In a recent interview with Rob Lepelstat from Clutch Points, Julius Erving discussed his iconic free-throw line dunk during the 1976 ABA All-Star game. Erving highlighted that he performed this legendary dunk long before Michael Jordan’s famous version in the 1988 NBA All-Star game. Reflecting on the moment, Erving recalled that he had done the dunk several times before, often while coaching or giving clinics for kids outdoors. Performing it in front of a large crowd on a gym floor in Denver, he decided to exceed expectations and give fans a memorable show.
Erving explained that the dunk required a leap from a marked point several feet away from the basket, but he chose to push the limits for the audience. Alongside stars like George Gervin and Larry Kenon, Erving aimed to deliver an exciting performance. He also mentioned how, years later, during the 1988 dunk contest, he encouraged Jordan to attempt the same feat. While Jordan’s dunk had a higher degree of difficulty, Erving emphasized that being the first to do it set his performance apart.
This is not the first time Erving has shared this story, as his performance in the first-ever dunk contest has reached legendary status. Historically, Erving is recognized as the first player to successfully complete a dunk from the free-throw line in a major event, a fact that Jordan himself has acknowledged.
Michael Jordan has also credited Erving for inspiring his own dunk from the free-throw line. During the 1988 NBA dunk contest, Erving was present and encouraged Jordan to go for the dunk, a move that many still consider one of the most iconic moments in basketball history. The image of Jordan performing the dunk became so famous that it was used as the silhouette for his brand’s logo, immortalizing the moment even beyond the court.
Jordan won the 1988 dunk contest after a closely fought competition with Dominique Wilkins, and his free-throw line dunk became a defining moment of his career. The dunk, paired with the logo’s lasting legacy, is often regarded as one of the most significant achievements of Jordan’s career outside of winning championships.
Erving’s influence on the dunk contest and basketball history is undeniable, as he not only pioneered the free-throw line dunk but also inspired future generations of players like Jordan to push the limits of what was possible on the court.
