2023 winner Mac McClung poses with Julius Erving and the newly named ‘Dr. J’ trophy.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that Julius “Dr. J” Erving will now serve as the namesake of the trophy awarded to the AT&T Slam Dunk Champion. Recognizing one of the game’s most electrifying dunkers of all time, the trophy honors Erving’s legacy of unparalleled flair on the court and mastery of the slam dunk.
“I am honored to forever be attached to one of the most anticipated and exciting NBA All-Star events, capturing the imagination of fans around the world as players redefine what’s possible through the game’s most captivating art form – the slam dunk,” said Julius “Dr. J” Erving. “I look forward to celebrating our dunk champions each year, as they soar higher and higher, striving to shatter the standards this contest has set.”
Designed in partnership with artist Victor Solomon, the trophy’s core aesthetic was unveiled last season as part of the collection of NBA All-Star trophies created in celebration of the league’s 75th Anniversary Season. The trophy now incorporates subtle nods to Erving’s career throughout. A stethoscope is etched on the top of the trophy in honor of Erving’s nickname, “Dr. J”. The bottom perimeter features a progression of his career through icons, highlighted by his foul line dunk in the 1976 ABA Dunk Contest, his poster dunk over Bill Walton in the 1977 NBA Finals and his “Rock the Baby” dunk vs. the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983.
Erving was honored on court prior to the AT&T Slam Dunk, part of State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, and will additionally present the trophy to the 2023 AT&T Slam Dunk champion.
The trophy now incorporates subtle nods to Erving’s career throughout. A stethoscope is etched on the top in honor of Erving’s nickname. The bottom perimeter features a progression of his career through iconic dunks. #StateFarmSaturday pic.twitter.com/A1qaqNro6X
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023
