Julius Erving Top 10 NBA Legends in basketball. He inspired generations with his style, skill and professionalism. His top 10 list isn’t based on hype or recency bias. Dr. J based it on impact, leadership and transformation. His choices honor players who defined eras, inspired movements and built the NBA’s global brand.
Many fans expect to see Steph Curry or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the top 10. Erving left both out. He chose players who, in his eyes, shaped the game’s core. His list includes legends across eras, players who dominated physically, mentally and emotionally.
Michael Jordan is the King Without Debate
Dr. J starts with Michael Jordan. He calls him the greatest because of his mind, his execution and his dominance. Jordan won 6 championships, 5 MVPs and 10 scoring titles. Every time he stepped on the court, he gave everything.
He didn’t just win games, he created global culture. Kids everywhere copied his fadeaway. Shoe brands built empires around him. Julius Erving admired Jordan’s killer instinct. No moment defined Jordan more than “The Last Shot” in 1998.
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Kobe Bryant is 2nd for His Work Ethic and Spirit
Kobe Bryant is 2nd. Erving praised Kobe’s mentality and growth. Bryant entered the league in his teens and later retired being a five-time champion. He was always seeking growth and mastery.
Kobe won 2 Finals MVPs, 18 All-Star appearances and scored 81 points in a game. Such was the awe Dr. J had for Kobe’s obsession with greatness. That kind of mentality earned respect from veterans and rookies alike.
It was all about Kobe studying and learning from the best to build an excellent career for himself. He learned from Michael, added moves and created his playbook. His competitive fire influenced an entire generation of stars.
LeBron James is 3rd for His Longevity and Versatility
LeBron James is 3rd. His resume includes 4 MVPs, 4 championships and countless playoff appearances. In the NBA, with the highest career Grand Score record among all score records, he forces the status quo again in his 21st year by prevailing over everyone else on the floor. He rebounds, passes, defends and scores. Erving praised his leadership and ability to lift teammates. He adapted his game to every roster, coach and era. Dr. J also liked his calm under fire. No scandal or ego ever sidetracked his career. That consistency is why he’s a legend.
Magic Johnson Redefined the Point Guard
Magic Johnson is 4th. Dr. J had him high for vision, size and leadership. Magic played all 5 positions. He made point guard fun and creative. He won 5 championships. Magic’s no-look passes and energy lifted his teammates. Erving played against Magic and respected his clutch gene. Magic turned fast breaks into art. He made basketball fun and powerful. His presence brought about “Showtime” basketball in LA.
Larry Bird Balanced It Out with Skill and Fire
Larry Bird is 5th. He leveled Magic and brought a blue-collar ethos to the Celtics. Bird was a great shooter who could also make fantastic passes. He won 3 MVPs and 3 championships. Dr. J praised Bird’s toughness. He never backed down and played hurt. Bird used his mind as much as his body. His game included clever passes, rebounding and smart positioning. Bird and Magic’s rivalry took the NBA global. Erving saw both as cornerstones of the league’s growth.
Tim Duncan Was Quietly Dominant for Two Decades
Tim Duncan is 7th. He never sought fame but always delivered. The Spurs won 5 championships under him. Duncan made 15 All-NBA teams and played 20 years at an elite level.Dr. J admired Duncan’s discipline. He let his game speak. Coaches trusted him, and teammates followed him. Duncan’s bank shots and positioning defined the power forward. He led by example, not words. That’s why players like Kawhi and Victor Wembanyama are following in his footsteps.
Bill Russell Leads with Leadership and Championships
Bill Russell is 9th. He won 11 championships in 13 years. No one has matched that level of consistency. Dr. J admired Russell’s leadership and intelligence. Russell didn’t chase points. He sacrificed for team success. He anchored defenses and mentored teammates. His presence made the Celtics a dynasty. Erving highlighted Russell’s courage off the court, too. Russell stood for civil rights and inspired countless athletes beyond basketball.
Julius Erving Rightfully Claims His Place Among the Greats
Dr. J put himself 10th. That raised some eyebrows, but it is justified. Erving brought beauty to basketball. His dunks, layups and flair captured the world’s hearts. He was the face of the ABA and helped merge it with the NBA. He won championships, MVPs and left a permanent mark. His aerial style is the blueprint for modern wings. Dr. J inspired Jordan, Kobe and others. Without him basketball wouldn’t look the same today.
Shaquille O’Neal Agrees with Dr. J with a Few Exceptions
Shaquille O’Neal released a top 10 list that was very similar to Dr. J’s. He included many of the same names. Shaq valued leaders over stat-chasers. He honored those who built dynasties and changed the culture. Shaq didn’t include himself either. Like Dr. J, he left off Curry and Kareem. Fans questioned those choices, but Shaq defended his criteria. He looked at full careers, not just scoring averages or three-pointers made. Both legends focused on transformation, leadership and legacy.
Legacy, Not Talent Defines Greatness
Dr. J’s list tells a story. It doesn’t just celebrate talent. It honors those who changed the game. Every name reflects evolution, not just domination. He values teamwork, sacrifice and innovation. His choices remind fans that greatness requires more than highlights. It demands consistency, vision and impact beyond stats.
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Conclusion
Dr. J gave us more than a list. He gave us a philosophy. His top 10 is about transformation, not trends. Fans will argue about omissions, but his message is clear. Greatness comes from growth, leadership and lasting influence. These players shaped the game, how it looks, feels and inspires. Dr. J’s vision goes beyond the court. He honors those who gave the game its soul. In a world that chases hype, Julius Erving chose legacy. His list is a tribute to basketball’s true icons.
