NBA renaming dunk contest trophy after Hall of Famer Julius Erving
The NBA is naming its All-Star Weekend dunk contest trophy after one of the greatest dunkers ever: Dr. J.
Julius Erving is now the trophy’s namesake. Here’s what you need to know:
- The trophy has flairs honoring Erving and his career.
- A picture of a stethoscope is etched on top of the trophy.
- Three of his most famous dunks are honored across the bottom of it: when he took flight from the foul line in the 1976 ABA dunk contest, his posterization over Bill Walton in the 1977 NBA Finals and his amazing 1983 “Rock the Baby” dunk against the Lakers.
Julius “Dr. J” Erving will now serve as the namesake of the trophy awarded to the #ATTSlamDunk Champion!
Recognizing of one of the game’s most electrifying dunkers of all time, the trophy honors Erving’s legacy of unparalleled flair on the court and mastery of the slam dunk. pic.twitter.com/HQC3CC3i0x
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023
What they’re saying
“I am honored to forever be attached to one of the most anticipated and exciting NBA All-Star events, capturing the imagination of fans around the world as players redefine what’s possible through the game’s most captivating art form – the slam dunk,” Erving said in a statement. “I look forward to celebrating our dunk champions each year, as they soar higher and higher, striving to shatter the standards this contest has set.”
Required reading
(Photo: Jim Cummins / NBAE via Getty Images)
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