Julius Erving has gotten fans used to listening to controversial takes whenever he speaks about NBA-related topics. The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers legend isn’t afraid of speaking his mind regardless of who can feel offended by that.
A couple of months ago, he blasted LeBron James for ‘leading the superteam culture’ in the league, sending a big message to The King. It seems like Dr. J isn’t a fan of modern-day NBA and its players, as he once again charged against the association.
During a recent appearance on CBS Sports’ “Nothing Personal with David Samson,” Erving spoke about the league’s current state, taking a shot at today’s players, calling them ‘soft.’
Things are different nowadays. During his time in the league, players didn’t have the same facilities they have today. Hence, they needed to figure out things that are a given for current stars.
“That was the good old days, it kept the humility intact,” Erving said. “You felt honored to be a professional athlete and not privileged, because there was just some things you just had to suck it up and go do. We depended a lot on our trainers and equipment managers and what have you to move the franchise from city to city, and you always had to catch the first flight out the next morning so we didn’t have a lot of the conveniences they have today, but that’s okay. I think it’s made some of the players a little softer than the ’70s, ’80s, ’60s and ’50s players, but there’s fan appreciation for the softness and the finesse and it is what it is.”
It’s not a secret that life is much easier for players today than 40, 50, or 60 years ago. The NBA became a global brand, and they do a terrific job taking care of their employees.
Players have a lot more power than they had during Erving’s time in the league. The situation has switched, and you can say all these factors spoiled players, but there’s no difference between the NBA and other elite competitions around the world.
Julius and co. had to take commercial flights, share a bedroom with teammates, and none of that exists nowadays. Still, that doesn’t seem to be a significant factor for today’s softness.
