Aug 17, 2019; Dallas, TX, USA; Tri State head coach Julius Erving during the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Former NBA Coach Makes Bold Julius Erving Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 11:22 PM ET

Julius Erving is one of the best players in NBA (and ABA) history.

Many of the greatest basketball players looked up to Erving before their own rise to superstardom.

Recently, George Karl made a bold statement about Erving (via X).

Karl wrote: "The ABA - NBA merger is the most important event in pro hoops history.

And Dr. J was the face of the ABA.

So, Dr. J is the most important person in pro hoops history!"

The ABA - NBA merger is the most important event in pro hoops history.

And Dr. J was the face of the ABA.

So, Dr. J is the most important person in pro hoops history! pic.twitter.com/s0DL0E7bNE
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) March 6, 2025

Many people reacted to Karl's post.

@SportsToonsPlus: "…and then immediately became the face of the NBA. Oh, yeah he’s also the only player in pro basketball history to be the MVP of both leagues. I’m tired of Doc being underrated on the all-time greats lists."

…and then immediately became the face of the NBA. Oh, yeah he’s also the only player in pro basketball history to be the MVP of both leagues. I’m tired of Doc being underrated on the all-time greats lists.
— Cartoonist Harris (@SportsToonsPlus) March 7, 2025

@Turley33: "Dr J is important figure but Larry and Magic arriving is the most important event in NBA history and thus the most important figure in NBA history . The league was still in tape delay and an after thought compared to MLB and NBA."

Dr J is important figure but Larry and Magic arriving is the most important event in NBA history and thus the most important figure in NBA history . The league was still in tape delay and an after thought compared to MLB and NBA.
— Sean Patrick Turley (@Turley33) March 6, 2025

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: