Editing Julius Erving (section)

== Legacy ==

Julius Erving's legacy encompasses his role in transforming basketball's aesthetic, his championship leadership in Philadelphia, and his example of how athletes can represent their sports with dignity. The 76ers retired his number 6, the franchise permanently honoring the player who had defined their identity for a generation. His continued public presence and charitable work extend influence beyond his playing career, his example demonstrating that athletic fame can support positive contributions throughout a lifetime. Philadelphia's claim on Erving—the city where he achieved his greatest success—makes him central to understanding the region's sports culture.<ref name="erving"/>