That’s cool they did it like how they want to do it and we going to continue do it the way we want to do it By your statement and standards I know u hated Larry bird the way he played the ultimate trash talk, finger pointing , stare down
We all should be ashamed of ourselves to allow any of these modern era players to push a class act as well as a legend to the back of the mind! Dr. J was absolutely awesome!!!
Good point. This was his first year in the NBA (76-77) and he was much more athletic then, as opposed to when he was squaring off against the Lakers in the 80's. But he was a better team leader by then
Dr J underrated??? First time ever i heard that. He's my all-time favorite NBA. Player and a lot of other people's all-time favorite. He ain't underrated to us. They'll never be another Dr J. He's in a class of his own. That ain't underrated buddy.
Underrated? Why do folks use this frickin word on TH-cam in the wrong context all the time can u believe somebody said prince was a underrated guitar player? Bro ur insulting this iconic hall of famer with that underrated comment
@@anthonytaylor7928 I believe it's the new generation that says that the most because they only experienced what they've seen or heard in the now. They don't really want to believe that they missed something , when they really did. LOL. Im 58. The Dr. J era was off the F ing chain. He ain't underrated just because some missed it. LOL. And Prince for dam sure was not underrated. Hey , if they missed it they missed.
@@quintonluster4886 Dr. J is underrated. He is hardly in anyone's TOP 5 young or old. For some reason he is forgotten alot. So that makes him underrated.
@@arbonnenetwork2205 None of that what you stated matters. Dr. J is in a class of his own. You don't know shttt about the sport , obviously. He has better highlights than anybody you name. He's the grandmaster of basketball. He has the single greatest dunk in basketball history that'll be showed until basketball is no more. You don't know shttt . Your brain is overrated. LOL Good night.
Doc was perhaps the most valuable of all MVP's. Consider this: he carried TWO different leagues. Who else can say that? And in the ABA he had double value because of what he meant on AND off the court. And when he got to the NBA, that was the start to the NBA's heightened popularity. Bird and Magic was a great rivalry and there were no two better guys to hand the torch to, but Doc was first. Before Bird. Before Magic. Before MJ. Before LeBron.
@@mistermousterian Never said Doc was THE GOAT....said he was MY favorite player of all time...his class , his demeanor, not just WHAT he did with the basketball 🏀...but HOW he did it. I'll be the first to admit Erving has been somewhat superseded by others...but..you go back and look...Dr. J was REVOLUTIONARY in the game of pro basketball. The man DESERVES much respect.
Great comment about how the doctor would glide - they called Clyde drexker ckyde the glided cause it was catchy but ultimate graceful majestic awesome glider of all time was dr j
Yeah man you know I grew up watching the doctor and you're right I'm not saying he's the best dunker of all time but I never seen any other player dunk on centers like it just ain't nothing
SOMETHING SPECIAL IS PRECISELY RIGHT^THAT FINGER ROLL TOOK ROUTE AND LANDED AS LIKE ONLY A CERTAIN JUMP SHOT COULD ANGLE ITSELF^DR. J WAS AS MICHAEL JORDAN WAS UNSTOPPABLE PERIOD^SO NEVER A COMPARISON^
Thanks for your comment about his mid-range jumper and bank shot, which he used throughout his career. It's a shame most people do not appreciate that part of his game, and most of today's players treat that shot a a criminal act - avoiding it at all costs to attempt a "low-percentage" 3-point shot.
I watched that game and all of the NBA Finals Games in 1977. I remember the shorts that were worn back then, it is amazing how the game has changed today. Dr. J was a big story in 1977, but Seattle Slew was the bigger story winning the Triple Crown. 1977 was the best year of my life as a kid, the music on the radio was great, and playing and following sports was even better.
Doc was the Michael Jordan of the 70's & early 80's. I don't know that he's underrated, but I don't think enough people realize how spectacular he actually was. My favorite player as kid, and one of the all-time greats!
I actually thought that an underhand shot at the end was what was so impressive . It was such a rare looking shot, but he had such control with it didn't look like luck. You don't even see a shot like that now a days which makes this very unique. Thanks for posting!
Dr. J is really under-appreciated in the discussion of all time greats these days. Most of us never saw him in his prime - I was too young AND he played in the ABA for quite a few years. He was fantastic.
I must admit, this man has been the only player in my 62 years that when the ball touched his hands, he had you on the edge of your seat. The ONE and ONLY incomparable Doctor J !
NO ONE else but Julius could get off that last shot - the flip finger roll off the incredible wrap around and palm-ball control - such a special athlete and class act.
Daryl had the size and talent but never could quite pull it all together to really be an all star. Some guys like Moses Malone were great without playing in college. A few years with a good college coach would have helped Dawkins.
Today is just a skill shooting competition. Back then, you needed creativity and good footwork. Those skills aren't as necessary today...just shoot 3s.
Hey Joe. Everything is about circus-shots now. No more low-post play. No more ‘pass-pass-pass’ fastbreaks. Now, both wing-men on a fastbreak run to the 3 line. Consequently rebounds are made by everybody today since most guys are far from the hoop, including big guys. The game’s initial intention was to get a shot off from as close to the basket as possible. Not the same game at all anymore. Some of the most beautiful aspects of the old game are now aberrations. I too prefer watching older games.
Finally some more footage from that 1976-77 season. The NBA on CBS televised multiple 76ers games on Sunday afternoons and it was great! DR. J was regularly shooting those turn around bank shots (52 secs) and finger rolls like 2:10. His finger rolls swooping to the basket on the baseline and reaching sideways were even better and I still haven't seen video replays of those. All of this was televised during that season. Seems like all you see on youtube are his dunks. I also remember him doing a finger roll with top spin coming across the lane. With top spin (not backspin), the ball banked off the backboard and kinda ripped through the net really fast. So cool! Haven't seen a replay of that one since 1977. In my opinion, you haven't seen DR J's best highlights until you've seen those. Still clear in my memory after 43 years.
Yes, what we need is more COMPLETE GAME footage of the 76-77 season! That exciting Denver team with David Thompson, Dan Issel and Bobby Jones was on CBS either as a national or regional telecast 6 times in the first post-merger 76-77 season and NOT ONE of those games have ever surfaced.
I agree. Now when that rate dunkers, his name isn't even mentioned more often than not! I saw him play twice in the ABA at the Nassau Coliseum back in '75. Some of the things he did have yet to be duplicated by anyone. If he played today, he'd still be the biggest draw in the game. That he ended up in Philadelphia with that bunch of one one one, ball hog underachievers is a real shame.
I saw the "Doctor" play several times during the last ABA season playing with the N.Y. Nets when they came to Denver to play the Nuggets. He was THE SHOW then, more than worth the price of admission to watch his artistry unfold. He surely could take over a game, putting the onus on his back, more often than not resulting in the complete reversal of fortune for the Nets. Witness the 1976 ABA finals when he almost single handedly erased a 22 point Denver lead in game 4 in route to taking the series lead & then leading them to the final ABA Championship. Him taking Cowens to school in this video is just a wonderful glimpse of what this incredible athlete did, game in & game out. What a gift it is for me all these years later to be able to say that I saw Dr. J play & watch him perform unimaginable feats on a basketball court!
@@lloydkline6946 moonwalk dunk on cowers was superb but all time dr j in game dunk ever was rock the cradle get out the way Michael cooper - I was 25 years old and was in a white recliner and I jumped off it and two feet in the air celebrating the Michael cooper rock the cradle dunk - best ever!!!
One thing about that Julius Erving dunk on Dave Cowens is that the Dr. never turn to the camera and start bumping his chest and trash talk. And ESPN wasn't around those days either so a lot of people didn't see 24/7 like they would today.
The Doctor himself has said many of today's players can make these athletic moves. None, however did it first like Julius. We can argue all day long who is the true GOAT. The Doctor will always be my all time favorite.
I thought the same thing. Had to rewind a few times. And I thought I knew every Dr. J move. He did a similar finger roll over Corky Calhoun in the finals that year. There was a still photo of it in Sports Illustrated. Decades later, I saw the move on film. If memory serves, the caption read..."Erving rising majestically over Corky Calhoun, was the heart and soul of Philadelphia"s effort."
That FINGER ROLL, THO....Dawkins was a beast off the boards. If he had put his mind to it he would have been all time. Never understood how Doc could be low-key and SPECTACULAR at the same time.
Great dunk and Dr. J was my favorite player. Used to go to the Nassau Coliseum to see him and the Nets. Let's at least give Cowens some credit. He tried to block the dunk unlike most of today's players who just move aside so they won't get posterized.
The last basket was much more spectacular. They were other players that could do dunks like this, but this sick drive-layup-fingeroll-hook only Dr.j could do it.
Vintage Dr. J! He was the Godfather of Dunk to all after him in NBA.😂😂🏀His dunks and finger roll layups were the best. Hands down! Pre Michael Jordan stuff 😂😂
That monster pair of hands on the Doc allowed him to maneuver the ball around the any defensive players outstretched arms for those swooping majestic finger rolls that left us all spellbound
The man was simply smooth, graceful, and powerful on the court. That last move was absolutely beautiful, and nobody else can do it...nobody. He was known as "The Man With 1,001 Moves," but I haven't heard that reference for years.
This version of Dr. J - with the Afro and kneepads - was my favorite. Was a cross between the ABA and NBA-version of Dr. J. He was dunking on everyone and seemed to play with more ferocity. He was still amazing later on, but he seemed a little more self-contained. He probably adjusted his game somewhat, working more in a team-oriented framework, with the hopes of winning a championship. Still, I liked this more ferocious ABA/NBA version version of Dr. J. He always had a crowd-pleasing style, but the crowd seemed to go crazy over him at this time.
@@acewilliams7917 yes... At the hometown high school games. NCAA does it too but I think that's more passion for showing off on social media than love of the team and basketball
The definition of “Small Forward” has changed since he played. Remember, he is listed at 6’7”. That’s a Center for some squads nowadays. At worst, I think he’s top 4 all-time SF. Top 3 at best, with the other 2 still debatable as to which is #1.
@studio bauhaus Using a general definition of "Small Forward", and keeping in mind that the 2 players I'm about to name didn't play the 3 their entire careers: Bird & James, in no particular order.
@studio bauhaus I knew you'd come at me like that. I'm stating a personal opinion, not a scientifically-proven factoid. I don't need to be reminded of Erving's impact on the game of basketball. However, I immediately tuned you out when you actually referenced a video game with an apparently straight face to bolster your argument. Let's just agree to disagree. Have a great day!
@@Fakename70 @Fakename70 Respectfully, a lotta people have changed their definitions of Small Forward, but that - in no way, shape, nor form - obligates me to follow the crowd and do the same. You can feel free to do so if you choose, and if that's the case, then more power to you. As for me, I gots my own mind, and I'd never change it simply due to the whispers of unnamed people 'changing' how they define the role. At the very least, those people would have to justify that change, and that justification would have to transcend the tired ass, circular argumentation of 'well, the game is different now..' Again, at the lowest, I'd list Dr. J as the #2 all time greatest Small Forward. You mentioned earlier that you're just statin' a personal opinion, and not a scientifically proven fact. Again, I say this respectfully, but what probly confused folks as far as whether or not you're speakin' factually or preferentially was your use of the word 'definition', which immediately implies objectivity. Beyond that, you even went on to 'remind' me of Dr. J's height and how it factors into today's League. Again, this type of tone is what might lead others to believe that your goal is to educate someone on real, factual things, if not at the very least call out an error in somebody else's thinkin'. Like, yo, if all you're doin' is statin' your personal opinion, why do it in such a contrarian way? Why not use constructive language and build common ground as opposed to comin' in hot by highlightin' contrast and emphasizin' a disconnect between how I presumably define the role versus how others supposedly do? Peace
I watched a couple games on TV where havlicek outplayed Erving obviously not this time....havlicek used to contain him pretty well. Most times though...when asked how he did it he said.....the trick to stopping Dr j is to make him work real hard to get his hands on the ball because once the ball is in his hands John said no player in the world could stop him...of course havlicek was a perennial all defensive team member...he should know
Love Dr J. One of the most athletic players ever to play the game, if not one of the greatest players in the NBA. It was always magical to watch him play.
Dr J looked so much taller than 6’6”, the way he got up and dunked over centers like Dave Cowens (6’9”) and Bill Walton (6’11”). He was the Michael Jordan of the ‘70s.
I think l got you beat. I met him in Long lsland' when he was caretaker of a park. He literally jumped OVER everybody. He wasn't 'Doctor J' then, he was about 6'3" then and unassuming. Next thing l know this bloke is on TV.....who KNEW?
In his second year he was paired up with a rookie named George Gervin. That was my first live professional sporting event I attended. Basketball royalty!
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wPd7VFfWHIA/mqdefault.jpg)
That last take off the dribble to finger roll is a thing of beauty. Doesn't get any better.
It was impossible
No stare down, no self hype, throw it down and let the dunk speak for itself - legendary
Say it again "Oak"!!! The players let their play and athleticism do the talking for them...
I couldn't of said it better myself
That’s cool they did it like how they want to do it and we going to continue do it the way we want to do it By your statement and standards I know u hated Larry bird the way he played the ultimate trash talk, finger pointing , stare down
@@thatguy4154
Does your WeDoItTheWayWeWantTo Club meet weekly?
My fav of all time! Dr. J doesn’t get the Love Magic, MJ & Bird get, but he was JUST AS MINDBLOWING & IMPACTFUL!
We all should be ashamed of ourselves to allow any of these modern era players to push a class act as well as a legend to the back of the mind! Dr. J was absolutely awesome!!!
He was a athletic GOD in my eyes....pure grace and class...I'd become so entranced by his game..I'd sometimes forget about THE game.
That under layup on the end line was no joke on Cowens by Dr. J too. Classic NBA!😂😂
@woolhat1
You have immaculate taste in your choice of a class act to love as an NBA legend
LeBron check this guy out .
Get some class
@@carlsandefer5678
Absolute truth
This was Dr. J still in his athletic prime. Some of his moves seemed almost impossible. One of the most electrifying players ever.
Good point. This was his first year in the NBA (76-77) and he was much more athletic then, as opposed to when he was squaring off against the Lakers in the 80's. But he was a better team leader by then
Sometimes I forget just how amazing Doc was.
His dunks were a thing of beauty but he should have worked more on his jump shot over the years
@@senseichess8688 yes maybe. But it does not take away from the Incredible creativity this man had
@@ednunez7682 when a man can dunk like he did it is a showcase for great athleticism
My favorite player of all time Doctor J.
Lebron said his 3 greatest are MJ,Larry and Dr.J
How about that finger roll...Best Move!!! 🥇and the dunk on Cowens.
Dr.j was about to operate on a Boston celtics defender
Watch the movie the fish that saved pittsburgh
@@brianliscum6905 I saw it Brian when i was a kid love that movie.
Doc is so underrated and under appreciated. My favorite player of alltime.
Dr J underrated??? First time ever i heard that. He's my all-time favorite
NBA. Player and a lot of other people's all-time favorite. He ain't underrated to us. They'll never be another Dr J. He's in a class of his own. That ain't underrated buddy.
Underrated? Why do folks use this frickin word on TH-cam in the wrong context all the time can u believe somebody said prince was a underrated guitar player? Bro ur insulting this iconic hall of famer with that underrated comment
@@anthonytaylor7928 I believe it's the new generation that says that the most because they only experienced what they've seen or heard in the now.
They don't really want to believe that they missed something , when they really did. LOL. Im 58. The Dr. J era was off the F ing chain. He ain't underrated just because some missed it. LOL. And Prince for dam sure was not underrated. Hey , if they missed it they missed.
@@quintonluster4886 Dr. J is underrated. He is hardly in anyone's TOP 5 young or old. For some reason he is forgotten alot. So that makes him underrated.
@@arbonnenetwork2205 None of that what you stated matters. Dr. J
is in a class of his own. You don't know shttt about the sport , obviously.
He has better highlights than anybody you name. He's the grandmaster of
basketball. He has the single greatest dunk in basketball history that'll be showed until basketball is no more. You don't know shttt . Your brain is overrated. LOL Good night.
Doc was perhaps the most valuable of all MVP's. Consider this: he carried TWO different leagues. Who else can say that? And in the ABA he had double value because of what he meant on AND off the court. And when he got to the NBA, that was the start to the NBA's heightened popularity. Bird and Magic was a great rivalry and there were no two better guys to hand the torch to, but Doc was first. Before Bird. Before Magic. Before MJ. Before LeBron.
Couldn't have said it better....my favorite athlete (person?) of all time.
whatever
@@mistermousterian Whatever what?
@@brettrobinson2901 Wilt, Bill, Elgin, Gus, Oscar, Lew, Connie etc. you bouncing babe.
@@mistermousterian Never said Doc was THE GOAT....said he was MY favorite player of all time...his class , his demeanor, not just WHAT he did with the basketball 🏀...but HOW he did it. I'll be the first to admit Erving has been somewhat superseded by others...but..you go back and look...Dr. J was REVOLUTIONARY in the game of pro basketball. The man DESERVES much respect.
There will never be another Dr J
That's why i had a poster of him growing up. I salute that brother!
Facts
He was an UNBELIEVABLE player; THE GREAT JULIUS ERVING!!!
Because it's been so long, sometimes U forget just how good & graceful the Dr. was! He would glide like no one else!!
Yes, you are100% right. He was incredible and seems like people are forgetting.
Great comment about how the doctor would glide - they called Clyde drexker ckyde the glided cause it was catchy but ultimate graceful majestic awesome glider of all time was dr j
Think of the years before video. Damn.
I've never seen a player that could effortlessly dunk over anyone, no matter how tall.
Same here. What can you say that hasn''t already been said? Just phenomenal. The Doc was the greatest, bar none, in my estimation.
@@azurskyz Hell nah. Aint even top 15.
Yeah man you know I grew up watching the doctor and you're right I'm not saying he's the best dunker of all time but I never seen any other player dunk on centers like it just ain't nothing
Children should be seen and not posting. The grownups are talking here.
That's doctor J. He knew he could dump on anybody
That finger roll was something special......It's Maaaaagic
Yes!!
Poor Hondo, he played perfect D on that one bounce,one hand last fingerroll
by Julie and got eternally took! Like vitamin F, watch it Once-A-Day
SOMETHING SPECIAL IS PRECISELY RIGHT^THAT FINGER ROLL TOOK ROUTE AND LANDED AS LIKE ONLY A CERTAIN JUMP SHOT COULD ANGLE ITSELF^DR. J WAS AS MICHAEL JORDAN WAS UNSTOPPABLE PERIOD^SO NEVER A COMPARISON^
The Iceman
Spent a good portion of my childhood trying to finger roll like Doc
Doc was so incredible in his prime, easily the best forward and most exciting player the minute he stepped on an nba court
Doc traveled on that last move.
He is not better than Lbj, Duncan and especially Bird
@@josephraymondreyes1088 Offense-wise, he's better than Duncan.
Larry bird was a forward
@@harrygrenier so was Doc.
The Doctor is in the house...More graceful and dexterous than other leapers. And that mid-range bank shot is nice too.
Thanks for your comment about his mid-range jumper and bank shot, which he used throughout his career. It's a shame most people do not appreciate that part of his game, and most of today's players treat that shot a a criminal act - avoiding it at all costs to attempt a "low-percentage" 3-point shot.
My favorite all-time player in NBA history. The Doc made me fall in love with the game!! Thanks for the clip!!
He sure was fun to watch and always seemed like a class guy.
People forget just how good Dr. J was in his prime.
Before Jordan came along, kids wanted to be like Doctor J!
How many people have told you, they forgot how good he was?
@@Mr._X84, pick a number from one to ten, if you can count that high.
You are right. The new generation of course never saw Doc in his prime. He was magical!
@@Mr._X84 You do forget. I know I did.
I watched that game and all of the NBA Finals Games in 1977. I remember the shorts that were worn back then, it is amazing how the game has changed today. Dr. J was a big story in 1977, but Seattle Slew was the bigger story winning the Triple Crown. 1977 was the best year of my life as a kid, the music on the radio was great, and playing and following sports was even better.
7 "Thumbs-Up' for your comment!
Reggie Jackson becoming Mr .October that year was the biggest sports story , given all of the circumstances that surrounded it .
I thought I was 16 again watching this. The game, the man I grew up with! Everybody loved the majesty of the 'Doc'!
Doc was the Michael Jordan of the 70's & early 80's. I don't know that he's underrated, but I don't think enough people realize how spectacular he actually was. My favorite player as kid, and one of the all-time greats!
Nah, let's say it right. Jordan was the Dr. J of the 90's not vice versa
Actually that IS a MUCH better way to say it...Dr. J was the original jawdropping player!!
NO DOC WAS THE DOC OF THE 70 S AND 80 S. THE ONE AND ONLY.
@@MrCcoolgFacts reverse that. 😂
@@timsullivan7940 Before there was Dr. J......there was Connie Hawkins
Oh my that final finger roll was spectacular. Julius (Dr.J) Erving was one the greatest players ever still one of my personal all time favorites !
What a move he put on Hondo at the end. Only Doctor J, Connie Hawkins, or Wilt could have made that play.
Yeah, he didn't have a good game but this move was spectacular.
Probably Jordan as well. These players have gigantic hands and insane athleticism to pull it off.
Can’t forget the Ice Man
Or a fellow by the name of Bird.
@@Riles3152 Yup Mr. Finger roll from the foul line.
I actually thought that an underhand shot at the end was what was so impressive . It was such a rare looking shot, but he had such control with it didn't look like luck. You don't even see a shot like that now a days which makes this very unique. Thanks for posting!
I have never seen before. Ever. Til this day. Incredible shot!!!
Yes that finger roll at the end was awesome, he palm the ball while he was dribbling and did a finger roll five feet away from the rim.
It's called a finger roll not an underhanded shot
Most unique player ever this was the 70s
One of his signature moves, seen him do it several times and not once did he miss.
Nothing fluke about it
Julius Erving!! He is still my favorite NBA player.
My favorite player of all time, THE GREAT DR. J
The Dr. Making house calls at the Spectrum
"The Dr. Making house calls at the Spectrum" WTF! This statement is both stoopid and hilarious.
The Doctor along with Wilt were truly the two greatest all around players in Basketball History - period!
Bull shit. Doc was my guy growing up but he's not as good as Jordan, no way. Jordan was better offensively and defensively by a wide margin.
KAREEM ABDUL JABBAR HAKEEM THE DREAM LARRY BIRD DAVID THOMPSON GEORGE ICE MAN GERVIN. MICHAEL JORDAN KOBE BRYANT.
R u kidding me with that finger roll at the end? Wow! Dr. J....still my favorite of all time!
he kinda walked on the air too on that move... unreal
Dr. J is really under-appreciated in the discussion of all time greats these days. Most of us never saw him in his prime - I was too young AND he played in the ABA for quite a few years. He was fantastic.
According to who.
He’s always been my favorite... he’s just awesome... so smooth and classy... thanks for the great memories
I must admit, this man has been the only player in my 62 years that when the ball touched his hands, he had you on the edge of your seat.
The ONE and ONLY incomparable Doctor J !
NO ONE else but Julius could get off that last shot - the flip finger roll off the incredible wrap around and palm-ball control - such a special athlete and class act.
George Gervin could've got that as well
Yes, the Iceman.
The basketball archetype of poetry in motion! My hero when I was a kid playing b-ball!
Dr. J was something else... but peep that monster rebound from Daryl Dawkins towards the end too!!
Lol chocolate was not playing bout his rebounds. Anybody gets near this gonn catch a kneecap AND elbow at the same time
Daryl had the size and talent but never could quite pull it all together to really be an all star. Some guys like Moses Malone were great without playing in college. A few years with a good college coach would have helped Dawkins.
Double D liked to have fun.
Lol! He was snaring rebounds like get out my way.😂😂😂
Man, Doc was smooth
What a sweet clip of the Doctor, one of the most exciting players ever!
Look at his foot work, and movement so smooth and aesthically pleasing. That layup he did was video game status.
Dr J was also a GOAT. Look at that finger roll at the end!
I find these games far more entertaining than today's games.
The skill level ..
Today is just a skill shooting competition. Back then, you needed creativity and good footwork. Those skills aren't as necessary today...just shoot 3s.
Hey Joe.
Everything is about circus-shots now.
No more low-post play.
No more ‘pass-pass-pass’ fastbreaks. Now, both wing-men on a fastbreak run to the 3 line.
Consequently rebounds are made by everybody today since most guys are far from the hoop, including big guys.
The game’s initial intention was to get a shot off from as close to the basket as possible.
Not the same game at all anymore. Some of the most beautiful aspects of the old game are now aberrations.
I too prefer watching older games.
@@curly8029 And that explains why for the first time in my life I fall asleep during an NBA game.
@@joemartin1253 You don't understand.
He got my attention in the ABA and then never ceased to amaze me. He is one of my two or three all-time favorites and as a class act...probably #1
Jules underhand scoop shot from the right baseline?! Unreal!
Finally some more footage from that 1976-77 season. The NBA on CBS televised multiple 76ers games on Sunday afternoons and it was great! DR. J was regularly shooting those turn around bank shots (52 secs) and finger rolls like 2:10. His finger rolls swooping to the basket on the baseline and reaching sideways were even better and I still haven't seen video replays of those. All of this was televised during that season. Seems like all you see on youtube are his dunks. I also remember him doing a finger roll with top spin coming across the lane. With top spin (not backspin), the ball banked off the backboard and kinda ripped through the net really fast. So cool! Haven't seen a replay of that one since 1977. In my opinion, you haven't seen DR J's best highlights until you've seen those. Still clear in my memory after 43 years.
Yes, what we need is more COMPLETE GAME footage of the 76-77 season! That exciting Denver team with David Thompson, Dan Issel and Bobby Jones was on CBS either as a national or regional telecast 6 times in the first post-merger 76-77 season and NOT ONE of those games have ever surfaced.
The greatest in game dunker of all time 🏀
I agree. Now when that rate dunkers, his name isn't even mentioned more often than not! I saw him play twice in the ABA at the Nassau Coliseum back in '75. Some of the things he did have yet to be duplicated by anyone. If he played today, he'd still be the biggest draw in the game. That he ended up in Philadelphia with that bunch of one one one, ball hog underachievers is a real shame.
On big man for sure
I miss him.......Irving and Jordan stayed home to watch them no matter what was going on! Honorable mention to Cheeks and B Jones!!
That finger roll over Hondo at the end of the video, just beautiful to watch.
I suspect that Elgin Baylor may have done the same to Hondo in Havlicek's earlier Celtic days.
He jump so high that he can create a new move while he was flying above everybody, simply amazing.
That last finger roll - just great. Thank for the video
The Doc in his prime.
Wasn’t he out of his prime by this time?
I would love to see some ABA videos.
@@BornOnASaturday Definitely not
The doctor.... man I sure miss watching him play. It's great to be able to watch those old games on here again. Those were some magic times :-)
That last finger-roll was unreal.
I saw the "Doctor" play several times during the last ABA season playing with the N.Y. Nets when they came to Denver to play the Nuggets. He was THE SHOW then, more than worth the price of admission to watch his artistry unfold. He surely could take over a game, putting the onus on his back, more often than not resulting in the complete reversal of fortune for the Nets. Witness the 1976 ABA finals when he almost single handedly erased a 22 point Denver lead in game 4 in route to taking the series lead & then leading them to the final ABA Championship. Him taking Cowens to school in this video is just a wonderful glimpse of what this incredible athlete did, game in & game out. What a gift it is for me all these years later to be able to say that I saw Dr. J play & watch him perform unimaginable feats on a basketball court!
Just the recording of this game 7-s fan has on his site it worth the cost of subscribing! Amazing game!
That last shot was just sweet science! Nothing could be done to stop that.
If Doc played his whole career in the NBA, he would be a top 10 player of all time.
He's No. 1, already.
Dude, HE IS ANYWAY.
@@liecrusher3506 Ya buggin
@@iranianintelligenceagency9337 Who choose YOU, to opine on MY statement?
I would take him over MJ. Team player
Dr j did the soul train dunk over cowens
Lol
Dr.j did the moonwalk dunk on Dave Cowen
once he palmed the ball and left earth, it was show time.
@@hardcorps5317 together ❤ watching nba 1970s basketball 🏀 dr.j
@@lloydkline6946 moonwalk dunk on cowers was superb but all time dr j in game dunk ever was rock the cradle get out the way Michael cooper - I was 25 years old and was in a white recliner and I jumped off it and two feet in the air celebrating the Michael cooper rock the cradle dunk - best ever!!!
And that’s why there was a Jordan, a Kobe and the rest of them by watching him.
Boy this takes me back. One of my first heroes. Thankyou.
One thing about that Julius Erving dunk on Dave Cowens is that the Dr. never turn to the camera and start bumping his chest and trash talk. And ESPN wasn't around those days either so a lot of people didn't see 24/7 like they would today.
Let it go gramps.
@@rockroad4505 REAL MEN don't need to gloat. Only immature, insecure, self-centered, entitled, coddled people do.
@@georgewagner2352 So you’re the authority on real men ? FOH
@@largegod77 I simply stated my opinion. Whatever you took from it is in your head. Just out of curiosity, what do you disagree with in my comment?
Yes.Bumping your chest means"my bad".So comical these days.
That finger roll from the baseline was better than the dunk to me. He was the Jordan of the 70's
The Doctor himself has said many of today's players can make these athletic moves.
None, however did it first like Julius. We can argue all day long who is the true GOAT. The Doctor will always be my all time favorite.
Doc just being humble. No player has the athleticism with the imagination. His hands along with leaping and style. Players today just can't replicate
Last finger-roll was unreal, even better than the dunk
I thought the same thing. Had to rewind a few times. And I thought I knew every Dr. J move. He did a similar finger roll over Corky Calhoun in the finals that year. There was a still photo of it in Sports Illustrated. Decades later, I saw the move on film. If memory serves, the caption read..."Erving rising majestically over Corky Calhoun, was the heart and soul of Philadelphia"s effort."
When Dr. J palmed the basketball, look out!😂😂
Some really great players out there on the court
Before there was MJ, there was Dr. J. My favorite player growing up. I'd forgotten he'd posterized Cowens like that.
Look up his windmill dunk over a retreating MJ. Dr schooling
That's why he himself (MJ) recognize it's unfair to compare players from different eras
Wow that move at the end just makes me want to see all that wasn't filmed !!! Real graceful and easy what a beauty
That FINGER ROLL, THO....Dawkins was a beast off the boards. If he had put his mind to it he would have been all time. Never understood how Doc could be low-key and SPECTACULAR at the same time.
Dawkins was a beast off the boards? His highest season average was 8.7, career 6.1. Hardly a beast off the boards.
Great dunk and Dr. J was my favorite player. Used to go to the Nassau Coliseum to see him and the Nets. Let's at least give Cowens some credit. He tried to block the dunk unlike most of today's players who just move aside so they won't get posterized.
Excellent video..i know doc spent 12 years in Philly..but to me he will always a ny net..an aba guy..peace ✌..wear your 😷
To me he will always be a Virginia Squire!
@@MaxyBoy-x9u very good Eric....doc was first a Virginia Squire
The Doc was my hero. The only autograph I ever wanted or got from an athlete. Simply the greatest! He could operate on anyone!!!
He got up so high on that dunk, cowens couldnt even hit his arm.
hi keith. I watched this dunk in super slow motion a few times Cowens did get up pretty high. Doc was just higher. Amazing play!
Dr.j did the airwalk moves towards the basket 🧺, on dave Cowen
The last basket was much more spectacular. They were other players that could do dunks like this, but this sick drive-layup-fingeroll-hook only Dr.j could do it.
@@aftastosk6016 the thing that was amazing about that dunk was that he was still on the way up
That finger roll at 2:15 is a thing of beauty
Vintage Dr. J! He was the Godfather of Dunk to all after him in NBA.😂😂🏀His dunks and finger roll layups were the best. Hands down! Pre Michael Jordan stuff
😂😂
My all-time favorite player, especially when I was a kid.
43 years later this still gives me the chills.what an amazing ballplayer
My favorite player of all time in any sport.
2:05 Man arm OVER the opponent's head and still underhands it.
The air was thicker back then... they hadn't heard of "hang time"yet...that man could actually fly...
That monster pair of hands on the Doc allowed him to maneuver the ball around the any defensive players outstretched arms for those swooping majestic finger rolls that left us all spellbound
Dr J’s game was smooth as Remy Martin cognac 🥃
1738...
The man was simply smooth, graceful, and powerful on the court. That last move was absolutely beautiful, and nobody else can do it...nobody. He was known as "The Man With 1,001 Moves," but I haven't heard that reference for years.
Yo, that was one of the most wicked finger rolls I ever seen!!!!!!
I went to the NBA finals in 1976 when he was with the nets and got into locker room he was the greatest of all time
What a freaking legend
This version of Dr. J - with the Afro and kneepads - was my favorite. Was a cross between the ABA and NBA-version of Dr. J. He was dunking on everyone and seemed to play with more ferocity. He was still amazing later on, but he seemed a little more self-contained. He probably adjusted his game somewhat, working more in a team-oriented framework, with the hopes of winning a championship. Still, I liked this more ferocious ABA/NBA version version of Dr. J. He always had a crowd-pleasing style, but the crowd seemed to go crazy over him at this time.
Julius the Dr. Ervinnnnnng
Doc's last finger roll in here is a gorgeous move!
1:03 the crowds reaction after the dunk.
Crowd went wild!!!
@@andrewharichandran3465 do we even have that anymore?
@@acewilliams7917 yes... At the hometown high school games. NCAA does it too but I think that's more passion for showing off on social media than love of the team and basketball
I was at that game...Free led all scorers with 27 points...
NBA 'fans' be sleepin' on Dr. J these days. Dood's easily a top two greatest small forward of all time.
The definition of “Small Forward” has changed since he played. Remember, he is listed at 6’7”. That’s a Center for some squads nowadays. At worst, I think he’s top 4 all-time SF. Top 3 at best, with the other 2 still debatable as to which is #1.
@studio bauhaus
Using a general definition of "Small Forward", and keeping in mind that the 2 players I'm about to name didn't play the 3 their entire careers: Bird & James, in no particular order.
@studio bauhaus
I knew you'd come at me like that. I'm stating a personal opinion, not a scientifically-proven factoid. I don't need to be reminded of Erving's impact on the game of basketball. However, I immediately tuned you out when you actually referenced a video game with an apparently straight face to bolster your argument. Let's just agree to disagree. Have a great day!
@@Fakename70 @Fakename70 Respectfully, a lotta people have changed their definitions of Small Forward, but that - in no way, shape, nor form - obligates me to follow the crowd and do the same. You can feel free to do so if you choose, and if that's the case, then more power to you. As for me, I gots my own mind, and I'd never change it simply due to the whispers of unnamed people 'changing' how they define the role. At the very least, those people would have to justify that change, and that justification would have to transcend the tired ass, circular argumentation of 'well, the game is different now..'
Again, at the lowest, I'd list Dr. J as the #2 all time greatest Small Forward.
You mentioned earlier that you're just statin' a personal opinion, and not a scientifically proven fact. Again, I say this respectfully, but what probly confused folks as far as whether or not you're speakin' factually or preferentially was your use of the word 'definition', which immediately implies objectivity. Beyond that, you even went on to 'remind' me of Dr. J's height and how it factors into today's League. Again, this type of tone is what might lead others to believe that your goal is to educate someone on real, factual things, if not at the very least call out an error in somebody else's thinkin'. Like, yo, if all you're doin' is statin' your personal opinion, why do it in such a contrarian way? Why not use constructive language and build common ground as opposed to comin' in hot by highlightin' contrast and emphasizin' a disconnect between how I presumably define the role versus how others supposedly do?
Peace
The 5 foot finger roll, touch with power is amazing theater.
The Doctor making a house call!
The Doctor was Showtime before Showtime, Brent even said it.
Havlicek knew it was time for life after basketball. Let these younger guys get jumped over and dunked on by Julius.
Yeah john was almost 38 years old here
I watched a couple games on TV where havlicek outplayed Erving obviously not this time....havlicek used to contain him pretty well. Most times though...when asked how he did it he said.....the trick to stopping Dr j is to make him work real hard to get his hands on the ball because once the ball is in his hands John said no player in the world could stop him...of course havlicek was a perennial all defensive team member...he should know
"Rock the baby " is the most beautiful in game dunk ever ...and that's coming from a Laker follower since 1980 .
Doc’s hand size made it possible to do what he did with the ball.
Made his whole game possible.... greatest jam of all time but the rest was pretty average
We quickly forget how great Erving was.
i am Celtics for life, but that was EPIC. Imagine seeing this live.
Love Dr J. One of the most athletic players ever to play the game, if not one of the greatest players in the NBA. It was always magical to watch him play.
Dr J looked so much taller than 6’6”, the way he got up and dunked over centers like Dave Cowens (6’9”) and Bill Walton (6’11”). He was the Michael Jordan of the ‘70s.
Mj was Little Doc in the 90's. Could not beat Kareem,. Dr j did and a healthy bird
The 'fro added a few inches.
G W ...Doc was 6'7" tall.
That was the greatest finger roll I've ever seen.
I called it hang time just like walking in the air no body does it better. Wilt and the Dr J have more. In your face dunks than any one in NBA.
Shaq as well.
What a privilege to see him in person in his rookie year in Norfolk, Virginia with the Squires.
I think l got you beat. I met him in Long lsland' when he was caretaker of a park. He literally jumped OVER everybody. He wasn't 'Doctor J' then, he was about 6'3" then and unassuming. Next thing l know this bloke is on TV.....who KNEW?
In his second year he was paired up with a rookie named George Gervin. That was my first live professional sporting event I attended. Basketball royalty!
Doc was The Truth!!!!!