The Grand Rapids Times
Dr. J on NBA Life in the 1980s: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants…

When Julius Erving, known to the world as “Dr. J,” entered the NBA in the early 1970s, the league was on the cusp of transformation. By the time the 1980s rolled around, Erving had become an icon, an innovator, and a link between the previous generation of basketball greats and the new era of superstars who would dominate the following decades. As the NBA grew into the global phenomenon it is today, Dr. J stood at the center of the revolution. The 1980s, in particular, were a period of seismic change in the league, and Erving’s influence cannot be overstated.

In a recent interview with The Grand Rapids Times, Dr. J reflected on his life and career in the 1980s, offering insight into the cultural and basketball landscape that shaped his journey. “It wasn’t just about the game itself,” Dr. J remarked. “It was about the way the game was evolving, the way players were beginning to express themselves, and the way fans were starting to see the NBA as something more than just a sportit was entertainment.”

The Bridge Between Eras

When Erving entered the NBA, he was already a well-established star from his time in the ABA (American Basketball Association), where he became a household name and an ambassador for a more acrobatic, high-flying style of play. He had already made history with the ABA’s Virginia Squires, and his high-flying dunks, smooth style, and athleticism had captured the imagination of basketball fans everywhere.

However, it was in the NBA where Erving cemented his legacy, especially during the 1980s. By then, the league had already experienced significant changes since his arrival. The NBA, which had struggled to gain traction in the 1970s, had grown rapidly in the 1980s, both in terms of popularity and its international reach. This growth was partially driven by the arrival of other superstars like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, but Dr. J’s influence remained paramount.

“I always felt like I was standing on the shoulders of giants,” Dr. J said, reflecting on the players that came before him, such as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West. “Those guys were the true pioneers. But I came along at a time when the game was shifting, and I think I helped bring a sense of style to the game. People weren’t just watching basketball; they were watching art in motion.”

Erving’s play on the court was a fusion of elegance and power. He redefined what it meant to be a high-flying player, with dunks that were as graceful as they were thunderous. But beyond the acrobatic displays, Erving’s vision, leadership, and consistency made him one of the most respected players of his era. In the 1980s, the NBA was beginning to transition from a league of skilled but often gritty players to one where athleticism and flair were just as important as fundamentals.

The 1980s NBA: A Cultural Revolution

The 1980s was not just a decade of athletic evolution; it was also a period of cultural revolution for the NBA. The popularity of the league skyrocketed thanks to the visibility of its stars and the increasing presence of the media. Dr. J was a key figure in this transformation.

The arrival of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, two of the league’s most charismatic and skillful players, helped fuel the NBA’s growth. However, Dr. J was already a household name by then, and his influence helped make the game more marketable. The 1980s marked the beginning of the NBA’s transformation from a sport largely confined to North America to a global phenomenon.

“When I think of the 1980s, I think of the golden age of basketball,” Erving said. “We had so many personalities, and every team had a unique style. Magic and Larry were doing their thing, but I was also trying to elevate the game in my own way. We all knew the game was special, and we wanted to give fans something they couldn’t see anywhere else.”

Dr. J’s role in the NBA’s global rise cannot be overstated. His smooth, stylish play made him a natural fit for commercials, endorsement deals, and media appearances. He became a pop culture icon, synonymous with the flair and artistry of basketball. But it wasn’t just his marketability that made him so important—it was his leadership on the court that helped shape the success of the teams he played for.

Erving’s time with the Philadelphia 76ers, from 1976 until his retirement in 1987, was the centerpiece of his 1980s career. The pinnacle came in 1983, when the 76ers dominated the league and captured the NBA Championship. In a series that saw them sweep the Los Angeles Lakers, Dr. J was the team’s heart and soul, leading by example with his scoring, defense, and leadership. While Magic Johnson’s Lakers and Larry Bird’s Celtics garnered much of the attention during the decade, Erving’s 76ers proved that the game could be won with a mix of style, grit, and teamwork.

“That championship was a testament to everything we had worked for,” Erving reflected. “It wasn’t just about the talent we had. It was about the chemistry, the unity. And it was about understanding the bigger picture. We had to respect the history of the game and add our own chapter to it.”

Dr. J’s Lasting Impact

As the 1980s drew to a close, Dr. J’s career came to an end. However, his influence on the game has lived on far beyond his final game. In the years since, his innovative style and leadership have inspired countless players, from Michael Jordan to LeBron James, who often cite Erving as a major influence in their development.

Dr. J’s impact transcends the court as well. As one of the first true global ambassadors for the NBA, he helped pave the way for the international expansion of the game. His ability to connect with fans from all walks of life, whether through his play, his demeanor, or his endorsements, set a precedent that would be followed by future NBA superstars.

“Being a role model wasn’t something I thought too much about,” Dr. J said. “I just tried to be myself. But if I could show younger players that there was a way to have fun with the game and still be serious about your craft, then I felt like I did my part.”

Looking back, Erving sees the 1980s as a time of unparalleled growth for both the NBA and for himself. “It was a magical time, and I’m proud to have been part of it,” he said. “The league grew, the players grew, and the game grew. I was just fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time, and to do what I loved.”

For Dr. J, the 1980s were a defining period of his career, but also of his legacy. As one of the first to successfully blend athleticism, style, and leadership, he set the stage for the modern NBA. Today’s players, who continue to break barriers and redefine the sport, owe much of their inspiration to the giants on whose shoulders Erving proudly stood.