9 Best sophomore seasons in pro/NBA history

#4 Julius 'Dr. J' Erving

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Dr. J was the first ball player who helped to popularize a modern style of play that emphasizes leaping and playing above the rim.

Through his career at the ABA and the NBA, Erving helped legitimize the American Basketball Association (ABA) and was its best-known player in pre-merger into the National Basketball Association (NBA) following the 1975–76 season.

While the likes of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and to some degree, David Thompson performed spectacular dunks before or during Erving's time, Erving brought the practice into the mainstream. His signature move was the "slam" dunk, since incorporated into the vernacular and basic skill set of the game in the same manner as the "crossover" dribble and the "no look" pass.

During his sophomore basketball season, Erving led the ABA in points per game at 31.8 ppg, converting 49.6% of his field goal attempts while snagging 12.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.