LeBron said that today’s players would dominate the 70s. Here’s the real truth. If you dropped Bob McAdoo, Walt Frazier, Bob Lanier, Julius Erving, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar into today’s NBA, they wouldn’t just fit in. These guys would become big-time superstars in today’s league and be 5 of the top 10 current players. The game favors offense, has no hand-checking, more spacing, and less physicality. Add modern training and sports science, and these legends would own the league.

Bob McAdoo:

Scored over 30 points per game three times and won MVP in 1975. A 6-foot-9 forward-center with a silky jumper. In today’s pace-and-space system, he is putting up Kevin Durant-type numbers.

 

Walt Frazier:

Seven-time All-Star and defensive menace. Smooth, poised, and elite on both ends. He is a perfect mix of Jrue Holiday’s defense and Chris Paul’s control. He would thrive as a two-way franchise point guard.

Bob Lanier:

Averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds for his career. With his footwork, size, and soft touch, he would dominate today’s undersized frontcourts. He is a more consistent version of Joel Embiid with better passing instincts.

 

Julius Erving:

From 1976 to 1979, averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 50 percent shooting. The original high-flyer. In today’s game, he is a blend of Ja Morant’s explosiveness and Jayson Tatum’s scoring polish. A walking highlight and MVP threat.

 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar:

Five MVPs in the 70s. The skyhook is still the most unstoppable shot in basketball history. He had Jokic’s mind, Gobert’s reach, and Anthony Davis’s finesse. There is no debate. He would be the best player in the league. It would not even be close.

 

Drop these players into today’s NBA and they would not just play. They would run it. The league would need new rules to stop them, and half the stars you know now would be fighting to keep their max contracts.

**Julius Erving: The Original High-Flyer Who Redefined the Game**

 

Between 1976 and 1979, Julius Erving, famously known as “Dr. J,” mesmerized basketball fans with his gravity-defying play and exceptional skill set. During this period, Erving averaged an impressive 24.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the field—statistics that underscored his dominance on the court.

Erving’s acrobatic dunks and dynamic play not only elevated the excitement of every game but also helped redefine what it meant to be a superstar in professional basketball. His innovative style of play earned him the nickname “the original high-flyer,” as he continually pushed the boundaries of athleticism and creativity in the sport.

 

Beyond the numbers, Erving’s influence resonated with fans and players alike, setting a new standard for excellence and entertainment in basketball. His legacy as a trailblazer is celebrated not only for his scoring prowess and versatility but also for the way he brought artistry to the game, inspiring generations of athletes who followed in his footsteps.