Embedded Files
Julius “Dr. J” Erving is one of the most culturally significant basketball players of all time (Mallozzi, 2010). His ability to defy gravity and dunk launched him and the ABA into relevance. An aspect of sports photography not yet dissected is promotional and magazine sports photography, most notably depicted on the covers of Sports Illustrated. The three following covers provide a glimpse into the cultural moment that the ABA and Dr. J had during this era. The first cover shows the emergence of Erving into the professional basketball scene, the second shows his dominance in the ABA, and the third demonstrates how Erving's stardom led to an ABA and NBA merge.
This collection of covers not only shows a topic not previously discussed, sports magazine photography, but also ties into the journalism coverage of basketball as well. The prominence on the cover demonstrates how the ABA and Julius Erving had a cultural impact as well as demonstrates how sports photography can capture a moment in culture and not just a moment in an event or game through its use in magazines.
New York Nets Julius Erving
New York Nets Julius Erving
SI Cover
January 14, 1974
Sports Illustrated
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UNITED STATES - DECEMBER 03: January 14, 1974 Sports Illustrated via Getty Images Cover, ABA Basketball: New York Nets Julius Dr, J Erving (32) in action, making dunk vs Denver Nuggets, Uniondale, NY 12/3/1973
(Photo by John D. Hanlon/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X18230 TK1)
New York Nets Julius Erving, 1976 ABA Championship
New York Nets Julius Erving, 1976 ABA Championship
SI Cover
Manny Millan
May 17, 1976
Sports Illustrated
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UNITED STATES - MAY 06: May 17, 1976 Sports Illustrated via Getty Images Cover, Basketball: ABA Championship, New York Nets Dr, J Julius Erving (32) in action vs Denver Nuggets Chuck Williams (11), Uniondale, NY 5/6/1976
(Photo by Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X20494)
Boston Celtics Dave Cowen and New York Nets Julius Erving, 1976 NBA Basketball Merger Season Preview
Boston Celtics Dave Cowen and New York Nets Julius Erving, 1976 NBA Basketball Merger Season Preview
SI Cover
October 25, 1976
Sports Illustrated Classic
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October 25, 1976 Sports Illustrated via Getty Images Cover: Basketball: Season Preview. Portrait of Boston Celtics Dave Cowens (18) and New York Nets Julius Dr. J. Erving (32) with ball. 9/20/1976 CREDIT: Irving Penn
(Photo by SI Cover /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images/Getty Images) (Set Number: X20811)
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