The debate over which era of NBA reigns supreme seems never-ending, with passionate opinions coming from all corners – fans, analysts, former players, and current stars alike.
While older generations of players often laud the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s as the golden age of the sport, the conversation tends to overlook some of the flaws and controversies of those periods.
Take the 1970s, for example. While competitive and filled with surprises, it wasn’t without its shortcomings. There were issues with on-court performance, low attendance at games, and limited television coverage.
Beyond that, the decade was marred by stories of drug abuse among players. Still, many in the basketball community hold this era in high regard.
As time went on, the league evolved, and so did the criticisms. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has become one of the most vocal critics of the modern game, often referring to today’s players as “soft” and questioning whether they could survive the more physical style of play from earlier years.
LeBron James stands up for the current game
LeBron James, who is widely seen as the face of today’s NBA, has been outspoken in defending the modern era. In a recent interview on the Mind the Game podcast, the 40-year-old Lakers superstar took issue with the notion that today’s game lacks the same toughness or skill as the previous generations. LeBron argued that the modern game should be respected, as it has evolved significantly over the years.
“There’s a lot of nostalgia, but the game is great, and people need to learn to appreciate it,” James said, emphasizing that fans need to recognize the excellence of today’s players.
He noted that the current level of access to games, with every matchup available on television through national broadcasts or League Pass, has spoiled fans, making them less appreciative of the game. In the ’80s and ’90s, many games weren’t televised, and fans could only catch a few games depending on their local TV deals.
“I think the nostalgia around the game is important,” LeBron continued.
“But we need to celebrate the game today, just like people did for the legends of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s.”
While LeBron calls for more appreciation of today’s game, Shaquille O’Neal remains a vocal critic. On The Big Podcast, Shaq took aim at the current NBA, suggesting that the modern game is less physical and that today’s players wouldn’t have survived in the era of tough, bruising basketball.
“Definitely,” Shaq responded when asked if LeBron‘s longevity was a result of the modern game being less physical.
“If you get a flagrant foul now, you get fined and suspended. Back when I played, it was a different world. You got hit hard, and it was part of the game,” he said.
O’Neal‘s frustration wasn’t just about the lack of physicality; it extended to his belief that current players don’t deserve the same recognition as the superstars from his time.
“I played alongside legends-guys who were truly great. No one today has shown me the same level of greatness.”
For Shaq, players like himself, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant were part of a different era, one that demanded toughness and resilience.
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