76ers Legend Refuses To Call LeBron James an All-Time NBA Great

When someone labels you as an all-time great, there is a sense of admiration for the work you put in. For the Philadelphia 76ers, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, one player, has yet to be placed into that category. 

LeBron James will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, players to step foot on the hardwood. But it seems Dr. J is ready to put him up with the kings of the court just yet. For Erving, James has to hang it up before he can be put up for consideration. 

“I usually talk about retired players being part of all-time teams, not current players. LeBron is not retired yet, so it’s hard to put him in his position until his career is over," Erving explained.

While that is a noble thought, it really shouldn’t change anything. 

James has done more than enough to be considered an all-time great. What is finishing his career going to do to change whether or not he’s up there with the greats? It would make sense if he were going to rank them; then one could see not wanting to put a placement on James just yet.

Outside of that, retirement or not, James' career numbers easily put him in the names of future Hall of Famers. He is the all-time scorer in the NBA; what exactly are we denying here? If you want to make an argument for the finals, that’s a moot point. Even if it is a losing record, he’s gone more times than any other player not named Bill Russell. That alone should put him in the conversation of all-time greats right there. 

Now that James is a 76er, maybe he will get that respect if he can take Erving’s former team to the Finals. Erving's other argument of all-time great teams has to include James as well. He did start the Big Three movement down in Miami. A decision that led to two NBA titles.

This new team for James has many players that would only boost his argument. If the season goes well, James could see himself climb numerous all-time records. Another reason for him to be put into the conversation despite being an active player.  James may be talked about for forcing players to change their style of play, but this season could change all that.

Even if James plays beyond this season, he’ll surely force the hand of Dr. J to change his stance on who could be on his all-time greats list.