For every NBA player, seeing their jersey lifted to the rafters is a mega moment. As the Brooklyn Nets retired his iconic No. 15 during a game against the Miami Heat, Vince Carter reflected on how his journey had come full circle. Standing in that arena, with fans roaring in appreciation, he revealed that his hero—Julius Erving, better known as Dr. J—had played a major part in shaping not just his career, but this unforgettable moment.

Vince Carter was thrilled that his jersey would now hang beside the legendary forward’s No. 32. Dr. J had been his inspiration growing up, the player he dreamed of emulating.

As Carter recalled, he mustered the courage to call his idol before the ceremony and left a heartfelt message: “Hey, Doc, I want to run some things by you.” Weeks passed without a response, leaving Carter wondering if his hero would make it. Finally, Erving called back with the words every fan-turned-superstar would love to hear: “Oh, man, I would love it. I would love it.”

Reflecting on the moment, Carter’s voice brimmed with gratitude. “It means everything to me,” he shared. Hearing those words from Dr. J himself was surreal. For Carter, this wasn’t just about honoring his career—it was about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the man who had inspired his first dunk, his iconic style, and his unwavering love for the game.

Over the years, their connection evolved into something even more special: friendship. “It’s crazy,” Carter admitted. “I remember walking into Jersey, looking up at [No.] 32 every night. Now he’s a friend. It’s unreal.”

When Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Erving once again showed his support. “Dr. J called me and said, ‘I’d love to be a part of your representation,’” Carter shared, his voice emotional. “I was just like, f–k, let’s go.” Moments like these proved that even legends have heroes, and sometimes, they become part of the story too.

Why Dr. J is a “hero” for Vince Carter

For players who grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, Julius Erving was basketball royalty. Known as Dr. J, he was a pioneer who blended dominance with charisma. His gravity-defying dunks in the ABA and later the NBA redefined the game, while his unique playing style left opponents hopeless under the rim. Off the court, Erving broke barriers too, connecting with hip-hop culture and inspiring a younger generation to see him as more than just an athlete—a cultural icon.

Interestingly, Vince Carter’s connection to Dr. J started long before the two ever met. On the Legends of Sports podcast last year, Carter opened up about his admiration for Erving, revealing how surreal it felt to share the stage with him during his Hall of Fame induction.

“Dr. J has always been a role model and a hero,” VC said, reflecting on his early years. “Growing up, obviously, I was a Michael Jordan fan. But Dr. J, as a kid, I just gravitated towards him. I loved the way he carried himself. I loved the way he played the game… he could do no wrong.”

Even basketball greats like Michael Jordan admired Dr. J’s trailblazing impact. Erving wasn’t just a 16-time All-Star—he was the first major African American player to become a global icon, changing the game on and off the court. Carter, like so many others, saw him as a legend whose influence extended far beyond basketball.