"People have an aura, and Doc definitely is that person that has it" - Jim Jackson explains what made Julius Erving so magnetic personality
When the ex-Ohio State superstar made it to the NBA in 1992, he knew that it was only a matter of time before he would meet his longtime idol in one of the games. That opportunity came during Jackson's third season when he traveled to Phoenix to enjoy the festivities of the 1995 All-Star weekend.
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"I met Doc at the '95 All-Star Game in Phoenix and I still have that picture," said Jackson during his recent appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show." "And that was like an 'Ohh,' you know that moment when you see Dr. J walk in the room, he was gliding in slow motion. It was like, that's Doc."
Getting to know and getting close to Dr. J
However, while that was their first meeting, Jackson said he didn't get to know Erving until they were both involved with the BIG3. Jim played for the Killer 3s in 2017 and later became a commentator for CBS' coverage of the league's games. Meanwhile, Doc used to coach the Tri-State team, which he led to the 2021 title and won Coach of the Year honors.
Jackson also said that he got close to and bonded with Erving when they traveled to China together for the NBA China Games in 2018. Because they are both cigar lovers, the No. 4 overall pick of the 1992 NBA Draft said he would make it a point to set up a place where he and "Doc" could sit, smoke cigars, and have a conversation.
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"Spending time with him is different. It's something about, people have aura, and Doc is definitely that person that has it," added Jackson.
Related: "I'm going to tell him there's a place in the triangle for him" - When Kobe Bryant tried to recruit Scottie Pippen to the Lakers
"Doc" had the same aura as MJ
Jimmy describes coming face to face with Julius the same way Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson recorded his first-ever meeting with the GOAT, Michael Jordan. Like Jackson idolized Dr. J, "The Answer" was one of the millions who adored MJ like a god, and when he finally got to see him face to face, Iverson was mesmerized by Jordan's aura.
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"Anybody that know Allen Iverson know Black Jesus was it for me. I wanted to be like Mike. I remember the first time seeing him; I couldn't believe it, man. I ain't never looked at a person in my life — and I've seen millions of celebrities — I never looked at somebody that didn't look real. Never. Like, the God damn guy was glowing or something, man," Iverson said in his interview with The Players' Tribune.
Jordan and Erving are two of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. They were both known for their acrobatic shots and high-flying dunks. Interestingly, they were the most charismatic superstars ever and the two with the most powerful auras.
Related: "I never saw him get after a referee" - Sixers GM explains why Julius Erving is all about 'class'
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