When Marques Johnson reflects on the toughest player he ever had to guard, the answer is immediate: Julius Erving. To Johnson, “Dr. J” wasn’t just an opponent—he was the reason the ABA and NBA merged, the bridge between playground artistry and professional dominance.

Erving’s game went far beyond the iconic dunks. His unorthodox jumper fell when it mattered most, his handle in the open court was ahead of its time, and his flair electrified arenas. More importantly, his presence reshaped basketball’s culture and marketability, making him a pioneer in how the sport was played and consumed.

Marques describes Erving as both one of the toughest assignments of his career and one of the classiest men he ever met—a reminder that greatness isn’t just about talent, but about legacy and character.

00:00 – Best Player to Guard
00:12 – Julius Erving’s Skills
00:30 – ABA-NBA Merger Context
00:45 – Legacy & Flair
00:59 – Respect for Dr. J

📌  Why Julius Erving defined an era
📌 How his game fueled the ABA-NBA merger
📌 Marques Johnson’s respect for his greatness

A UCLA legend, five-time NBA All-Star, and one of the most versatile forwards of the late 70s and 80s, Marques Johnson faced the best of his generation. His reflections on Julius Erving highlight the unique challenges of guarding a player who combined athleticism, charisma, and cultural impact like few others in basketball history.

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.