Julius Erving praises Victor Wembanyama for his impact on NBA play

NBA legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving publicly endorsed San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama for his unique influence on the modern game. Erving, who played during an era historically dominated by centers, noted that the league shifted toward perimeter-oriented players following the mid-1980s. He identified Wembanyama as a transformative figure capable of reversing the trend of guard and forward dominance regarding MVP honors. The comments arrive as Wembanyama continues his career with the Spurs after entering the league in 2023. Erving cited his own experience playing alongside Moses Malone and facing Hall of Fame centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to emphasize his perspective on big-man development. He concluded that Wembanyama provides a standard for younger players to emulate, particularly regarding defensive impact.

• 4:03 PMYahoo Sports — Victor Wembanyama gets a massive co-sign from the legendary Julius "Dr. J" Erving