Is there anyone like Julius Erving in sports these days?

[Russ]

I have always thought that Julius Erving was something special, but recently it has occurred to me just how special. In the midst of an NBA season that I stopped watching, and an NBA playoffs with the lowest ratings ever, and with NBA stars that I have either no opinion or a negative opinion of, it made me think recently about how there is no one in the NBA now that inspires anyone as a class act.

In his day, Julius Erving inspired people not just by how he played basketball, but by how he carried himself and got those around him to carry themselves. People on the opposing teams clapped for Dr J. People in opposing cities had halftime celebrations for Julius during his last year in the NBA. Has anyone on an opposing team ever clapped for LeBron James? Will Stephon Curry get a halftime celebration in opposing cities during has last year?

Even in other sports I think that there are no more "class act" players. There are talented players, but they use there talent to get more money and more camera time and intimidate their head coach, not inspire anyone. The time of "class acts" appears to be over.

I'd be interested if anyone on the board can think of a class act player in the NBA, NFL, or any other sport. Any nominations?