Before the 1980s, several NBA legends paved the way for basketball's success and recognition as a mainstream sport while emphasizing the value of players both on and off the court. Julius Erving is well aware of that, and he has always acknowledged the impact of his predecessors in shaping the NBA into the popular sport it is today.
Erving implied that icons like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain captivated audiences and drew attention to the game with their dominance, charisma and rivalry. Jerry West , meanwhile, embodied what resilience and consistency mean in basketball, while Oscar Robertson revolutionized the game as one of the first do-it-all players in the game.
For Dr. J, those legends built and strengthened their brand as pro athletes, making it easier for him, Larry Bird , Magic Johnson , and Michael Jordan to follow suit.
" Those of us who played in the NBA in the 1980s definitely played a role in what the league has become today," Erving wrote in a special piece for The Grand Rapids Times in 2022.
" And I think that in communicating with the next generation of players, they gave a lot of credit to myself and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. If you start in 1980, and you look at the guys who were the All-Pro players, the MVPs or whatever, there was an acceptance, and there was the crossing-over between the different ethnicities that created a pretty good melting pot."
"I look at the commercial success that happened with myself, with Larry Bird, with Converse and Spalding as an example, and the next wave with Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. It didn't just happen. There were shoulders we were standing on."
"There was Bill Russell, who's been a dear friend for many, many years. Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and even the lesser-celebrated guys like Walt Bellamy, Lou Hudson, Pete Maravich. We were just trying to kind of give them credit and understand their struggle. They were always taking commercial flights. Before that, I mean, there were guys taking trains and buses. It is so much different now."
Dr. J says each legend played an important role
Though sometimes overlooked, Erving often reminds hoops fans that each legend from every era contributed to the overall success of the NBA . From pioneers like Russell, Robertson and West to modern-day superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Dr. J makes it a point to enlighten everybody that each era has produced impactful players who have elevated the sport to new heights.
Indeed, the NBA has come a long way, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that the younger the fans are, the less they know about the legends that set the blueprint for their modern NBA idols. Fortunately, "The Doctor" is always there to spare some nuggets of NBA history.
"And so, over these decades, the eight decades of the NBA, there has been growth from within. That has created an image, a global image, and without all the parts you wouldn't have the total sum," the Hall of Famer concluded.
Being a pioneer in the game has a perk
With his incredible athleticism, scoring prowess, and charismatic personality, Erving quickly became a fan favorite. During his time, Dr. J was considered arguably the biggest draw in the sport, as his name ultimately became synonymous with basketball superstardom.
That said, it's no surprise Erving is forever indebted to the legends who laid the groundwork for him and the rest of his contemporaries. In fact, Erving still benefits from his brand, as his legacy has opened up numerous opportunities for him to work and be a part of various organizations.
The way Dr. J sliced it, being one of the pioneers in the game, has its perks , and he has been enjoying it thus far.
"I am still doing a little bit of ambassadorial work, if you want to call it work. You know, one thing about the sport of basketball, and one thing that I've always loved about it, is that you know, if you're good enough, you could probably get paid for something that you would be doing for free. If you weren't doing it for dinero," Erving once confided.
In conclusion, basketball is not just a game but a cultural phenomenon that has delighted and inspired millions of people from all walks of life. Players have found a perfect platform through the NBA to grow their fan base and develop their brand.
For the fans, Dr. J was right. It is crucial to educate themselves about the legacy of these players to fully grasp the significance of their beloved sport. By delving into the NBA's history, we gain a deeper appreciation for the exceptional players, rivalries, and moments that have defined the league and cemented its status as the best basketball association in the world.
Related: "I try to outthink them" - Julius Erving shared how he co-existed with young players in 1983
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