Vince Carter Celebrates “Hero” Julius Erving’s Special Day With Heartfelt Message for NBA Icon

To have your hero behind your back gives strength, right? Similarly, whenever Vince Carter was celebrated for his career, his hero Julius Erving was in attendance. Take the 2024 Hall of Fame ceremony; for example, Dr. J was one of the presenters with Tracy McGrady to honor the Raptors legend. Last month, the 22-season veteran received another honor when the Brooklyn Nets retired his jersey. Carter’s number is already up next to Hall of Famer Julius Erving. And now the 8x All-Star celebrated the NBA icon on his birthday.

“Happy Birthday to my hero. For a long time I’ve admired you for the man that you are and it’s an honor to call you my friend.” Vince Carter continued on his Instagram story, “Love you man!!! LEGEND.” Apart from the heartfelt message, the Tar Heels alum also added the jersey numbers of the two. “6/32 🤝15.” If people are not aware of the impact of the NBA icon, let’s look back at how he was able to stand apart.

Julius Erving was a player who embodied the perfect balance mix of skill, freakish athleticism, and toughness. Dr. J was dominant in both the ABA and the NBA and won a total of three championships and four MVP awards. Let’s not forget his 30,026 career points, and in the ABA, he averaged 28.7 points and 12.1 rebounds. Meanwhile, after successfully transitioning to the NBA, where he played for 11 years, his average was 22.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Vince Carter is one of the lucky few who got to idolize Dr. J and then form a long-lasting bond. But did you know that Julius Erving missed the first call when the Raptors’ legend wanted him to be one of the presenters?

Looking back at Dr. J almost missing Vince Carter’s huge honor

“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.” Being from UNC, it was obvious that Vince Carter would look up to MJ. But it was Julius Erving, who created a special place in 8x All-Star’s heart.

When the Hall of Fame news was official, Carter had two names locked in. His cousin Tracy Mcgrady and Dr. J and speaking to the former was easy, but with the latter, there is a whole story. “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.”

Despite his own Hall of Fame stature, Vince Carter was nervous about speaking to Julius Erving. But Dr. J was himself kind and humble enough to make the celebrations even sweeter for the Raptors’ legend. That is why Carter continues to celebrate the legacy of the NBA icon.