Julius Erving and Roy Boe celebrate after the Nets take the ABA title at Nassau Coliseum on May 13, 1976. Credit: Newsday/David Pokress Said Erving, “Kevin and Rod [Thorn, his assistant] pulled ...

Julius Erving discusses the camaraderie of the ABA, the individuality of the NBA, and how the basketball culture shift impacted the sport’s evolution.

Julius Erving is one of the best basketball players of all time. Before his legendary run with the Philadelphia 76ers, the 75-year-old spent five seasons in the ABA with the Virginia Squires and ...

Former Brooklyn Nets legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving was ranked as a top-10 player in NBA history by Lakers legend Shaquille ...

Julius Erving, otherwise known as Dr. J, was the first “face” of the NBA. After dominating the ABA by winning two titles, “The Doctor” helped the Philadelphia 76ers win the 1983 NBA ...

Erving was the telegenic, genial face of two leagues during his 16-year career, carrying the ABA for five seasons and was NBA MVP in 1981.

Before George Gervin became The Iceman, he learned valuable lessons battling Julius Erving after practice in the ABA.

He, like Erving, enjoyed his time in the NBA, but his days in the ABA will never go unappreciated. “I was fortunate enough to play with Dr. J here in Virginia,” Gervin said.

Julius Erving of the New York Nets, poses prior to a game against the Virginia Squires, April 8, 1974. Erving was named ABA MVP that season.

1981 — Julius Erving of the Philadelphia 76ers is named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, making him the only player to win MVP honors in both the NBA and the ABA.

The debate about the evolution of basketball is as eternal as the game itself. Legends from every era hold strong opinions, comparing today's NBA to what it used to be decades ago.