NBA legend Julius Erving, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, made waves on Instagram with a post featuring a nostalgic photo from his days with the Philadelphia 76ers. Erving, who played 16 seasons in the NBA and ABA, spent 11 years with the 76ers and left an indelible mark on the league. The post, which included a caption reading “Ready for my closeup” and credited photographer Walter Iooss Jr. from *Sports Illustrated*, garnered significant attention from fans and fellow basketball icons alike.
Among the many comments was one from Spencer Haywood, another NBA Hall of Famer. Haywood, who shares a deep connection with Erving through their basketball careers, expressed his admiration for the legend, writing, “One of the best to ever do it” and accompanying his words with the goat, heart, and prayer emojis, along with multiple basketball emojis. Haywood’s heartfelt comment stood out among the flood of messages celebrating Erving’s legacy.
The post, which received over 8,000 likes and 140 comments, also attracted the attention of devoted fans who shared their thoughts on Erving’s monumental contributions to the game. One user, @sockaveli, praised Erving, saying, “The Doctor elevated the game and was spectacular when he did it,” highlighting how Erving’s unique style of play changed the way basketball was viewed and played.
Other fans reflected on Erving’s influence on future basketball legends, with @toddebert24 commenting, “The one and only. Michael Jordan was his student,” emphasizing how Erving paved the way for players like Jordan. Another fan, @__jb3___, shared a personal story, recalling a moment when they saw Erving after a game and were awestruck by his presence, calling him their favorite player of all time.
Erving’s legacy also sparked discussions about his position as one of the game’s true greats. One fan, @white_sox99, claimed, “He was doing nasty things on the court before Jordan,” reinforcing the idea that Erving’s innovations on the basketball court set a standard that future stars would aspire to reach. Fans like @vasast1 thanked Erving for his lasting impact on the sport, describing his influence as a “basketball cure.”
Finally, a fan with the username @thanos45g summed up the feelings of many, stating that Erving was the “whole reason” they fell in love with basketball. Julius Erving’s Instagram post serves as a reminder of his enduring influence on the game and the deep admiration he continues to receive from both peers and fans decades after his retirement.
