Julius Erving calls out Adam Silver because of his lack of support for Big 3: 'The NBA is hating on the Big 3 because it runs at the same time as WNBA'

When Big 3 basketball launched in 2017, skepticism was the prevailing belief. A half-court game with only three players per side in a league created by Ice Cube? Critics doubted it would sell into the minds of many basketball enthusiasts.

However, a few years later, the Big 3 has carved out a niche, captivating fans with its unique format and nostalgic roster of former NBA greats. Then again, its journey to legitimacy has not been without hurdles, most notably the lack of support or even outright hostility from the NBA.

Hating the game

The Big 3 league was founded on a simple yet bold premise—to give retired NBA players a stage to showcase their skills and show that basketball transcends the traditional five-on-five game.

Games are played on a half-court, using a unique set of rules such as the four-point shot and a "first-to-50" scoring system. It quickly attracted big names like Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, and Stephen Jackson, offering fans a mix of competitive basketball and nostalgia.

Despite its success in drawing fans and providing opportunities for players, the NBA's stance toward the Big 3 has been less than welcoming.

"The NBA is kind of hating on the Big 3 because it runs the same time as the WNBA, and the WNBA is an NBA property, and the Big 3, founded by Ice Cube, is black-owned and operated," says Hall of Famer Julius Erving. "I hope that they put the manual down at some point in time and recognize that this is just another opportunity in basketball for players, period, who love the sport, and many of them are former NBA players, and some of them are Hall of Fame candidates and whatever, so hopefully Adam can change his mind about how he feels with the Big 3."

Newer heights

One of the Big 3's biggest draws is its star power. Over the years, it has featured an impressive roster of former NBA players, including legends like Rashard Lewis, Joe Johnson, and Amar'e Stoudemire. Johnson, for example, dominated the league in 2019, earning the title of MVP and leading his team, the Triplets, to a championship.

But it's not just basketball veterans who have made the league exciting. The Big 3 has also welcomed celebrities and entertainers, such as rapper NLE Choppa, who made headlines when participating in a celebrity exhibition game. These moments blur the lines between sports and entertainment, giving fans something fresh and different from the NBA's traditional format.

Despite the NBA's lack of support, the Big 3 has steadily grown. With innovative marketing strategies, partnerships, and a growing fan base, the league has shown that it doesn't need NBA approval to succeed.

However, one can't help but wonder how much higher it could soar if the NBA chose to collaborate rather than compete. Imagine a world where the Big 3 and the NBA coexisted harmoniously, with the latter leveraging its resources to elevate the former.

For now, the Big 3 continues to thrive as a league that celebrates basketball in its purest form: as a passion, a platform, and a game.