Many analysts and NBA fans tend to argue about the best players of all time.
The “Greatest of All-Time” conversation typically concerns Michael Jordan and LeBron James, with only a few others mixed in.
Nearly everyone has their own unique take, especially when it comes to their top-ten list.
In a recent conversation with NBA personality Joy De’Angela shared via the Ball is Life, Julius Erving weighed in with a top-ten list of his own.
DR. J’s TOP 10 (no order)
“People can hate on me when I give them my list.”Jerry West
Big O
Elgin Baylor
Wilt
Bill Russell
Michael Jordan
Kareem
Magic
Mailman
Tiny(Via @joydeangela)
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 30, 2023
Erving doesn’t include himself on this list, and not having James there will likely seem blasphemous to some, given his recent dominance.
His list includes Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, Magic Johnson, Karl Malone, and Nathaniel Archibald.
Plenty of top players on Erving’s list are likely familiar to most NBA fans.
Chamberlain, Russell, Johnson, and Jordan are commonly included in top-10 lists.
However, Archibald is likely a surprise to many, as well as Malone.
Both players had great careers but might be substituted for James, Kobe Bryant, or others included on other lists.
ESPN released their iteration of this list in 2020, including Shaquille O’Neal, Bryant, Tim Duncan, Larry Bird, and James.
Regardless if you’re a former player, a popular news outlet, or just a fan of the sport, tastes in favorite players and styles of play differ by a significant margin.
Erving’s list adds to the noise and will likely cause a debate between other former players, given how well-respected Erving is across the league.
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