NBA: Top five forwards of all time

4. Julius Erving; 1976-1987, Philadelphia 76ers (He played 5 years in the ABA, 1971-76 with the Virginia Squires and NY Nets)

Career Averages: 24.2 ppg; 8.5 rebounds; 4.2 assists; 2.0 steals, 1.7 blocks

Dr. J is one of the most regal players to have ever played in the NBA. There was just something about watching Doc play. You knew he was the man in control and that irrespective of how tough the situation was, he would somehow always come out on top (sometimes literally).

He is an NBA Champion and was named the NBA MVP once. Erving is the only player to have been named the Most Valuable Player in both the ABA and the NBA.

I could rant on about his scoring, rebounding or defensive abilities. However, there’s one thing which is much more significant than all his awards and statistics put together.

Erving changed the perception of the dunk. Back in his time, it was just a way for the bigs to showcase their brute strength. In general, it was considered unsportsmanlike. Erving however, revolutionised the dunk. He showed that it could be done with finesse. His “slam dunk” became so popular that it is now an official part of the NBA All-Star weekend.

This high flying wonder remains one of the most impactful Forwards of all time.For his efforts, he was inducted in to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.