“Stephen Curry Gotta Finish His Career”: ‘Biased’ Julius Erving Reveals Reasoning For Snubbing LeBron James and GSW Star From Controversial List

Julius Erving is one of the most iconic players in NBA history. A player that many have on their list of greatest players of all time. Recently, Dr. J shared his list of top 10 greatest players and received a lot of backlash. While it did have some impressive names, fans noticed a few important ones missing. This included the likes of LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Both of whom, in an interview with Joy De’Angela, Erving explained haven’t finished their careers, and as such haven’t made his list.

In previous interviews, Erving, who played for some iconic teams including the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, has stated he is biased. He claimed he would always choose players that he had a connection with. And, as a former Sixer, this bias came into play when he picked Joel Embiid as his MVP. Now, from the looks of it, it is reflected once again in his all-time list.

Julius Erving explains why he controversially snubbed LeBron James and Stephen Curry on his all-time list

In a recent interview, Julius Erving shared his list of the top 10 all-time greatest players. It was a great list that featured some of the biggest names in basketball history. Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson are just four of the ten illustrious legends on his list. However, there were some notable exemptions.

Both Stephen Curry and LeBron James failed to make the list, much to the ire of their fans. But, when asked why he had snubbed two of the greatest players in modern basketball, his response was simple. Dr. J justified his list, claiming that both men are yet to finish their careers.

The 1983 NBA Champion pointed out that his list consists of players whose careers are already over. And, while the haters may not be happy with Steph and LeBron’s absence, he will stick with his list till the end, commenting that they still have a long way to go before their careers are over.

“Oh No! He hasn’t played long enough. He’s gotta finish his career. Everybody I named on there, their career is finished, right? LeBron… Steph… yeah! You know, the haters… people be hating on me when I give them my list. It’s when I put those first five… that then messes up everybody’s lists. They’re like, ‘You gotta have somebody from today!’ No! Let them get finished!”

Joy De’Angela: “So no Steph [Curry]?”

Dr J.: “Oh no. He hadn’t even played long enough. He gotta finish his career.”

Julius Erving on not having the greatest shooter in NBA history on his list 😳

(via @joydeangela)pic.twitter.com/JWw8TwqEwV https://t.co/rhXZL3186d

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 31, 2023

To be fair to Dr. J, his justification is sound. Both King James and the Baby-Faced Assassin could stay in the league for at least another five seasons. But, that being said, that didn’t stop him from snubbing some other well-known legends.

Dr. J listed Nate Archibald but left out the likes of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal

Julius Erving’s decision to snub LeBron James and Stephen Curry makes sense. Especially when you consider the logic he applied. However, it does not make sense when considering the cases of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Both Kobe and Shaq are easily two of the best players in the history of basketball.

And, while they are just two of many who were snubbed, it is shocking. After all, there aren’t many who would put Nate “Tiny” Archibald ahead of them.

At the end of the day, Erving’s list is his list and his alone. Granted, there are those who are livid with his selections. But, as he stated, the haters don’t bother him one bit.