30 most unguardable moves in NBA history: 15. Julius Erving, acrobatic layups
Though his unconventional playing style and high-octane dunks may dominate most Julius Erving highlight clips you’ve seen in your life, it was the acrobatic layups that were Dr. J’s bread and butter throughout his playing career. Using his long arms, distinctive leaping ability and natural inclination to the surreal, Dr. J finished layups that you’d never think about attempting in an organized game.
In a streetball match? Maybe. During a Pro-Am game? Sure. But during a regular-season NBA game against the best competition in the world? Only Dr. J could pull that off.
On many occasions, Erving would surge up the court on the fastbreak and elevate from beyond the paint itself. With his long strides, lengthy legs and expansive wingspan, Erving floated to the rim and extended his arms to lay the ball in gently over his defender. Should his defender adjust mid-air to contest his shot, Dr. J would work his magic to evade the defender and finish his shot.
His most famous acrobatic shot was a scoop layup performed in Game 4 of the 1980 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. He drove baseline against Mark Landsberger, catching the big man off guard before floating in the air. From the weak side, Erving drew help defense from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who elevated to contest the shot.
He brought the ball up where no one could reach it with just one hand and then dropped his arms to scoop the ball into the basket. It’s an immaculate play that will never be erased from NBA history as it so clearly defines the iconic career of an all-time great in Dr. J.
This was only one of many incredible, awe-inspiring shots completed during Erving’s pro career, but it’s one that encapsulates what made the Doctor great.