Before Michael Jordan became the benchmark for greatness in basketball, he was the one being compared to legends before him. Among them was Philadelphia 76ers icon Julius “Dr. J” Erving, the face of the league before Jordan arrived in 1984. While comparisons can be a burden, Jordan embraced them, using them as fuel to prove he could stand among the game’s elite while crafting his own legacy.
The Arrival of “Air Jordan”
From the moment he entered the NBA, Jordan’s athleticism and high-flying dunks drew immediate comparisons to Erving. At the same time, his refined midrange game reminded many of Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West. Jordan, however, understood that these comparisons came with the territory of being a highly touted rookie. He saw them as a sign of respect but also recognized the importance of defining his own identity.
“I knew everybody’s eyes would be on me,” Jordan said in 1984, per the New York Times. “I’d been compared to Julius Erving and Jerry West, and people wanted to see for themselves. That’s the way society is, but I have to draw a line between the expectations of me and what I expect for myself. I’m trying to play my natural game and I think I’m establishing myself, gaining the respect of the players.”
Is Jordan the Next Dr. J?
Jordan’s potential was undeniable, but even Bulls head coach Kevin Loughery had doubts about whether the young guard could truly measure up to Erving. After all, Dr. J wasn’t just an electrifying player—he was a beloved figure on and off the court.
“It’s hard in this day and age of athletics to compare anyone to Julius, on or off the court,” Loughery said. “He was unbelievable for an athlete of his stature, the way he handled people and situations. No one else is even close. But Michael plays with an awful lot of charisma, and if he develops, he has a chance to be one of the top five draws in pro basketball.”
For Jordan, it was never just about matching Erving’s legacy—it was about imagining what it would feel like to reach such heights.
“Sometimes I wonder,” Jordan admitted. “I’d love to be what he is. Those are the same goals I have—I never want to forget where I came from—and I think I do have the same personality in that sense.”
Did Jordan Surpass Dr. J?
Looking back, it’s clear that Jordan not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it. He won six NBA championships compared to Erving’s two ABA titles and one NBA ring. Jordan also amassed more individual accolades, solidifying his status as the greatest player of all time in the eyes of many.
While he never brought a championship to his home state of North Carolina, he did own the Charlotte Hornets, increasing their value to over a billion dollars. But beyond titles and accolades, what truly set Jordan apart was his ability to carve his own path—just as he envisioned in his rookie year.
At the end of the day, surpassing Erving wasn’t the goal. Writing his own story was—and in that regard, Michael Jordan succeeded beyond measure.
