The Players Club - Ep. 1 - Julius "Dr. J" Erving

Rick Barry and Julius Erving, two NBA legends, join a new podcast series to discuss their storied careers, the evolution of basketball, and their experiences in the Big3 league. They reflect on their mutual respect and competitive spirit, sharing anecdotes from their playing days, including memorable matchups and the camaraderie they've built over the years. They also express their views on modern basketball trends like load management and social media's impact. The conversation highlights their enduring friendship, their influence on the game, and their continued passion for basketball through coaching in the Big3.

• New podcast series called "The Players Club."
• Presented by Krauss House in partnership with the Big Three.
• First episode featuring Rick Barry and Dr. J (Julius Erving).

"Welcome into the first episode of a brand new podcast series that we like to call the Players Club."

• Introduction of the podcast series and its exclusive summer focus.

"We are coming to you guys live today from the Bay Area, Oakland California and we are just blessed to be in the presence of two of the most legendary players to ever grace the hardwood."

• Setting and introduction of legendary guests Rick Barry and Julius Erving.

• Krauss House, a community of basketball fans, aimed to collectively buy a professional basketball team.
• Inspired by European soccer models, they purchased the Ball Hogs in the Big Three league.

"A little old community of basketball fans that goes by the name of Krauss House came together with the idea of wanting to collectively buy a professional basketball team as a group of fans."

• Explanation of Krauss House's origins and goals.

"Within a year we had scraped together enough funds and resources and talent from across the world and actually put a bid in and purchased the Ball Hogs in the Big Three league."

• Achievement of purchasing the Ball Hogs team.

• Rick Barry's support in scouting, analytics, and draft preparation.
• Rick Barry and Julius Erving's participation in content creation and media production.

"Rick's been so generous and letting us all contribute to scouting and analytics and draft prep and whatnot."

• Rick Barry's involvement in team operations.

"Rick offering up your support and Julius you for taking the time to sit down with us."

• Appreciation for their contributions to the podcast and team.

• Rick Barry and Julius Erving missed playing together by a year in the ABA.
• Mutual respect developed through college and professional careers.

"I heard about him from when he was in college obviously and but I didn't see him until we played against each other in the ABA."

• Rick Barry's first impressions of Julius Erving.

"I saw you play a lot more than you saw me play you know before I became a pro because of your great college career."

• Julius Erving's observations of Rick Barry's career.

• Rick Barry's controversial move from Virginia to the Nets.
• Use of media to influence the trade and the resulting backlash.

"I was promised that I never had to leave the Oaks from Oakland and they take me to Washington now they're going to Virginia and I'm going wait a second what the hell is going on here."

• Rick Barry's frustration with the trade situation.

"I said you know what I'm going to use the media which usually screws us over to help me and it worked."

• Rick Barry's strategic use of media to facilitate his trade.

• Shared experiences and trips, including a significant trip to Israel.
• Visits to historical sites and political engagements strengthened their bond.

"We went to the Holocaust Museum and you know we visited the Wailing Wall and you know just just just enjoy one another's company."

• Recollection of their trip to Israel and its impact.

"We met people who were high up in the political circles there and they greeted us with open arms."

• Highlights of their interactions with political figures in Israel.

• Competitive matchups and mutual admiration for each other's skills.
• Rick Barry's admiration for Julius Erving's athleticism and unique abilities.

"Doc did some amazing things and obviously one of the greatest forwards to ever play the game."

• Rick Barry's praise for Julius Erving's talent.

"Julius did things that I used to dream about being able to do."

• Rick Barry's acknowledgment of Julius Erving's exceptional athleticism.

• Rick Barry's determination to avoid being posterized by Julius Erving.
• Strategies employed by coaches and players to prevent highlight-reel plays.

"I guarantee you there's not one chance in hell that I'm ever going to let Julius come down the court if I'm down there and dunk over me."

• Rick Barry's commitment to defensive pride.

"UBie Brown when he coached the Kentucky Colonels or whatever he he had a rule if I was on a breakaway grab me."

• Mention of defensive tactics used by coaches to prevent highlight plays.

• Critique of modern players' emphasis on self-celebration after making plays.
• Rick Barry's belief that coaches should discourage self-centered behavior.

"When you do something special you already did it everybody saw it it's great when they start doing this stuff and doing this here to me."

• Rick Barry's disapproval of modern players' self-celebratory actions.

"I blame the coaches for that I really do because I know when I coached and stuff in the minor league and stuff I told my players this is not about you this is about the team."

• Rick Barry's perspective on the role of coaches in shaping player behavior.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the key themes and discussions from the transcript, capturing the essence of the podcast episode with Rick Barry and Julius Erving.

• Early basketball culture emphasized humility and team focus.
• Celebrations were minimal, and losing was taken seriously.
• Modern players display more overt passion and celebration.

"When I came up, if we didn't win the game, we couldn't even talk on the bus."

• Reflects the strict discipline and team-oriented mindset of earlier basketball eras.

"Maurice Cheeks was, you know, a guy who played with me, who's a Hall of Famer. He's the one who started slapping guys five after they missed a free throw."

• Indicates the beginning of more supportive and encouraging behaviors among players.

• Coaches had more control over players in the past.
• Current players have more autonomy, influenced by their high salaries.
• Economic factors affect the dynamics between players and coaches.

"I think the coaches were a little more in control of their team and their players. Now the players are running things."

• Highlights the shift in power dynamics from coaches to players.

"Guys make so much money. I mean, coach can only say so much. It's not like you're going to get rid of a guy who's a 30 million dollar a year guy."

• Economic realities limit coaches' ability to discipline high-earning players.

• Load management is a contemporary practice aimed at preventing player fatigue and injuries.
• Older players find the concept perplexing and frustrating.

"What is load management? They had to invent a term to describe what was going on."

• Expresses confusion and skepticism about the necessity of load management.

"Wilt was the only guy who played every minute of every game. He averaged over 48 minutes a game with overtime."

• Contrasts modern load management with past players' endurance and commitment.

• Earlier players traveled commercially and stayed in modest accommodations.
• Modern players have more luxurious travel arrangements.

"We played four games in four nights in four different cities. They don't even allow that now."

• Reflects the grueling travel schedules of past players compared to today's more manageable logistics.

"At least you guys flew private. We flew commercial."

• Highlights the significant improvements in travel conditions for modern players.

• The Big Three league offers a platform for retired players to stay involved in basketball.
• It provides a shorter, less demanding season while maintaining competitive spirit.

"It's basically a 10-week commitment in a 52-week year, so you got 42 weeks to do whatever you want to do."

• Describes the flexible and less demanding schedule of the Big Three league.

"We have equity, and it's for the players and for the coaches."

• Emphasizes the league's player-centric model, offering equity stakes to participants.

• Participants cherish the camaraderie and relationships built through the Big Three league.
• The league allows for rekindling old friendships and creating new ones.

"Steve Mix was my best friend in Philadelphia. We played together for seven years, so I have him on the sideline as an assistant coach."

• Highlights the personal joy and rekindling of friendships through the league.

"I have my son Jules Irving, who is the other assistant coach."

• Shows the familial connections and opportunities to work with loved ones in the league.

• Despite being retired, players and coaches in the Big Three maintain a strong competitive spirit.
• Teams are composed of both seasoned veterans and younger players.

"Leandro Barosa is the captain of our team and one of the greatest guys ever."

• Reflects the high regard and respect for team leaders within the league.

"Our goal this year is to get to the playoffs."

• Demonstrates the ongoing competitive ambitions and objectives of the teams.

• Teams face challenges such as injuries, performance inconsistencies, and strong competition.
• Aspirations include making it to the playoffs and winning the championship.

"We came close last year and had one game kind of stolen from us. We just played really poorly in another game."

• Acknowledges the setbacks and challenges faced in the previous season.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing our new players and hoping for a successful season."

• Expresses optimism and anticipation for the upcoming season.

• Discussion on the concept of "cool" in sports and fashion.
• Influence of Clyde on Dr. J’s style.
• The importance of representing family through fashion.

"So we had the same agent and, you know, when I got to New York from Virginia after two years, you know, Clyde used to take me shopping with him."

• Clyde was instrumental in introducing Dr. J to high fashion.

"I had the type of household where when I got ready to leave the house, I was representing the family."

• Dr. J emphasizes the importance of family representation through personal appearance.

• Dr. J's fashion choices are anticipated by fans.
• Personal approach to fashion during games.
• Differing attitudes towards fashion between Dr. J and the other speaker.

"One of the things that has happened with the big three, you know, kind of people looking forward to, you know, what's coming out next."

• Dr. J acknowledges the fan interest in his fashion.

"You going to see this whatever ball hog shirt they give me, that's what I'm wearing."

• The other speaker is less concerned with fashion, focusing more on comfort and practicality.

• The potential of social media for athletes.
• Comparison of past and present opportunities for off-court earnings.

"If I was playing today with social media, seriously, I know with my mind I grew up marketing major to marketing I would make more money off the court than I make on the court."

• Social media offers significant financial opportunities for athletes.

"You were probably the first guy every city they went to, you knew the people who were the writers, you knew the television people."

• Dr. J was proactive in media engagement, setting a precedent for future athletes.

• Global popularity of basketball.
• Critique of modern sports commentators.
• Discussion on the concept of "lockdown defenders."

"It's a huge worldwide phenomenon right now."

• Basketball has achieved global recognition and popularity.

"I have a real problem with a lot of the talking heads out there who think they know everything about every sport."

• Criticism of modern sports commentators for their perceived lack of expertise.

"You can't lock down a scorer who can do if you can shoot and drive and there's too many ways for me to beat you."

• Debate on the effectiveness of "lockdown defenders" in basketball.

• Dr. J's mentorship of Charles Barkley.
• Influence on Barkley's professional behavior and financial management.
• Memorable stories involving Barkley.

"Charles came in in 85, and I know you played an influential role in teaching him how to be professional and how to take care of his money."

• Dr. J played a significant role in mentoring Charles Barkley.

"He has some physical gifts because you generally don't see a guy who's built like a polar bear who moves like a cat."

• Dr. J highlights Barkley's unique physical abilities.

"Charles would just start talking about his big head. He said, 'Can nobody see the people who are out these windows because Clemens' big head is in the way.'"

• Example of Barkley's humor and personality.

• Tribute to Jerry West’s life and career.
• Personal anecdotes and interactions with Jerry West.
• Discussion on the concept of the "greatest of all time" (GOAT) in team sports.

"He was the greatest two guard in the NBA until Michael came along."

• Jerry West was considered the best shooting guard before Michael Jordan.

"Every time we met, it was always a real friendly greeting."

• Dr. J and Jerry West had a respectful and friendly relationship.

"There's a Julius Irving award, the Jerry West award, and Kareem Abdul Jabar, Bob Koozie, and Karl Malone."

• Jerry West’s legacy is commemorated through awards named after him and other basketball legends.

• Jerry West participated in golf events organized by Billy Cunningham, Doug Moe, and Dean Smith.
• These events were held at Pinehurst if hosted by Dean Smith and in Colorado if hosted by Doug Moe.
• Jerry West was known for playing golf early in the morning to avoid being slowed down by others.
• Condolences were expressed to Jerry West's family and loved ones.

"Jerry the thing I remember most about Jerry is he had to go off first because he played fast... he didn't want anybody slowing him down."

• Jerry West preferred to play golf quickly and without interruptions.

"My condolences go out to his family, his loved ones, and he was loved by more people than you can imagine."

• Jerry West was deeply loved and respected by many.

• Bill Walton was a key figure in the 1977 NBA Finals against the Portland Trailblazers.
• Julius Erving and Rick Barry both had many battles and fond memories with Bill Walton.
• Bill Walton was known for direct and personal communication, often expressing love and respect.

"Bill was one of those guys he didn't let a second or third person call you on his behalf; he called you directly."

• Bill Walton valued personal and direct communication.

"He always included in there how much he loved me and respected me, and I would reciprocate."

• Bill Walton and Julius Erving had a mutual respect and love that went beyond their public personas.

• Rick Barry shared personal experiences, including a memorable bicycle tour for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
• Bill Walton's unique personality and lifestyle were highlighted through anecdotes.

"We went on a big Bicycle Tour... one of the most fun trips I ever had."

• Rick Barry cherished the time spent with Bill Walton on a bicycle tour.

"He comes out freaking naked and that's Bill. I mean, he beat to a different drum."

• Bill Walton was known for his unconventional and free-spirited behavior.

• A game was played to compare the careers of Rick Barry and Julius Erving.
• Rick Barry had a higher career scoring average than Julius Erving.

"Rick was 24.8 and Julius is 24.2."

• Rick Barry averaged 24.8 points per game, while Julius Erving averaged 24.2.

• Julius Erving led the ABA in scoring more times than Rick Barry.

"Julius led the ABA in scoring in 73, 74, 76; Rick did it twice in 67, 69."

• Julius Erving had more ABA scoring titles than Rick Barry.

• Rick Barry had a higher single-game scoring total than Julius Erving.

"64 points was yours, 63 was mine."

• Rick Barry scored 64 points in a single game, while Julius Erving scored 63.

• Both players discussed their playing styles and roles on their respective teams.
• Rick Barry expressed a preference for playing as a point guard if he could play again.

"I would be a point guard because I was quick enough to do it... you control the destiny of your team when you have the ball."

• Rick Barry valued the control and influence a point guard has on the game.

"I got more pleasure out of making a great pass to a teammate for a basket than I did scoring."

• Rick Barry found joy in creating opportunities for his teammates.

• The conversation ended with reflections on mutual respect and friendship.
• Both players expressed appreciation for their shared experiences and memories.

"That's what friendship's about... I love it."

• The importance of friendship and shared experiences was emphasized.

"Thank you guys so much for the time... this has been an absolute honor."

• The conversation was appreciated and valued by all participants.