Remembering the ABA and earlier generations
Julius Erving says basketball history should recognise the players who built its foundations, even when surviving footage is limited. In an NBA interview during the 50th-anniversary season of the ABA-NBA merger, the Hall of Famer reflects on the people and competitions that shaped his career.
Erving starred in both leagues, won the NBA's 1980-81 MVP award and became an NBA champion with Philadelphia in 1983. His childhood inspiration was Elgin Baylor. He remembers watching a reverse layup on television and then going outside to practise the move. Meeting Baylor and playing golf with him later became a treasured memory. Bill Russell also became a mentor and role model.
Discussing the ABA, Erving recalls his Virginia Squires teammate George Gervin and the players' determination to entertain spectators. Summer basketball at Harlem's Rucker League provided another setting in which he developed his professional game after college restrictions on dunking.
Philadelphia, teammates and shared responsibility
Erving describes Philadelphia supporters as deeply attached to the 76ers. He recalls repeated Finals appearances and the search for the right combination of players, highlighting Moses Malone's relentless work in practice and games.
Looking at the current team, he welcomes its discussion of sacrifice and stresses the need to agree responsibilities in decisive possessions. His broader message is that teammates, mentors, medical staff and other supporters all contribute to a player's career. These comments belong to the new interview; the championship and playing memories refer to earlier periods.