PHILADELPHIA — Julius Erving had a problem. It was not basketball-related. He was more than fine in that department. This was something different: the shoe department. Erving wore size 16 ...

Like most kids in his neighborhood, young Julius also played baseball ... As for football, Erving felt that the cleats of his shoes were affecting his athleticism, particularly his leaping ...

It influenced many players, including Julius Erving and his style. And he, in turn, helped to popularize streetball's emphasis on showmanship and creativity. Before the arenas, the banners and the ...