Welcome to LWOS Basketball department “NBA Time Traveler Series,” the column that imagines which retired player from an NBA franchise one would most want to travel back in time to see them play again in their prime. The LWOS Basketball department will review each of the 30 NBA franchises and which retired player would be their “NBA Time Traveler Player.”
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NBA Time Traveler Series: Julius Erving
Our next installment in our NBA Time Traveler Series is the Philadelphia 76ers franchise. Julius “Dr. J” Erving is our choice as the 76ers’ retired player that one would most want to travel back into time to see play in his prime.
Time Travel to See Julius “Dr. J” Erving Play for the Philadelphia 76ers Again
So Many Great 76ers to Choose From:
There were plenty of other 76ers players to choose from this storied franchise. Who wouldn’t want to go back in time and see Charles Barkley, Darryl Dawkins, Moses Malone, Hal Greer, Chet Walker, Allen Iverson or even Wilt Chamberlain?
Wilt Chamberlain a Close Second
Chamberlain would likely be the choice except that he only played for the 76ers from 1965-68 and his 50 points per game average and 100 point game were played with the Philadelphia Warriors (later became the Golden State Warriors). Thus, despite the many fine candidates to choose from, the best choice is Erving who wowed Philadelphia fans for 11 years.
Erving was possessed with athleticism that helped bring in the modern era of playing ‘above the rim’ that so many players exhibit today. Erving is considered one of the most talented players in NBA history and easily one of the best known dunkers. Erving exhibited an artistry and sheer athleticism in his play and dunking ability.
Julius “Dr. J” Erving’s Individual Accolades
Erving was the NBA MVP in 1981. He was an 11 time NBA All-Star and won two All-Star game MVP’s. Erving starred on several talented teams that either lost in Conference Finals or NBA Finals. However, once Erving had Moses Malone as a teammate for the 1982-83 season, Erving’s 76ers were able to win an NBA Championship.
The game that one would want to travel back into time to see Erving play:
May 11, 1980, Game 4 of NBA Finals against Los Angeles Lakers at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA:
During Game 4 of the 1980 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Spectrum, Erving executed the legendary “Baseline Move,” a behind the backboard reverse, finger-roll lay-up that appeared to defy gravity.
The Legendary “Baseline Move” Appeared to Defy Gravity
Erving drove past Lakers forward Mark Landsberger on the right baseline and drove for a layup. Center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar blocked Erving’s path to the basket and forced Erving outwards. Erving somehow reached over and scored with a right-handed layup despite the fact that his whole body was behind the basket.
This move became on of Erving’s most storied plays in his career. Sports Illustrated called the play “The, No Way, even for Dr. J, Flying Reverse Lay-up.”
