“If they had SportsCenter like they do today, Dr. J would be one of the Top 10 players” – Charles Barkley believed Julius Erving would be in every highlight play in today’s NBA

“If They Had SportsCenter Like They Do Today, Dr. J Would Be One of the Top 10 Players” – Charles Barkley Believed Julius Erving Would Be in Every Highlight Play in Today’s NBA

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has once again expressed deep admiration for Julius Erving, popularly known as Dr. J, saying that the legendary forward would be one of the most celebrated players in the modern NBA if the media coverage of his era had been as extensive as it is today. Barkley, who played alongside Erving during his early years with the Philadelphia 76ers, argued that Dr. J’s electrifying style of play would dominate highlight reels in the age of social media and 24-hour sports broadcasting.

Speaking on a recent basketball podcast, Barkley explained that Erving was ahead of his time both athletically and stylistically. He described Dr. J as a player who combined artistry with athletic dominance, performing jaw-dropping dunks and acrobatic finishes that captivated fans long before cameras captured every moment. “If they had SportsCenter like they do today, Dr. J would be on it every night,” Barkley said. “He’d be one of the Top 10 players people talk about constantly.”

Barkley, who has often credited Erving as a mentor and role model, reflected on the influence Dr. J had on the league’s transition from the rugged, fundamental play of the 1970s to the high-flying entertainment that defines the modern game. According to him, Erving’s creativity and charisma laid the foundation for players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James to thrive as both athletes and global icons.

In Barkley’s view, the main difference between Erving’s era and today’s NBA is exposure. During the 1970s and early 1980s, basketball games were not as widely televised, and sports news coverage was limited to newspapers and brief nightly recaps. “If there had been ESPN, YouTube, and social media back then,” Barkley remarked, “every kid in the world would have wanted to be like Dr. J.” He suggested that the limited media presence at the time prevented many fans from fully appreciating Erving’s brilliance.

Erving’s impact on the sport was undeniable even without the help of modern platforms. His grace in the air and signature moves, such as the famous baseline reverse layup against the Lakers in the 1980 Finals, became iconic moments in basketball history. Barkley recalled that every time Dr. J took flight, “you just knew something special was about to happen.” Those moments, he said, would have broken the internet if they had occurred today.

Barkley also emphasised that Erving’s professionalism and composure made him an ideal face of the league. He pointed out that in an era filled with aggressive rivalries and physical play, Dr. J stood out for his discipline and class. “He carried himself with dignity,” Barkley noted. “He wasn’t just a basketball player — he was the perfect ambassador for the game.” For Barkley, this combination of skill, humility, and showmanship would have made Erving even more celebrated in today’s personality-driven NBA.

Fans and analysts have often debated how players from past generations would fare in the modern era, and Barkley’s comments reignited that discussion. Many agreed that Erving’s athleticism, creativity, and flair would have made him a highlight machine in a world obsessed with viral clips and social media trends. His influence, they argue, continues to resonate through players who embrace the art of aerial basketball.

Barkley’s remarks serve as both a tribute and a reminder of Julius Erving’s enduring significance in basketball history. Though his prime years predated the digital age, Dr. J’s legacy as a pioneer of modern basketball remains unshakable. For Barkley and countless others, he wasn’t just a player who could have dominated the spotlight — he was the reason the spotlight exists in the first place.