Julius Winfield Erving II ( born February 22 , 1950 ) , commonly known by the nickname Dr. J , is a retired American basketball player who helped popularize a modern style of play that emphasizes leaping and playing above the rim .
Julius Winfield Erving II ( born February 22 , 1950 ) is a retired American basketball player . He is best known by the nickname Dr. J Erving helped create the modern style of basketball .