a Michael Jordan on a cold winter night was truly amazing This was the way to play Basketball They way these 2 times played the game .They went at each other so hard a beautiful thing to watch And I'm grateful that I watched it all the time .instead of going out drinking with guys I didn't want to be around Thanks Julius for being so great Thank You Doc
this is why he was my favorite player when i was growing up. and much respect to the Celtics fans. this is the difference between you Celtics fans (who can show respect and admiration for a competitor) and the green bay packer fans who just hate anyone that doesn't wear their colors
Yes you said it right and especially The Green Bay Fans There with out a doubt The greatest fans I've been a Green Bay Fan For 52 years and I'm 62 And I live in NY I bleed packer green But those fans are far from phony fans True blue to there team Go Pack Go
What a presence. That was about as smooth and skillful as a thank you to a respected rival as one could imagine. And a great throwaway concluding line to the invention of the game just a short distance away in Springfield. I vividly remember the BEAT LA chant after the Celtics lost to Philly in 1982.
He was pure class. Celtics fan. Dr.J and Sixers were so awesome. They would destroy any team in this era. I miss those games. Whether at Garden or Spectrum. Sixer fans were great also.
Didn’t remember that Dr J spoke so well. Knows the history and tradition and he shows so much respect and in return everyone for him including his competition.
I was cutting through a restaurant’s lobby in Middletown CT. Who was sitting there by himself, Dr. J !! I had a chance to chat with him. The reason he was there, his daughter was attending Wesleyan University. Most everyone will remember him as one of the greatest basketball players, I’ll remember him as being a perfect gentleman.
What can you say that was great of the Boston Celtics to honor a living legend no more class than Dr. Jay he was the epitome of brilliance in the air off the court and on he will be missed.
Beautifully delivered fond remembrance of Boston Garden and a great rivalry. Eloquence in his story-telling and elegance in his amazing on the court performance for so many years!
This is a different America, folks. I was 16 in ‘87. I wish I could go back to that one. Sadly, those days are long gone. This would NEVER happen today.
Dirk nowitzki would've scored 50s points against Larry bird; LeBron James would've scored 50s points against Larry bird; Nikola jokic would've scored 60s points against Larry bird
@tomtalley2192 ❤️ dr.j my hero ;; dirk nowitzki& Nikola jokic & LeBron jameseach would've 🐦 on a outside grill &cook it 50s; & 40s points average against Larry bird especially broken back & bad feet Larry bird dirk nowitzki & Nikola jokic would've call Larry bird short stuff & shoot by behind 3 point line top of 🔑 key make the shot & then backup some more 3 point shot make it then drive pass Larry bird for layup
I remember that 7th game in 82...despite losing the game the celtic fans showed great class for sixers to beat LA (also shows how bad Boston fans wanted LA to lose but even though it didn't happen it would two years later
Mike Gillins they broke the mold after God created Julius Erving, cause the other players can try to do his moves and copy him and his style but they will never get close to out doing the "Dr J".
We where at Docs last house call as the last Spectrum game was called. Respect. Those where the best games and rivalries ever! I see the T shirt I got. Dr J Last house call. Still have mine!😊
The good doctor making his last house call in Boston Garden!The fans really showing respect and admiration for the good doctor Thank you for these classic highlights and speech by Julius Dr.J Erving!!!
Much bigger draw than Jordan ever thought of being in Boston. From 81 I was there in BG for almost every big game. Dr J was one of the best to ever play the game.
Just ask CC Sabathia and that other player who played with the Baltimore Orioles who said The only opposing stadium that they were called the n-word in was at Boston.
Earl Strom once said after seeing Dr J play for the first time, that he had seen the greatest player ever. Earl Strom was then fined for the comment. The early 80's rivalry was intense.
Wow....I remember Earl; nice post. Erving indeed was a special player; I live in San Antonio and was fortunate to see him in his prime during those ABA years when he battled the Spurs. Hated him as an opponent but loved his creativity, talent and best of all ....class!
777, Wow! Appreciated that point. I can understand him saying that because Dr. J back then did do amazing things that you didn't see on the basketball court and look at as normal! I had the pleasure of seeing him in the Spectrum in Philadelphia against the Milwaukee Bucks and also in the Omni in Atlanta against the Hawks. Earl Strom was a vet official back then. Very well respected and for him to say that, knowing that it could have been looked at as a form of favoritism towards a play or franchise and then for him to still point that out meant he must have been pretty amazed by Doc's gifted athleticism. As indicated in the Vid, he was class personified on an off the court and had fans respect throughout the league. Appreciate you sharing that point.....
Dr. J was so vital to so many basketball players who followed him. He created the new style of flying above the rim like no other. He is a class act on and off the court. Smart, intelligent, creative and a warrior! Great man! Need some more Julius Erving’s in this world.
As a kid I remember watching him in the ABA with the Nets, seeing his sky-high dunks, and buying paperbacks at school about him. Classy guy honored by a classy organization.
I'll just say as a kid growing up in the East Bay of California,..this man was one of my hero's,..I adored him and his abilities. Funny ,..a white kid from California growing up and my 3 hero's were Dr. J, Stevie Wonder and Martin Luther King!
they can blow mj and lebron all they want but a young Dr J was one of the baddest asses ever on a court....I do not know of any celtic fan like me who did not have the highest respect for Dr J
Was there ever a better speech from another rival competitor in the enemies building?!
No there was not That just shows all of us what a Classest And Great Man Julius Erving Trully Is The Real God Of Basketball
*Yes* plenty of times, like Dr J at...
Chicago Stadium
Milwaukee MECCA
Brendan Byrne Arena NJ
Capital Centre, DC
MSG
The Omni, ATL
Pontiac Silverdome, DET
Richfield Coliseum, CLE
Market Sq Arena, IND
Reunion Arena, Dallas
Salt Palace, Utah
The Summit, Houston
McNichols Arena, Denver
ARCO Arena I, Sacramento
Hemisfair Arena, San Antonio
LA Sports Arena
Veterans Coliseum PHX
Seattle Ctr Coliseum
Oakland Coliseum Arena
Portland Memorial Coliseum
...& the Fabulous Forum in LA
@@sweetmapleleafs lol nice
NO!
Dr. J... all class. A remarkable basketball player and an eloquent speaker.
Reed Rothchild
Yeeeeeeeeeees, you couldn't have said it any better. thank you
Doctors are always eloquent to speak.
How well spoken is this awesome
gentleman. What a class act.
"How well spoken"...
Somehow - that sort of comment...and it's a comment I repeatedly hear evoked in situations related to People of Color (namely, specifically, Black People)...has always rubbed me the wrong way.
What I’m sure he meant is that Dr. J is a well spoken man, either black or white. There are allowed to be well-spoken people, aren’t there?
@@ThomasFromTN Translation.....he sounds white.
@@joshuasussman4020 Red used to bash the ABA saying there was only one great player Dr. J.
@@ThomasFromTNshut up you thin chested racist white liberal.
Classiest dude to ever lace 'em up...
You never saw Bill Russell play then.
Oh yes the most classest man to ever put on a sports uniform What a great man on and off the court
You can say that again Julius is also a great Human Being The classest man I ever seen in my lifetime and I'm 62 Long Live Doctor j
This is as classy as it comes. Glad he's still with us.
Oh yes long live Julius the Doctor Erving The classiest man to put on a sports uniform A true gentleman he is They don't come like Julius anymore
You bet he's the class guy you will ever know And the classest man to ever put on a sports uniform I truly love this great gentleman
Good stuff, Celtics' fans showing respect to one of the greatest ever.
BasketballJones48021 not one but the greatest ever
Celtics fans always show respect for their rivals
BasketballJones48021
Yeeeeeeeeeees, because Boston and Philly were arch enemies at one time.
Every team did this for Dr J when it was his last game at that arena.
By 1987, He is probably the greatest Ever, He was literally the MJ of the 70's in terms of flair and hangtime moves
"Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end. We thought we'd live forever and a day!...............
damn so much class back then
Dr. J's retirement ceremony at the Boston Garden was the best closure during his tour. The battles Sixers and Celtics had during the early 1980's were second to none. Sixers vs Celtics during the early 1980's, one of the best games and stories ever witnessed by fans. Thanks.
My all time favorite Dr. J, thank you for giving me a bit of your time when I came over where you were sitting to let you know how much of a fan I was you took your time and listened to what this twenty two year old guy had to say and you couldn't been any nicer, it meant a lot to me and twenty years later the memory is as fresh as when the moment happened.
Wow you talked to Julius was this after he retired Man that's my dream to me him and to shake those huge big hands of his and get a huge from him .I love this great man He's the classest man to ever put on a sports uniform long live the Doctor And what a Lucky guy you were to speak with him
I believe Red said earlier in the same speech, that one of his regrets as a Celtics leader is that Julius Erving never wore Celtic green.
One of the greatest players in the history of the NBA.
Dr.j original airwalker toward the basket 🧺
Dr J doesn't get enough love and respect for how damn good he was. He was MJ before MJ.
Dr.j original airwalker toward the basket 🧺 to score points
I like Dr Js style better.
It’s because the NBA back then LITERALLY bought out the ABA specifically to bring Doc over, BUT they don’t count any of his statistics, rings, and awards from the ABA as part of his legacy… which is absolutely unthinkable. But with Jordan, the NBA purposely promoted him and literally marketed him as basketball Jesus. MJ is ACTUALLY responsible for the superstar rules in terms of officiating.
I know nowadays, all of us old folks complain about today’s rules… You know, allowing zone defense, no hand checking, players taking 3-4 steps without traveling calls, tricky tack fouls in favor of the popular players, allowing guys to push off, and allowing guys to carry the ball CONSTANTLY when dribbling. We absolutely DESPISE it!
But it’s not a new phenomenon; MJ was the pioneer of that specifically BECAUSE of the League being marketed around him for money and ratings purposes. But after MJ retired, the League saw how huge a mistake it was to do what they did with Mike, and they never did it again. Marketing him as god was great for the NBA while he was active, but it caused a nose dive when he left. So never did they do it that again with anyone else! Instead of marketing one guy as top dog and putting everything into him, they went back to the “Rivals” game plan. And first order of business to elevate several players and push the narrative that the top 2-5 superstars in the League were all battling for the opportunity to be considered “The NEXT Jordan.” So if you were either around for it and have a good memory, OR if you’re a young fan who missed it but have the ability to put in the work to research it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. But most importantly, something like that HAS TO BE done as objectively as humanly possible. Or else, you’re gonna do what 99% of fans do… They start with their personal preferences and favorites; THEN, they add and organize the stats/data in the way that best supports their preferences. (that, of course, doesn’t only apply to Jordan, the NBA, or even sports overall; people do it with all kinds of celebrities- from Eminem to Jay Z to Tupac to Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, etc).
(Cont’d below)…
Since MJ is the example we’re using, I’ll use him for my illustration.
MJ is to basketball what Tupac and Biggie came to be in hip hop. In other words, so many people have crowned him as the GOAT that not doing so is immediately dismissed, and the person who doesn’t go along with it is automatically cast off as someone who doesn’t know the game. Even that individual lists the criteria that led to their perceptions and perspectives. Go ask every hip hop fan you know to name the Top 5 greatest rappers in hip hop. No matter the generation or location, 98.9% of them will include Biggie and Tupac. Even guys who weren’t anywhere near being born at the time AND can’t even name 5 of their songs that weren’t released as singles. No matter what, they’ll have them in the list. Ask them why, and they’ll break into a long soliloquy parroting a bunch of vague, cookie cutter talking points about how “Tupac was so real… blah blah blah… and how he may not have been all that lyrical, but you FELT his music.” Then,
“B.I.G. was so smooth, he was a great storyteller, and the greatest lyricist to bless the mic…blah blah blah.”
With Jordan, we hear about how he’s the greatest bc of his killer instinct, how competitive he was… blah blah blah… great scorer AND great defender… supreme team leader… and (my personal favorite), he won six rings. And those championships make him the greatest.
All of that’s hilarious because the same people will change the rules and criteria for determining who’s the best. And they’ll change it 19839 times as often as they need to in order to justify their guy. Never fails.
Tom Brady’s another one. For guys like these, people not only SAY they’re the best BUT will also actually try to force 100% of the public to agree and to validate the claims. But since they’re hands down the greatest EVER, how and why would such a player need help from the officials so much? I mean, Jordan got a LOT of calls/ non calls in his favor. But TB12 is even worse than him! Tom actually needed help from the refs AND from the NFL front office! Like, they LITERALLY created rules to protect him specifically… Because the statue he’ll have in up there in Boston can outrun the real actual Tom Brady. And we saw early on in his career, defenses with an effective pass rush were able to pretty much neutralize him completely. It’s why the first few Pats Championships were won by Belichick’s defenses and Adam Vinatieri’s leg. It wasn’t until the rule changes, the cheating, and the were wearing Patriots (then Bucs) jerseys under their stripes that 12 started being elevated into NFL all time great conversations.
this guy seems to be so much more articulate and well spoken than many/all of today's stars
I once had the thrill of playing dr j one on one when I was 48 and he was in his mid 60's. He gave me some space and I hit a couple of top of the key shots. He then came up close to me, and with total class, because there was a bunch of people watching, whispered, "I'm going to block this one". Nobody else heard him, he didn't trash talk, but he also wasnt going to let me beat him. I made a quick step to the left and threw up a wild hook. He blocked it easily. We played a while longer and he won (surprise!), but it was the sporting thrill of my life. Afterwards, he had very kind words for me. A total class person. Loved watching his games with the Celtics! And what class that organization has!!
THIS ERA IN BASKETBALL, WAS LIKE THE ALI, HEAVY WEIGHT TITLE DAYS. FUN, GOOD STUFF
Damn if that aint a great description. Yes it was. That era had it all. Attitude, rivalries, team loyalty, loyal diehard fans and Dr. J who pioneered the above the rim style. And nobody did it better or came close to creating the excitement that Dr. J did. He was the original.
Yes all sports are dead
Real basketball
Greatest and classiest man ever to put on a sports uniform The Great Doctor J He Is The True Basketball God
Wow. I never knew about this. Red and the Celtics have even more of my respect than they already had for this show of class.
@@josephgiuffdrida5387 you should upload them
Yes the do have respect But were talking about Julius Erving The classest man to ever put on a sports uniform Philadelphia gave Doctor j a huge parade and a very big ceremony when he retired I didnt see that with Magig ,Bird or Jordan That goes to tell you what a great man Julius Erving The Doctor J really was a great Man
Every team did this for dr j in 1987
@@zt1053 ...Absolutely!!!
Those fans are impressive.
The Dr is pure class and the whole Celtic organization is pure class. Many of our youth don’t realize how instrumental Red Auerbach was.
Dr. Julius Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrving
Even as a diehard Celtic fan, I would have given my left nut to have watched a game in the Spectrum and hear Dave Zinkoff introduce the players, especially Dr. J.
Dr. J. Class, Cool, Greatness personified.
Just another example of why Dr. J was so beloved by all. And, the class and appreciation of the Celtic fans!
Man how I remember those cold winter nights laying on the couch watching the 76s on TBS And watching Julius Play the game and just waiting for one of his many fantastic dunks .Those were the times to Remember I'm grateful for those memories We lived on a small dead end block with no cars going by making noise just laying on that couch and watching a great basketball game Between the 76ers and Boston .oh I wish I can turn back time To those simpler days And Jordan was no were in sight Plus watching a great athlete in Doctor J And all the ball players that were playing True Basketball players No tattoo gang looking players They all had class But Julius was on top of the mountain with his class The most classest man in any sport Love you Doc
Wow, just wow. We know how great a guy the Dr. was & is; but for Boston to acknowledge it like that is the biggest display of sportsmanship I can think of.
SO TRUE, SO TRUE.
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN.
He speaks very well.
wtf you expect?
@@BP-gl7zt Whenever I see stuff like this, I want to say, "What's he supposed to sound like?" Not every basketball player grew up in the hood.
I don't think he meant anything disrespectful by it. Dr J is more articulate than alot of politicians
This is such thinly veiled racism. Whenever somebody remarks upon a black person speaking well, as if to imply that it’s shocking as 98% of them don’t. Or can’t.
Dr . J was best , miss those days .
Classy, intelligent, sincere, and so very very blessed and talented. Has it really been that long? Wow.
Dr J was widely respected throughout the league because of his class and humility. Great champion.
Real nice..to be honored like that by the Celtics.
Boston wins this game 118-100 on March 29, 1987. The Sixers would beat Boston 106-104 in OT a week later in the Spectrum to tie the season series 3-3 and win his final game ever vs the Celtics.
Go Devils ...I remember those games like yesterday.
Cool fact. Fitting end for the Doc to the great Sixer/Celtics rivalries of the '80's
Both in 86 and 87 the Celtics lost close games at the Spectrum. I was hoping the Celtics would get revenge in the playoffs but both times the Sixers choked and lost to the Bucks.
I was at 106-104 OT win at the Spectrum.
What an ovation! The Boston fans gave him a well-deserved standing ovation that lasted at least 1+1/2 minutes.
Dr. J, class act and one amazing ball player. I idolized him growing up. He was instrumental in revolutionizing the game of basketball. Thank you Julius, you’re the man big dawg
This young man has been classy from the first time he laced them up for his first 2 years in the ABA playing for the Virginia Squires. Talent and Class. He had it from the beginning.
I was supposed to go to this game, but my mom, who’d been a huge Celtics fan since the days of Russell and Cousy wanted the ticket. I was 7, and I certainly can’t begrudge her that. It was a really nice moment.
This was one moment I was going to watch no matter what I had my vcr recording it as I watched this speech .Boston showed great respect for Julius hanging a red number 6 up in the rafters And the gold clock that they gave Julius And the saying was Time passes but the memories last forever .watching these Boston 76s Games way before there was a Michael Jordan on a cold winter night was truly amazing This was the way to play Basketball They way these 2 times played the game .They went at each other so hard a beautiful thing to watch And I'm grateful that I watched it all the time .instead of going out drinking with guys I didn't want to be around Thanks Julius for being so great Thank You Doc
this is why he was my favorite player when i was growing up. and much respect to the Celtics fans. this is the difference between you Celtics fans (who can show respect and admiration for a competitor) and the green bay packer fans who just hate anyone that doesn't wear their colors
Yes you said it right and especially The Green Bay Fans There with out a doubt The greatest fans I've been a Green Bay Fan For 52 years and I'm 62 And I live in NY I bleed packer green But those fans are far from phony fans True blue to there team Go Pack Go
Dr.J one of the all-time greats. Great player and speaker and human being , He gave it his all to the game of basketball.🏀
One word: Classy
Such a classy gesture from the Celtics and a great respectful speech from Julius. Bravo !
What a presence. That was about as smooth and skillful as a thank you to a respected rival as one could imagine. And a great throwaway concluding line to the invention of the game just a short distance away in Springfield. I vividly remember the BEAT LA chant after the Celtics lost to Philly in 1982.
Wow. I've never seen this.
I love Dr J.
He's the reason I worked on my game so hard.
He was pure class. Celtics fan. Dr.J and Sixers were so awesome. They would destroy any team in this era. I miss those games. Whether at Garden or Spectrum.
Sixer fans were great also.
That is a man right there - class personified.
This guy was pure class.
Didn’t remember that Dr J spoke so well. Knows the history and tradition and he shows so much respect and in return everyone for him including his competition.
I was cutting through a restaurant’s lobby in Middletown CT. Who was sitting there by himself, Dr. J !! I had a chance to chat with him. The reason he was there, his daughter was attending Wesleyan University. Most everyone will remember him as one of the greatest basketball players, I’ll remember him as being a perfect gentleman.
This man was truly great. Awesome speech. So eloquent! Dr. J and Larry Legend - the two greatest players of all time. Both changed the game forever.
What can you say that was great of the Boston Celtics to honor a living legend no more class than Dr. Jay he was the epitome of brilliance in the air off the court and on he will be missed.
Definatly a class act by Boston to honor Doc. Loved the Sixers back then.
Beautifully delivered fond remembrance of Boston Garden and a great rivalry. Eloquence in his story-telling and elegance in his amazing on the court performance for so many years!
He was a very good speaker,he had class,well educated man, i have all but respect for him ,and what he did for the game,and accomplishment
He also went to UMass
Dr.J is a *TOP 10* player in NBA history.
That guy was a flying man.
This is a different America, folks. I was 16 in ‘87. I wish I could go back to that one. Sadly, those days are long gone. This would NEVER happen today.
Back in the day when you went to a basketball game to see your favorite player and they played unless they were injured.
A class act.
The Greatest Forward Of All Time !
Dirk nowitzki would've scored 50s points against Larry bird; LeBron James would've scored 50s points against Larry bird; Nikola jokic would've scored 60s points against Larry bird
You have no idea what you're talking about. Bird and Dr. J would eat those guys for breakfast and play two games a day.@@loydkline
@tomtalley2192 ❤️ dr.j my hero ;; dirk nowitzki& Nikola jokic & LeBron jameseach would've 🐦 on a outside grill &cook it 50s; & 40s points average against Larry bird especially broken back & bad feet Larry bird dirk nowitzki & Nikola jokic would've call Larry bird short stuff & shoot by behind 3 point line top of 🔑 key make the shot & then backup some more 3 point shot make it then drive pass Larry bird for layup
@loydkline ...The NBA from the late 'seventies and the entire 'eighties was the Golden Era.
Dr J - one of the greatest to ever play the game but more importantly, such a humble, intelligent and remarkable human being.
Wow, great history here and we want more sportsman like these fine people.
I remember that 7th game in 82...despite losing the game the celtic fans showed great class for sixers to beat LA (also shows how bad Boston fans wanted LA to lose but even though it didn't happen it would two years later
It happened one year later. In 1983 76ers with Moses Malone swept Lakers.
Misha Gelenava when I say two years later I'm talking 84 when Celtics beat lakers
Mike Gillins they broke the mold after God created Julius Erving, cause the other players can try to do his moves and copy him and his style but they will never get close to out doing the "Dr J".
Both Sixers and Celtics fans knew.
Yes it happened 2 years later and the sixes gave The LA Lakers one good ass kicking a 4 game sweep.
Boston fans thank you for your respect for dr j's career!!! Your a class act!!!
Even though he never wore the green he is still one of our coming from U Mass.
Boston, thanks for showing 6 respect, we would've certainly done the same for 33, 32, 00 and 3 we can be rivals---but we share the heroes!!
Class act. Love you Dr. J, still saluting you today
Can’t help but love this guy. My favorite GOAT PLAYER DR J
People enjoying and appreciating the moment not their cell phones!
We where at Docs last house call as the last Spectrum game was called. Respect. Those where the best games and rivalries ever! I see the T shirt I got. Dr J Last house call. Still have mine!😊
Class act.. Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪
Dr J, one of my all time favourite players, a total legend.
I miss those days where the league wasn't watered down with only a handful of great players
A class player, man, and one of the top 4's of all time!!
Thank you Larry Legend this is a wonderful post.
The good doctor making his last house call in Boston Garden!The fans really showing respect and admiration for the good doctor Thank you for these classic highlights and speech by Julius Dr.J Erving!!!
Dr J was my favorite player when I was growing up as a kid. Loved his talent and flair.
Dr. J NY born, MA educated, NJ pro, PA champion, World Class Legend.👍
My favorite player of all time. Loved the Dr
Dr. J defines CLASS. So cool to see the rivalry come together in a moment like this.
Class Act ! from both Dr.J. and the Garden fans.
Much bigger draw than Jordan ever thought of being in Boston. From 81 I was there in BG for almost every big game. Dr J was one of the best to ever play the game.
Living legend
Atmos Clock I believe. Super precise due to maintaining certain air pressure or something. Nice piece of hardware.
Dr j what a man !
Pure class! The Celtics and Dr J!
boston fans are one of the best. White or black, you win and they will appreciate you.
Kareem appreciated em' too and let them know it.
lol that's not exactly the truth.....I remember hearing Robert Parish say he had quite a few problems racially in Boston in his early years there
@@TRJ2241987 I think that was more of a community (off the court) issue. Russell went through it too and worse.
Yeah not at Boston Garden, more so everyday life outside of the game
Just ask CC Sabathia and that other player who played with the Baltimore Orioles who said The only opposing stadium that they were called the n-word in was at Boston.
Earl Strom once said after seeing Dr J play for the first time, that he had seen the greatest player ever. Earl Strom was then fined for the comment. The early 80's rivalry was intense.
Wow....I remember Earl; nice post. Erving indeed was a special player; I live in San Antonio and was fortunate to see him in his prime during those ABA years when he battled the Spurs. Hated him as an opponent but loved his creativity, talent and best of all ....class!
777, Wow! Appreciated that point.
I can understand him saying that because Dr. J back then did do amazing things that you didn't see on the basketball court and look at as normal!
I had the pleasure of seeing him in the Spectrum in Philadelphia against the Milwaukee Bucks and also in the Omni in Atlanta against the Hawks.
Earl Strom was a vet official back then. Very well respected and for him to say that, knowing that it could have been looked at as a form of favoritism towards a play or franchise and then for him to still point that out meant he must have been pretty amazed by Doc's gifted athleticism.
As indicated in the Vid, he was class personified on an off the court and had fans respect throughout the league.
Appreciate you sharing that point.....
the best acrobatic player ofalltime.
So glad I was able to see this,I've always heard great things about this man....Dr.J..
I have great memories of him growing up when he was playing 👏👏👏
Big Celtics fan. Doesn’t get better than Dr.J. Much respect
We never felt this way about lbj. Dr J was one of our favorite opponents ever
Lbj?
Dr. J was so vital to so many basketball players who followed him. He created the new style of flying above the rim like no other. He is a class act on and off the court. Smart, intelligent, creative and a warrior! Great man! Need some more Julius Erving’s in this world.
Growing up Julius Erving was my first favorite player. My next favorite player was The Legend but never lost any love for Dr J.
One of the classiest gentlemen of the N.B.A. Julius Erving! At least he had 1 title with 76ers!
Julius Erving has heart and really appreciates his fans. May Jesus always Bless You.
As a kid I remember watching him in the ABA with the Nets, seeing his sky-high dunks, and buying paperbacks at school about him. Classy guy honored by a classy organization.
Awesome 😎
I'll just say as a kid growing up in the East Bay of California,..this man was one of my hero's,..I adored him and his abilities. Funny ,..a white kid from California growing up and my 3 hero's were Dr. J, Stevie Wonder and Martin Luther King!
Such a class player received by the classiest fans there is
The incomparable Julius Erving.
A classic act, Mr. Julius Erving.
PURE CLASS...