Julius Erving explained why he was a big San Antonio Spurs fan: 'I always admired the way Tim Duncan played'

Julius Erving played all of his 11 NBA seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. So it's no surprise that, long after his retirement, Erving still has an affinity for his former team and is a big fan of theirs.

But Philly isn't the only reason The Doctor still watches the NBA these days. During a 2018 interview with Andscape, Dr. J admitted to being a longtime follower of the San Antonio Spurs. According to Erving, the Gregg Popovich-coached squad has a history he can relate to.

"It’s a former ABA [American Basketball Association] team that has been the most successful. I pull for them except when they play the 76ers," he said.

Most successful ABA team in the NBA

Known then as the Dallas Chaparrals, the Spurs were one of the 11 original teams that played in the ABA's inaugural season in 1967. Along with the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers, the Spurs were the four teams absorbed by the NBA in the 1976 merger.

Among the four, San Antonio has had the most success with 18 straight 50-win seasons from 1999-2000 to 2016-17 and five NBA championships won. But aside from the team's history and success, Erving added that he was also a fan of arguably the best player to ever don the Spurs jersey.

"I always admired the way Tim Duncan played the game and approached it and provided leadership in a quiet way, but a very forceful way. So for that franchise to continue to be successful, that’s very important to me," continued Dr. J.

Doc says that Timmy belongs in the GOAT discussion

The Big Fundamental is widely regarded as the best power forward to ever play the game. Duncan was a two-time NBA MVP and Finals MVP in three out of the Spurs' five NBA championships won. With his rings and accolades, Erving also thinks that Timmy belongs in the greatest of all-time conversation.

"When you start doing all-time players and start picking your top five, your top ten or your top fifteen, whatever, Tim Duncan needs to show up in that conversation," the Hall of Famer told Heavy.com in 2018.

Unfortunately, Duncan - like Kobe Bryant, is often left out of that GOAT discussion. In Timmy's case, it's because he was not flashy, and always quiet and unassuming. And if Shaq is always there for Kobe to remind everyone that The Mamba should be in the convo, it's The Doctor who'll back up Timmy.