Julius Erving Weighs In on Anthony Edwards’ Shade of Old NBA

Julius “Dr. J” Erving has responded to recent comments made by Anthony Edwards, in which the Timberwolves player suggested that earlier generations of NBA players lacked skill. Edwards specifically mentioned that Michael Jordan was the only one who “really had skill” among past players. These remarks, made in August, have continued to spark discussions within the NBA community.

Erving, a basketball legend, did not agree with Edwards’ statement. He countered by naming several iconic players from earlier eras, such as Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, and Elgin Baylor, whom he personally admired. Dr. J went on to emphasize that Edwards would likely change his view if he were to compete against these players, noting that they possessed undeniable talent. Erving made these remarks during a recent appearance on the *Come and Talk 2 Me* podcast.

Edwards had clarified before making his comments that he had not watched basketball from earlier decades, which is why he claimed he “couldn’t speak on it.” Despite this disclaimer, his opinion continues to be debated. Dr. J suggested that Edwards’ limited exposure to older players might explain his perspective, adding that if Edwards had faced tougher competition, he might have had a different outlook.

Erving acknowledged Edwards’ talent, stating that he enjoys watching the young player. However, he pointed out that Edwards’ basketball experience, particularly growing up in Georgia, might have influenced his comments. Dr. J noted that players from urban basketball environments, such as New York or Washington D.C., often encounter stronger competition and therefore develop a greater respect for the skill level of other players.

In Erving’s view, Edwards’ experiences in middle school, high school, and college may not have exposed him to players who were on par with or better than him, which could explain his lack of appreciation for the skill level of past NBA stars. Dr. J’s comments underline the importance of facing strong competition to develop respect for others in the game.

Overall, Erving’s response highlights the divide between generations of basketball players, with the veteran pushing back against Edwards’ claim that earlier players lacked skill.