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Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Julius "Dr. J" Erving breathes new life into Rucker Park legacy bridging streetball and NBA dreams
Julius "Dr. J" Erving breathes new life into Rucker Park legacy bridging streetball and NBA dreams (Image Source: Getty Images) Once again, the legendary Rucker Park basketball court sprang alive on a nice Harlem evening. Celebrated for molding legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , Wilt Chamberlain, and Julius Erving, the court still carries a great legacy. Though now a symbol of basketball culture, it was once the setting for streetball excellence. Today, it keeps the spirit of its golden years alive in New York City by motivating young players. Rucker Park's rich streetball legacy will live on through NBA great On a warm summer evening in Harlem, New York, Marvin 'Hammer' Stevens sat under a small tent near the baseline of Rucker Park. He watched a youth streetball game with focus. The court sits at 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. It has been a landmark in basketball culture for many years. Now, it mostly hosts local summer leagues and community tournaments. But decades ago, it was a place for basketball legends. In the 1960s and 1970s, Rucker Park saw some of the biggest names in the game. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Willis Reed, played there in its early years. By the early 1970s, the court became a battleground for stars like Julius 'Dr. J' Erving, Nate 'Tiny' Archibald, Pee Wee Kirkland, Joe 'The Destroyer' Hammond, and Stevens himself. Stevens, now reflecting on those times, told The New York Post, 'When we played, this was all different… No comparison.' The stands were packed, the energy unmatched, and the style of play was fast, fearless, and often improvised, the kind of basketball that would influence the NBA for decades. How Julius Erving and others brought Rucker's style to the NBA Julius Erving had just completed his second year at the University of Massachusetts during the summer of 1971. NCAA regulations at the time prohibited dunking, therefore restricting his capacity to display his athleticism. He joined the Rucker Pro League that summer under the direction of sportswriter Peter Vecsey, playing for the Westsiders. Vecsey, inspired by Pete Axthelm's 1970 book The City Game, convinced league officials Bob McCullough and Freddie Crawford to let him coach a team. He secured $300 from New York Nets owner Roy Boe and recruited Erving through a meeting at the park. Erving agreed to play without pay, telling Vecsey after a walk with his close friend Dave Brownbill, 'OK. Let's go.' Dr. J would go on to play at Rucker for five summers, later joining the Virginia Squires in the ABA and then the Philadelphia 76ers after the 1976 NBA-ABA merger. He credited Rucker for sharpening his creativity, pace, and confidence, saying, 'It was like the chains coming off… We weren't worried about what the coach had to say.' Also Read: Stephen A. Smith thinks LeBron James should go back to Cleveland Cavaliers for his 5th NBA Championship Kobe Bryant in 2002 and Kevin Durant in 2011 were among the few modern stars to play at Rucker Park. These days, NBA players rarely step onto outdoor courts because of injury risks. Even so, the place still carries the spirit of its best years. Local games often have live DJs and emcees, bringing energy and keeping the crowd excited. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Julius Erving Weighs In On Michael Jordan GOAT Question With Perfect ‘Ice Cream' Analogy
Julius Erving Weighs In On Michael Jordan GOAT Question With Perfect 'Ice Cream' Analogy originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Few debates in sports ignite as much passion as the question of who truly deserves the title of the NBA's greatest player of all time. Over the years, Michael Jordan's name has consistently dominated that conversation, often matched up against LeBron James and other all-time legends. But Philadelphia 76ers icon Julius Erving recently brought a fresh and humorous twist to the discussion, comparing the GOAT debate to something as simple and relatable as picking your favorite ice cream flavor. Speaking with STAT Sports' Rob Lepelstat, Erving explained that the idea of one definitive 'greatest' is subjective, much like choosing between chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, or banana. "What flavor ice cream do you like? You like strawberry, you like chocolate, you like vanilla, you like banana, or whatever, they're both ice cream. So it doesn't matter what flavor you like." His analogy underlined a truth often overlooked in heated debates, that personal preference often shapes these opinions as much as, if not more than, pure statistics or accolades. What made the moment more surprising was that Erving didn't name Jordan or LeBron as his personal pick. Instead, he had selected Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the six-time NBA champion and six-time MVP who held the league's all-time scoring record for nearly 40 years. Kareem's consistency, versatility, and dominance over two decades earned Erving's vote, even though he acknowledged the case for Jordan's unmatched career. Jordan's resume remains almost mythical in basketball history: six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs, 14 All-Star selections, 10 scoring titles, a Defensive Player of the Year award, Rookie of the Year honors, and two Olympic gold medals. Beyond the numbers, his relentless competitiveness and cultural influence helped globalize the NBA, turning him into a transcendent figure whose impact reached far beyond the court. From his signature Air Jordans to his role in inspiring generations of athletes, Jordan's legacy is as much about cultural dominance as it is about basketball supremacy. Still, Erving's ice cream analogy serves as a reminder that basketball greatness is not a one-flavor experience. While Jordan brought unmatched competitiveness, killer instinct, and championship perfection, Kareem's combination of skill, longevity, and signature skyhook created a legacy that stands equally tall. For some, LeBron's versatility and all-around dominance in the modern era make him their top pick. For others, legends like Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, or Kobe Bryant deserve a seat at the table. Perhaps that's the brilliance of Erving's approach by framing the GOAT conversation as a matter of taste; he diffuses the hostility that often comes with the topic. It's not about proving one player definitively better than the rest; it's about appreciating that basketball history is rich enough to accommodate multiple flavors of greatness. Whether you prefer Jordan's unblemished Finals record, Kareem's unmatched scoring longevity, or LeBron's all-around dominance, the debate isn't likely to end anytime soon. But as Dr. J suggests, maybe it's less about finding the 'one true GOAT' and more about savoring the greatness of each, no matter what flavor you like story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Famous for Basketball and Now the Setting for an Opera
Good morning. It's Thursday. Today we'll find out about an opera that will be performed on a storied basketball court in Harlem. And, with the forecast calling for temperatures in the mid-90s on Tuesday, we'll get details on early voting for Primary Day. It won't be that hot tomorrow or over the weekend. Holcombe Rucker Park is famous for basketball. It's where stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving once put their reputations on the line, playing street legends. It's where Jay-Z and Fat Joe put together teams for a game that was never played. (It had been scheduled for the night of the blackout in 2003.) Rucker, as it is known, has been the setting for films and documentaries, including one that won a Sports Emmy Award. Now Rucker, wedged between the Harlem River Drive and Frederick Douglass Boulevard at West 155th Street, is about to become the setting for something different — an opera. But the work that will be performed on Saturday and again on June 28 seems to belong there. It's about basketball, and the performers play as well as sing. 'We actually play basketball 12 times' in the opera, said Grethe Barrett Holby, who had the idea that led to 'Bounce: The Basketball Opera' more than 20 years ago and who is the creative director of the production. 'A lot of the actual drama happens in the games. I know enough that I'm not going to stage the games, but I make sure we can see what is going on between the characters.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Put those guys on the court against anybody. They would win" - Julius Erving revealed his NBA all-time starting five
"Put those guys on the court against anybody. They would win" - Julius Erving revealed his NBA all-time starting five originally appeared on Basketball Network. When NBA legends, both past and present, are asked to name their all-time starting five, the answers are always interesting and often passionate. Some base their selections on who they've played with or against, while others choose players they've seen dominate the game. Advertisement For Julius Erving, a man whose name is synonymous with basketball greatness, his all-time starting five is as old school as it gets — and it's one that has raised plenty of eyebrows. "I have my team since I was 15, so that eliminates a lot of people," he said. "You got Wilt [Chamberlain], you got [Bill] Russell, you got [Elgin] Baylor, you got Jerry West and you got Oscar Robertson. Put those guys on the court against anybody. Anybody. They would win. That's my team." Erving's original picks Dr. J. made his name in the NBA during the 1970s and '80s and grew up watching and playing in a league dominated by Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson. These were the players who defined the sport long before Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan reshaped it for the next generation. Advertisement Erving's selections, rooted in the old era, tell the story of a player who grew up in a league shaped by giants. Chamberlain, the 7-foot phenom, dominated the paint with scoring numbers that have yet to be matched, including his famous 100-point game. Russell, the ultimate winner, secured 11 championships in 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, showcasing unparalleled defensive skill and leadership. Baylor, a forward who changed the game with his athleticism and creativity, was one of the first to introduce the modern highlight reel dunk. West, the logo himself, was known for his scoring, playmaking, and clutch performances. Robertson, who averaged a triple-double over an entire season before it was trendy, was a true all-around talent that transcended positions. For Dr.J, these players weren't just his heroes but the foundation upon which he built his career. He grew up playing in a time when the NBA was still finding its identity, and these legends, each in their own way, were the trailblazers who made the league what it is today. Advertisement Related: "I know Dennis will not throw a punch. No way" - Phil Jackson was confident Dennis Rodman will never start a fight Standing by his decision As the years went on, the NBA saw a shift in talent and style. The 1980s ushered in the golden age of Johnson, Bird and a rising Jordan — players who would come to define the game for decades to come. Yet, for Erving, their greatness didn't change the team he had already chosen long ago. "That's always going to be my team," he said. "Magic, Michael, Bird. I love what they did for the game, love their talent, their blessed ability, but I picked my all-time team a long time ago. I'm really old schooling and I don't change." Advertisement While Johnson, Bird, and Jordan are household names, with their epic rivalries, championship runs, and game-changing abilities, Erving's stubborn loyalty to his original picks raises some eyebrows in today's basketball landscape. Magic brought flair, vision, and leadership to the point guard position, while Bird redefined what it meant to be a forward with his all-around skills and relentless competitiveness. Jordan, of course, became the global icon who inspired millions with his will to win and unparalleled talent. These three would almost certainly make the list of almost everyone, but not Erving. His vision of basketball greatness is firmly grounded in the players of his youth — those who helped create the game as we know it today. Related: "People have an aura, and Doc definitely is that person that has it" - Jim Jackson explains what made Julius Erving so magnetic personality This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Julius Erving viewed the 1995-96 Bulls as more than just a great team: "They've been giving the fans of the basketball world a glimpse of the future"
During NBC's coverage of the 1996 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Seattle SuperSonics, three true basketball legends shared their thoughts about the game. Julius Erving gave his analysis from the studio, while Larry Bird and Magic Johnson joined the broadcast via satellite. With the Bulls making their fourth Finals appearance of the decade, the main question was just how great this team really was. As expected, all three legends spoke very highly of them. But what came as a surprise was a unique point made by "Dr. J." Advertisement At the end of their discussion, the 1981 MVP shared a rare, forward-looking perspective — one that still holds up today. The Bulls' international revolution It cannot be overstated: What Erving said is one of the most accurate basketball predictions ever made on live TV. To truly understand why, you have to rewind to where the league stood at that moment. In the mid-90s, the NBA was still mostly focused on American players. Scouts mainly watched college games in the US, and international players rarely received serious attention. When teams did take a chance on foreign players, they usually didn't get major roles. In fact, those who truly made an impact were rare exceptions. Advertisement But the Bulls, led by visionary head coach Phil Jackson and GM Jerry Krause, were already breaking that mold. Their roster featured key international players — notably Luc Longley from Australia and Toni Kukoc from Croatia. That season, the duo combined for 143 regular season games and played a crucial role in the team's historic run to the NBA Finals, with Kukoc even winning the 6MOY award. It didn't go unnoticed. "Dr. J," an icon of both the ABA and NBA, saw the writing on the wall. During the Finals broadcast, he described the eventual champions not only as clear favorites but also as a preview of the future of the league. "One of the things you've got to consider when you talk about this Bulls team is that all year long, they've been giving the fans of the basketball world a glimpse of the future — what the NBA is going to be like in the 21st century," said the former 6'7" forward. Related: Isiah Thomas recalls his college recruitment: "My mom closed the briefcase and said, 'My son's not for sale" The global shift "Dr. J" had envisioned For Julius, one thing was clear: the NBA was on its way to becoming "an international league" — not just soon, but throughout the new century. He saw the team from the "Windy City" as the starting point. In his eyes, they didn't just have the best American talent, but also the "greatest players ever" from Australia and Croatia. Advertisement "We're getting a sneak preview of what it's going to be like in the 21st century," remarked the Philadelphia 76ers legend when reflecting on that iconic team. "Dr. J" couldn't have been more right, as that sneak preview turned into a real-time movie in the years that followed. Two Texas franchises, the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, played a big role in this shift. San Antonio, led by legendary head coach Gregg Popovich, focused heavily on international talent and eventually ended up with future Hall of Famers Tony Parker from France and Manu Ginobili from Argentina. In Dallas, Donnie Nelson's global approach led the team to draft Dirk Nowitzki, a then-unknown forward from Germany who would go on to become an all-time great. Advertisement What started as a trend soon reshaped the whole league, and today, just like Erving predicted, the NBA is fully international. The recent run of MVPs born in Europe (Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo) and Africa (Joel Embiid) says it all. Related: "I would have been a much bigger star" - Toni Kukoc agreed he would've been what Luka Doncic is today if he didn't play for the Bulls
