Image via Complex Original
From the legendary dunks to the
infamous afro, few NBA legends are as recognizable as Dr. J. The Hall
of Famer turns 61 today, and dude has had his share of on and off the
court highlights. He's done it all, from ridiculous dunks to fighting
with Larry Bird to even kissing an NBA star's mom (sorry, JaVale
McGee). So, in honor of Erving's born day, here are Dr. J's Most
Badass Moments...
10. Posterizes Bill Walton
DATE: 6/5/1977
COMPLEX SAYS: This poster dunk during the 1977 NBA Finals was only available on YouTube with Spanish commentary, but that can't hide the fact that Erving sonned Walton. Besides, has a language barrier ever stopped you from watching a good facial? Pause.
9. Kisses JaVale McGee's Mom
DATE: 2/19/2011
COMPLEX SAYS: Those familiar with Erving's personal life know that his game off the court was just as legendary as the smooth moves that took him to the Hall of Fame. So, it was no surprise that he pulled a fast one on Pamela McGee at this year's Dunk Contest, opting for a kiss on the lips rather than the cheek. Yup, The Doctor is still sonning NBA youngins, even two decades after retirement.
8. Fight with Larry Bird
DATE: 11/9/1984
COMPLEX SAYS: Back in the NBA's golden years, even the league's premier players were known to scrap during games. Such was the case when Dr. J and Larry Legend squared off. The goonie Moses Malone put Bird in a headlock, allowing the Doctor to get in a few shots. Don't get it twisted, dude was both a lover and a fighter.
7. Becomes Pioneer Athlete Endorser
DATE: Late 1970s-present
COMPLEX SAYS: Today, nearly every baller can get cake by pushing products, but back in the '70s, athlete endorsements were far less common. Erving became one of the first players to cash in on endorsement deals by selling everything from ChapStick to Converse kicks. Nearly 25 years after retirement, Dr. J is still seen in commercials today. Can't knock the hustle.
6. Dr. J at the Rucker
DATE: 1970s
COMPLEX SAYS: Way before rappers started running their summer-league teams, ballers like Dr. J, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were building the status of the legendary park. Also, back then dudes actually had to play to win the championship. We see you, Joey Crack.
5. Pop Culture Influence
DATE: 1970s-present
COMPLEX SAYS: Other than MJ, few NBA players have had an influence on pop culture like Dr. J. Every modern-day athlete rocking an afro should pay homage to Erving. Dude also has a ton of rap references by MCs ranging from Gucci Mane to Run DMC. If that weren't enough, Barack Obama also said Dr. J was his childhood hero. Good enough for el Presidente, good enough for us.
4. Free-Throw Line Dunk
DATE: 1/27/1976
COMPLEX SAYS: Though it's been done many times since (including an ill version by Serge Ibaka on Saturday), Dr. J did it first at the 1976 ABA All-Star Dunk contest. Plus, he did it in those ridiculous shorts (II). #Unfuckwittable
3. Wins NBA Championship
DATE: 5/31/1983
COMPLEX SAYS: After seven seasons in the league, Erving won his first NBA title when the Philadelphia 76ers swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1983 Finals. Sidebar: Why does winning a championship make nearly all pause-worthy behavior acceptable? Peep the smooch at the 44-second mark. Ayo!
2. Baseline Move
DATE: 5/11/1980
COMPLEX SAYS: In Game 4 of the Finals, Dr. J gave one of the NBA's best displays of hang time and agility with this baseline lay-up around Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Your favorite rappers tell ducktales about stretching work, while the Doctor just gets all Gumby on 'em.
1. Cradle Dunk over Michael Cooper
DATE: 1/5/1983
COMPLEX SAYS: In one of the greatest poster dunks of all time, Erving "rocked the baby" before slamming it on Michael Cooper. Child abuse never looked so beautiful. We kid.
