What Dr. J Taught Me About Leadership — And Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

By Brian Taylor | More Than a Star™

When people think of Julius Erving — “Dr. J” — they think of the soaring dunks, the hang time, the grace in the air. They think of the big fro, the red, white, and blue ball spinning on his fingertips, and the way he seemed to defy gravity in the ABA and NBA. But for those of us who played alongside him, the real magic wasn’t just in his game — it was in his leadership.

I had the privilege of being Dr. J’s teammate during one of the most successful stretches of my career with the New York Nets. We won championships together, but what stuck with me wasn’t just the rings or the banners. It was the way he led; without barking orders, without chasing the spotlight, without ever making it about himself. In today’s world, from locker rooms to boardrooms to classrooms, the way Julius led is exactly the kind of example we need.

Leadership Without Ego

One of the first things I noticed when Dr. J joined the Nets was how quickly he earned the trust of everyone in the locker room. Mind you, this was a roster full of competitors, veterans, and guys with pride in their own game. Julius could have come in chest out, demanding the ball every possession. Instead, he took time to learn who we were; as men, as teammates, and as competitors.
He’d ask about your family. He’d listen when you spoke. He never acted like being the best player meant being the loudest voice. That humility made people want to follow him.

It’s a lesson I’ve carried into every team I’ve led, every business I’ve started, and every classroom I’ve spoken in. If you want people to follow you, show them first that you respect them.

Consistency Under Pressure

Championship runs aren’t built in highlight reels; they’re built in the quiet moments when no one is watching. Dr. J’s greatness wasn’t just about his ability to score in bunches; it was about how he showed up every day. Practice? He worked like he was still trying to make the team. Film sessions? He paid attention like a rookie learning the ropes.
There’s a saying in sports: “Pressure doesn’t change you, it reveals you.” In high-stakes games, Julius never wavered. He didn’t tighten up; he locked in. And because he stayed composed, we stayed composed. That steady presence is leadership in its purest form.
Today, in a world that feels like it’s always on edge — with constant news, endless social media noise, and crises popping up in every industry, that kind of steadiness is priceless. Leaders who keep their cool create environments where others can excel.

Lifting Others to Be Their Best

What made Dr. J extraordinary wasn’t just that he was great. It’s that he made everyone around him better. He knew how to let you shine. If you were hot, he’d find you. If you needed a boost after a rough stretch, he’d encourage you; not with fake hype, but with real belief. I remember playoff games where my shot was falling, and Julius made sure I got the ball. That’s rare. Some stars can’t stand to share the spotlight. Julius understood that when his teammates played better, the whole team won. That’s the kind of leadership that works anywhere — in sports, business, education. Great leaders don’t just collect followers; they build more leaders.

Why It Matters Today

We live in an age where leadership is too often confused with self-promotion. Social media rewards those who shout the loudest, even when they have the least to say. In politics, sports, and business, we see examples of leaders who put themselves first and the team second — and the results speak for themselves. Dr. J’s model of leadership cuts the other way. It’s about service, not status. It’s about doing the work, not chasing the credit. It’s about consistency, humility, and lifting others.
If we applied that model today, we’d see better collaboration, less division, and more shared success. Imagine corporate leaders who share the spotlight with their teams. Imagine educators who inspire rather than dictate. Imagine political leaders who listen as much as they speak. That’s not just idealism — it’s a proven formula I’ve learnt.

The BTEXPRESS Takeaway

Dr. J didn’t lead us to championships; he left me with a blueprint for life. Be humble enough to respect everyone in the room. Be steady enough to thrive under pressure. Be generous enough to help others shine.
I’ve tried to carry that blueprint into everything I do; from running educational programs for underserved youth to mentoring young athletes. Leadership isn’t about being the star. It’s about making sure the people around you feel like they’re part of something bigger.
And that’s why, more than 50 years later, I can still say: the dunks were incredible, but the lessons were even better. Thank you big brother for all you’ve taught me about how to lead.