Julius Erving

The High-Flying Pioneer Who Changed the Game

Before Michael Jordan. Before LeBron James. There was Julius Erving—the original aerial artist who brought style, grace, and power to basketball like no one before him. Known simply as “Dr. J,” Erving didn’t just play the game—he redefined it, making above-the-rim basketball a spectacle, a weapon, and an art form.

With his breathtaking dunks, acrobatic finishes, and ability to seemingly glide through the air, Erving turned basketball into a show. But he was more than just highlights—he was a winner, a leader, and one of the most influential players in basketball history.

From the Streets of New York to Basketball Royalty

Born in 1950 in Roosevelt, New York, Julius Erving’s journey to greatness began on the playgrounds, where he earned his famous nickname, "Dr. J." Even as a teenager, his leaping ability and creativity with the ball were legendary.

After dominating at Roosevelt High School, Erving took his talents to the University of Massachusetts, where he averaged an absurd 26.3 points and 20.2 rebounds per game over two seasons. Despite his dominance, he played in relative obscurity, as UMass was not a powerhouse program at the time.

His professional career started not in the NBA, but in the ABA (American Basketball Association), a league known for its flashy, fast-paced play. And Dr. J became its biggest star.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Julius Erving’s impact stretched across two leagues, leaving an indelible mark on both the ABA and the NBA.

• Three-time ABA MVP (1974, 1975, 1976)
• One-time NBA MVP (1981)
• Four-time ABA All-Star and Eleven-time NBA All-Star
• Three-time ABA Scoring Champion
• Two-time ABA Champion (1974, 1976) and One-time NBA Champion (1983)
• ABA & NBA combined career totals: 30,026 points, 10,525 rebounds, and 5,176 assists
• Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993

Erving is one of only a handful of players to score over 30,000 points in a professional career, an exclusive club that includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

Dr. J: The First High-Flyer

Before Erving, basketball was played largely below the rim. He changed that forever.

• He turned dunking into an art form, inspiring future generations of high-flying superstars.
• His ability to hang in the air longer than anyone before him set a new standard for athleticism.
• He revolutionized the small forward position, blending scoring, rebounding, and defense in a way that had never been seen before.

He was the perfect mix of power and finesse—smooth, electrifying, and utterly dominant.

Two Moments That Define Julius Erving

The Baseline Reverse Layup – 1980 NBA Finals

One of the most iconic shots in NBA history, Erving’s gravity-defying reverse layup in Game 4 of the 1980 NBA Finals against the Lakers stunned the world.

After driving baseline, Dr. J took off, gliding behind the backboard and extending his arm seemingly forever before scooping in an impossible layup. Even Magic Johnson, playing for the opposing team, couldn’t believe what he had just seen.

It was the perfect showcase of Erving’s athleticism, creativity, and ability to make the impossible look effortless.

The 1976 ABA Dunk Contest – The Free Throw Line Dunk

Long before Michael Jordan’s famous dunk contest moment, Erving made history in the first-ever ABA Slam Dunk Contest in 1976.

With a packed arena watching, Dr. J took off from the free-throw line—soaring through the air and throwing down a dunk that no one had ever seen before. The move became an instant legend and set the standard for every dunk contest that followed.

This was the final ABA season before the NBA-ABA merger, and Erving’s dunk was a perfect sendoff for the league that helped shape his career.

Julius Erving’s Most Iconic Basketball Cards

1972 Topps Julius Erving Rookie Card

His most valuable and sought-after card, this Topps rookie features Dr. J in his ABA Virginia Squires uniform, making it a classic piece of basketball history.

1976 Topps Julius Erving – First Philadelphia 76ers Card

This card captures Dr. J’s transition from the ABA to the NBA, featuring him in his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

1983 Star Company Julius Erving – Championship Year

A rare card from his 1983 NBA Championship season, celebrating the moment when Erving finally captured an NBA title with the 76ers.

Why Julius Erving’s Legacy Still Matters Today

Julius Erving wasn’t just a superstar—he was a pioneer.

• He bridged the gap between the old-school NBA and the high-flying modern game.
• He paved the way for players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
• He brought flair, style, and creativity to the game, making it more entertaining than ever before.

More than just a dunker, Erving was an elite all-around player, a leader, and a true ambassador for the sport.

To own a Julius Erving card is to own a piece of basketball evolution, a reminder that before the game became what it is today, Dr. J was already doing it first.

In the Hall of Fame Exchange, Julius Erving isn’t just a legend—he’s the blueprint for basketball’s evolution, a player whose influence will be felt forever.