Why 90s basketball was more exciting

[90sgoat]

I was watching that thread with Reggie Miller making plays and I was thinking:

How can anyone not tell that this is just way more exciting to watch?

Then I thought, why is that, what is it about the game that is just so instantly recognisable as more important?

The reason is because each move mattered a lot more.

With the current game today, focused on 3 point shots and way higher scores, the difference in skill is not as obvious.

Shooting 3s and shooting a lot of them, has a way higher variance, so you need many more shots, to tell who is good or bad.

This is like playing poker with tight vs loose.

If you play a loose game, it might seem more exciting on the surface, but it is also hard to tell if you're good or just some rando getting lucky.

Where as if you play tight like Phil Hellmuth, you know this guy has to be good, because he is winning all these rings, while barely playing any hands.

This is the simple mathematical fact when scores are 80-70 instead of 130-120. There are way less shots and makes. Each score is more important, thus each move to get a score is more important, thus defense is way more important.

So yeah, modern NBA is not exciting, because it is sort of like "everyone gets a prize" mentality, while in the 90s, you had one shot, do not miss your chance to glow, this opportunity comes one in a lifetime yo.

Thanks for coming to my Tedtalk.

[Bronbron23]

To me it's just the overall intensity. The intensity is alot higher when your allowed playing aggressive physical defense.

That said the 90's weren't perfect. 7 threes a game is just way to low.

[dankok8]

The Eminem lyric at the end was dope! But yea good post... :applause:

[light]

That's just nostalgia. One of the biggest complaints of the 90's at the time was the low quality of incoming players. The skill level of the players was obviously a lot lower in the 90's and the difference between the great players and the bad ones was extreme and those guys were starting next to each other.

People missed the 80's in the 90's. They missed the pace. They missed the excitement. They missed the skill level. They missed the scoring. The NBA has worked very hard to get back to that and they've finally done it.

Of course there will be a certain demographic that misses the 90s because that's what they were raised on but they're a minority.

The fact of the matter is that the most exciting, talent-laden, competitive series in history have all happened recently.

In ranking finals series, for example, the two greatest ones are modern ones. The top 5 are from the 60s, 70s and 80s. There are no great finals series from the 90s.

[90sgoat]

To me it's just the overall intensity. The intensity is alot higher when your allowed playing aggressive physical defense.

That said the 90's weren't perfect. 7 threes a game is just way to low.

Yes, it just becomes more personal and intense, when there's some physicality.


The Eminem lyric at the end was dope! But yea good post... :applause:

GOAT


That's just nostalgia. One of the biggest complaints of the 90's at the time was the low quality of incoming players. The skill level of the players was obviously a lot lower in the 90's and the difference between the great players and the bad ones was extreme and those guys were starting next to each other.

People missed the 80's in the 90's. They missed the pace. They missed the excitement. They missed the skill level. They missed the scoring. The NBA has worked very hard to get back to that and they've finally done it.

Of course there will be a certain demographic that misses the 90s because that's what they were raised on but they're a minority.

The fact of the matter is that the most exciting, talent-laden, competitive series in history have all happened recently.

In ranking finals series, for example, the two greatest ones are modern ones. The third greatest is from the 80s. There are no great finals series from the 90s.


I disagree, players were less all around technical, but they were better at playing their roles.

[light]

Yes, it just becomes more personal and intense, when there's some physicality.



GOAT




I disagree, players were less all around technical, but they were better at playing their roles.

No, players were less all around good.

"The league has deteriorated. You have bad general managers drafting bad players. It's like the NFL. The older players are moving on, and the younger ones aren't there yet. You look at some of the guys starting in this league these days and it makes you shake your head."

-- Charles Barkley, 1994

Quick expansion of 7 additional teams forced teams to take guys they would've never taken in the previous decade or in future ones.

[90sgoat]

No, players were less all around good.

"The league has deteriorated. You have bad general managers drafting bad players. It's like the NFL. The older players are moving on, and the younger ones aren't there yet. You look at some of the guys starting in this league these days and it makes you shake your head."

-- Charles Barkley, 1994

Quick expansion of 7 additional teams forced teams to take guys they would've never taken in the previous decade or in future ones.

Rookies in 1992:

Shaq
Mourning
Sprewell

Rookies in 1993:

Chris Webber
Penny Hardaway
Allan Houston

Rookies in 1994:

Glenn Robinson
Jason Kidd
Grant Hill

The problem is we lost out on two generational talents to injury in Penny and Grant Hill. Those two where the 90s version of Kobe vs Lebron in the early 00s.

Vin Baker became an alchoholic, Sprewell was a nutter, Mourning had kidney disease.

In any case, put those 3 years together and you have:

Kidd
Penny
Grant Hill
Vin Baker
Shaq

That's as good as any 3 year rookie group you can find today.

[light]

"I think the expansion teams have really hurt the league, I think it's depleted the talent in our league."
- Larry Bird, 1996

"This is a generation of dunkers. Players are learning how to dunk as opposed to learning how to play. Sometimes you watch a game and you ask yourself, Why can't anybody shoot anymore?"
- Isiah Thomas, 1994

"We could not have won 70 games playing against 1980's teams."
- Dennis Rodman, 1996

"Dr. J had Larry and Magic to test himself against. There's nothing comparable to that quality of competition at the top for these Chicago Bulls. So it seems a little awkward to talk about the Bulls as one of the best teams of all time."
- Bob Costas, 1996

https://s4.gifyu.com/images/90s-talent.png

Scoring was down in the 90s partly because the league had an influx of terrible players due to expansion.

There was also less movement, less action, less scoring = more dull.

[90sgoat]

Yes, it's true, the late 90s had some bad teams, but that was only comparing to the early 90s, which was probably the greatest collection of talent ever.

[Axe]

That's just nostalgia. One of the biggest complaints of the 90's at the time was the low quality of incoming players. The skill level of the players was obviously a lot lower in the 90's and the difference between the great players and the bad ones was extreme and those guys were starting next to each other.

People missed the 80's in the 90's. They missed the pace. They missed the excitement. They missed the skill level. They missed the scoring. The NBA has worked very hard to get back to that and they've finally done it.

Of course there will be a certain demographic that misses the 90s because that's what they were raised on but they're a minority.

The fact of the matter is that the most exciting, talent-laden, competitive series in history have all happened recently.

In ranking finals series, for example, the two greatest ones are modern ones. The top 5 are from the 60s, 70s and 80s. There are no great finals series from the 90s.

No, players were less all around good.

"The league has deteriorated. You have bad general managers drafting bad players. It's like the NFL. The older players are moving on, and the younger ones aren't there yet. You look at some of the guys starting in this league these days and it makes you shake your head."

-- Charles Barkley, 1994

Quick expansion of 7 additional teams forced teams to take guys they would've never taken in the previous decade or in future ones.

"I think the expansion teams have really hurt the league, I think it's depleted the talent in our league."
- Larry Bird, 1996

"This is a generation of dunkers. Players are learning how to dunk as opposed to learning how to play. Sometimes you watch a game and you ask yourself, Why can't anybody shoot anymore?"
- Isiah Thomas, 1994

"We could not have won 70 games playing against 1980's teams."
- Dennis Rodman, 1996

"Dr. J had Larry and Magic to test himself against. There's nothing comparable to that quality of competition at the top for these Chicago Bulls. So it seems a little awkward to talk about the Bulls as one of the best teams of all time."
- Bob Costas, 1996

https://s4.gifyu.com/images/90s-talent.png

Scoring was down in the 90s partly because the league had an influx of terrible players due to expansion.

There was also less movement, less action, less scoring = more dull.
Lol at you, tom riddle aka lord voldemort.

In an older thread, you claimed that baldan used to be your second favorite player after bran but obviously it's just some corny ass red herring from you with the way you proceed in continuing to belittle him and the era he played in, along with other things that involve him.

Tho you're only forced to do this for some nice kickback, don't you think.

[Micku]

It depends on when. You got some complaints in the late 90s than you did in the early 90s.

Ppl back then and even the 00s talk more about the 80s than they did the 90s.

But the popularity peaked in the 90s domestically. The only time where the NBA could sort'a compete the NFL in ratings, at least in the finals. You could argue it's due to MJ tho. But it also really high with Magic-Bird too in comparison to now.

Play and what is exciting to you is subjective. I miss the intensity too. I don't miss the iso ball, but it could out of need sometimes. And the grit and attitude of players. Refs were more relax and the flow of the game was better. It's very annoying to see the type of techs they gave now. Like players taunted and whatever. Not as many soft fouls. Physicality was better too. And I'm a fan of centers using their size to their advance in the post. Checking out the footwork and such. And teams had different styles than they do now.

[72-10]

It was a good league in the 80s, not so much in the 90s, that's for sure.

[kawhileonard2]

90's was the best era. Only era where gold medal was won by the top players and also only top 3 players won league and/or finals mvp.

[Walk on Water]

Not only was basketball more exciting, everything was. The music was way better. There were Tupac and Biggie. Eminem came up in 99. But even pop music like Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears was better than today's music. You had movies like Terminator 2 and Titanic. Shows like Seinfeld and Friends. Everything was better. Even AOL was way better than today's social media.

The babes were hotter. Carmen Electra, Pamela Anderson, etc.. Everything was better.

[Mask the Embiid]

OP is quote unquote...smuggling grapes

[highwhey]

OP is quote unquote...smuggling grapes

:oldlol:

[Axe]

Not only was basketball more exciting, everything was. The music was way better. There were Tupac and Biggie. Eminem came up in 99. But even pop music like Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears was better than today's music. You had movies like Terminator 2 and Titanic. Shows like Seinfeld and Friends. Everything was better. Even AOL was way better than today's social media.

The babes were hotter. Carmen Electra, Pamela Anderson, etc.. Everything was better.
:blah

[90sgoat]

Not only was basketball more exciting, everything was. The music was way better. There were Tupac and Biggie. Eminem came up in 99. But even pop music like Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears was better than today's music. You had movies like Terminator 2 and Titanic. Shows like Seinfeld and Friends. Everything was better. Even AOL was way better than today's social media.

The babes were hotter. Carmen Electra, Pamela Anderson, etc.. Everything was better.

I don't disagree with anything you wrote:confusedshrug:

Don't forget games too.

[90sgoat]

OP is quote unquote...smuggling grapes

That's a weird thing to write. What does it mean?

I googled and I found something about wearing speedos.

Do you want to watch me wear speedos baby?

[Shooter]

-Weak, watered down era
-Only 1 team was strong and had the 2nd best player on the same team
-Expansion era
-WNBA 3 point line
-Illegal zone defense still

:lol 2 ez

90s was WEAK

[Manny98]

https://media.giphy.com/media/fqtyYcXoDV0X6ss8Mf/giphy.gif

[Mr.GOAT2408]

90s NBA (really mid 80s up to... I guess 2014ish) was so much more exciting than this current trash we're seeing. I doubt it's really nostalgia on my end, it's just a different product from what I witnessed back then and not one I find enjoyable. Friends my age that used to talk basketball all the time back then don't even talk about how this season has gone

Silver's NBA :cry:

[Mr. Woke]

The modern NBA is much more exciting than the trash I had to endure back in the day.

Stern's NBA was underwhelming.

Silver is a much better GM, and the modern era kicks ass!

[And1AllDay]

90s NBA (really mid 80s up to... I guess 2014ish) was so much more exciting than this current trash we're seeing. I doubt it's really nostalgia on my end, it's just a different product from what I witnessed back then and not one I find enjoyable. Friends my age that used to talk basketball all the time back then don't even talk about how this season has gone

Silver's NBA :cry:

kenneth griff you back?

https://i.postimg.cc/L6bm3DB4/Kennygriffy-wedding-day.jpg

[Stanley Kobrick]

video game graphics were better back in the day. technology was better. smoking was allowed in doors. blacks weren't allowed to vote and could be publically lynched for whistling at women. life was just much better back in the day without responsibility and having mom pack our lunch.

[90sgoat]

video game graphics were better back in the day. technology was better. smoking was allowed in doors. blacks weren't allowed to vote and could be publically lynched for whistling at women. life was just much better back in the day without responsibility and having mom pack our lunch.

I only recognize lynching and smoking indoors from my childhood.

[kenneth_griffin]

basketball was just more exciting before social media. teams were enemies with the competition. you were friends with a few teammates at most. everyone had something to prove. the regular season meant more. big nationally televised games were a way to show the world who you were. today everyones friends. nobody wants to hurt their brand getting outplayed by someone on their level. they take the game off or don't really care. its just a different level of aggression. whenever i have this discussion with friends i tell them to watch this video of kobe vs tmac highlights. you will never see this kind of passion in a regular season game ever again


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r_cg7bNkjk

[Shooter]

-It wasn't

/end :lol :lol

[Shooter]

kenneth griff you back?

https://i.postimg.cc/L6bm3DB4/Kennygriffy-wedding-day.jpg

:roll::roll:

[DABIGSALSISHA]

It was the best era and fortunately, I was a teenager and started really watching NBA in 1991-1992 .

The Knicks was my team with Ewing and Starks and Madison Square Garden was like a mystic place with so much energy inside that arena.

Then it came the dream team in the summer of 1992 and it changed my life forever. I saw Bird, Magic, Jordan, Barkley, Malone, Pippen, Drexler, Playing and OMG what a feeling that was. The best team ever assembled by men.
Kids all over the world like me were stactic watching those guys and their skill set on the court, and charisma outside the court. Michael Jordan was a gravitational force like another planet inside the earth itself, it was just an unbelievable time. We had Larry Johnson , Barkley flags inside our bedrooms, I had Ewings sneakers, The other reebok with the air pump, lol true 90s stuff.

After watching all that, I started playing 1992 NBA JAM inside my home and true basketball outside. I wanted to become a pro one day and that's funny because I come from soccer land and basketball wasn't viewed the same. However during the summer of 1992 everything changed and i also watched the finals Chicago vs Portland and realized that for the first time in my life that I watched an unstoppable force on the court and is name was Michael Jordan. My jaw dropped and i didn't know what to say or what to think.

The very next day after the 1992 Finals, during the Physical Education Class in my school, we had at least 5-10 VHS's tapes brought up by kids with the finals games chicago vs portland being traded around lol, and all the kids were trying to replicate Michael Jordan's moves during class, we were talking about it, having a great time playing basketball. One of my friends learned all the M.J.s moves, started working out like M.J. and and became the best player in our school.
Funny thing is, all that was not in the STATES! this was 7 thousand miles away from a America with no cel phone, no social media, nothing, just true fans of the sport.

One of the Newspapers back then put Michael Jordan's hand stamped right on top of the front page with every single detail about THE MAN and his bulls. I read everything end felt inspired by the GOAT.

Later on, in 1995, I became an Orlando Magic fan because of Penny Hardaway and his incredible vision of the game.

What an incredible, incredible time, Championships were EARNED, not BOUGHT or fabricated like today.

Whoever is criticizing the 90s is because wasn't alive back then, so they don't know what they are talking about.

I remember very little of the late 80's and Magic vs Bird and their battles but remember people talking about of how incredible they were. There was a game I don't record in which video game called magic vs bird and I was often invited to play that at a buddies house in the late 80s. lmao. It was a must have for most kids that loved the sport.

No, I won't criticize the 80s or 70's because i didn't watch how the game was played. It's not up to me to come with assumptions of an era, start watching a bunch of youtube videos and start judging everyone.

I have respect for the other generations unlike a few kids here, who talk out of their asses ALL THE TIME.

The 2021 NBA is ASS, weak sauce close to 90s, there really is no comparison.

[1987_Lakers]

The NBA became watered down by the time expansion teams came into play. This was heavily discussed by the media during that time, it was no secret really. It boils down to nostalgia, everything seems better when were a kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p57WjbKSoJ0

[And1AllDay]

The NBA became watered down by the time expansion teams came into play. This was heavily discussed by the media during that time, it was no secret really. It boils down to nostalgia, everything seems better when were a kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p57WjbKSoJ0

killer

brutality

its a big wrAaaaaap

:dancin

[Bronbron23]

The NBA became watered down by the time expansion teams came into play. This was heavily discussed by the media during that time, it was no secret really. It boils down to nostalgia, everything seems better when were a kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p57WjbKSoJ0

While i don't disagree with this i never understand why bron stans bring this up. The same principle applies today. It's actually more watered down because there's more teams. It's only a good argument for proponents of the 80's or before.

[scuzzy]

The NBA became watered down by the time expansion teams came into play. This was heavily discussed by the media during that time, it was no secret really. It boils down to nostalgia, everything seems better when were a kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p57WjbKSoJ0
this

[1987_Lakers]

While i don't disagree with this i never understand why bron stans bring this up. The same principle applies today. It's actually more watered down because there's more teams. It's only a good argument for proponents of the 80's or before.

But in today's league you have superstar talent from overseas, you didn't have that in the 90's. There was also a period in the 90's where the college talent wasn't all that great. And it's no secret that the very best teams in the NBA from 2012-present were superior to MJ's competiton.

[FKAri]

The rules and metagame allowed for a more interesting game. Defenses could actually stop teams from scoring. Offenses didn't resort to simply rolling the dice with the 3 ball.


It boils down to nostalgia, everything seems better when were a kid.
This is also very true. I can at least admit that the average ability of the player today is higher than in the 90s.

However, I don't enjoy the actual games as much. I can't say if there's an objective reason for it or its simply due to the modern game being different to what I grew up with.

[DABIGSALSISHA]

The rules and metagame allowed for a more interesting game. Defenses could actually stop teams from scoring. Offenses didn't resort to simply rolling the dice with the 3 ball.


This is also very true. I can at least admit that the average ability of the player today is higher than in the 90s.

However, I don't enjoy the actual games as much. I can't say if there's an objective reason for it or its simply due to the modern game being different to what I grew up with.

You are being very polite. You don't enjoy because it's garbage.

[90sgoat]

But in today's league you have superstar talent from overseas, you didn't have that in the 90's.

Wut?

Hakeem
Detlef Schrempf
Drazen Petrovic
Sarunas Marciulionus
Toni Kukoc
Vlade Divac
Arvydas Sabonis
Peja Stojakovic
Rik Smits
Dikembe Mutombo

Many of those would be absolute superstars today.

Can you imagine Sabonis? A 7'3'' Nikola Jokic with elite defense.

Or the guards Sarunas and Drazen, they'd kill it.

[90sgoat]

However, I don't enjoy the actual games as much. I can't say if there's an objective reason for it or its simply due to the modern game being different to what I grew up with.

I made this thread, because every time I watch 90s ball, there's something about the movement on the floor, that makes it instantly recognisable as "this is important".

One thing I do remember was the attitude of growing up in the 90s and playing with older players.

You had to earn everything on the court. I remember that.

It was tough, it was physical, it was not "nice" or friendly in any way, so I think, there was thing feeling that you made it, once you got accepted in the team and you scored a basket. It really felt like an achievement.

[And1AllDay]

-it wasn't

/end :lol :lol

[1987_Lakers]

Wut?

Hakeem
Detlef Schrempf
Drazen Petrovic
Sarunas Marciulionus
Toni Kukoc
Vlade Divac
Arvydas Sabonis
Peja Stojakovic
Rik Smits
Dikembe Mutombo

Many of those would be absolute superstars today.

Can you imagine Sabonis? A 7'3'' Nikola Jokic with elite defense.

Or the guards Sarunas and Drazen, they'd kill it.



:roll: if you really think any of those players besides Hakeem would be superstars today. Dude really said Divac, Peja, Smits, etc would be "absolute superstars" today.

Doncic, Giannis, Embiid, Jokic. Those 4 in today's league you can say are superstars, in the 90's Hakeem was the only one, and he went to college in America if you want to nitpick.

[BigShotBob]

:roll: if you really think any of those players besides Hakeem would be superstars today. Dude really said Divac, Peja, Smits, etc would be "absolute superstars" today.

Doncic, Giannis, Embiid, Jokic. Those 4 in today's league you can say are superstars, in the 90's Hakeem was the only one, and he went to college in America if you want to nitpick.

Reverse it. Luka, Giannis, Embiid, and Jokic would absolutely NOT be superstars in the 90's. Especially not Giannis.

[mehyaM24]

giannis would be dogchow for 90s centers.

[BigShotBob]

giannis would be dogchow for 90s centers.

Luka admitted that it was easier to score in the NBA than it was to score in the Euroleague and we still have posters that tout players as superstars as if it wasn't by the NBA's design.

[1987_Lakers]

Luka admitted that it was easier to score in the NBA than it was to score in the Euroleague and we still have posters that tout players as superstars as if it wasn't by the NBA's design.

If he thinks its easier in the NBA, can you imagine how easy it would be to score in the mid 90's NBA with the short 3 point line?

Doncic, Embiid, Jokic, would all be 40% 3 point shooters. Jokic would be a nightmare for Shaq, we all know Shaq hated going up against centers who could shoot.

Giannis would fit right in, might be better than any player MJ went up against during his 2nd 3 peat to be honest. And he doesn't have to worry about zone defenses because they were illegal, zones are the only way to limit him.

[90sgoat]

:roll: if you really think any of those players besides Hakeem would be superstars today. Dude really said Divac, Peja, Smits, etc would be "absolute superstars" today.

Doncic, Giannis, Embiid, Jokic. Those 4 in today's league you can say are superstars, in the 90's Hakeem was the only one, and he went to college in America if you want to nitpick.

Drazen Petrovic died, but he was supposed to be the first true euro superstar.

I didn't watch him play, but he scored 21ppg in 1993 on 45% from 3.

I think it's safe to say he'd be a star today.

Divac would definitely be a star. Remember what he did on those Kings as an old man. Jokic-lite.

Peja was a 6-10 sniper from 3, definitely a star today.

Sabonis, of course a star.

I mean all these players were great. Doncic, Embiid and Jokic are better, but the rest isn't.

[1987_Lakers]

We saw Petrovic's peak. Believe he died at 29 or 30, never a superstar. Sabonis was All-star caliber, nowhere close to a superstar in the NBA. Peja peaked in the 2000s not the 90s but far from superstar, also a horrific defender.

Try again.

[AirBonner]

Robinson was a choke artist. Didn’t do shit till a modern player like Duncan carried him to the title. Weak era.

[HoopsNY]

The NBA became watered down by the time expansion teams came into play. This was heavily discussed by the media during that time, it was no secret really. It boils down to nostalgia, everything seems better when were a kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p57WjbKSoJ0

Fans who believe the game was more exciting then, like myself, don't only say that about 1988-96. They believe the game was more exciting in 2000, 2005, 2010, and right up to about 2014. The game has fundamentally changed since then. So fans now really need to stop claiming "90s fans are living off of nostalgia."

In addition, the expansion argument has been dealt with time and time again, yet you and other Bran fans continue to mention it like it's some mantra. 97 bulls made an entire thread about it, yet no one has had a suitable response. I believe Kblaze had one as well.

The Euro argument has also been responded, once again, no response.

[HoopsNY]

We saw Petrovic's peak. Believe he died at 29 or 30, never a superstar. Sabonis was All-star caliber, nowhere close to a superstar in the NBA. Peja peaked in the 2000s not the 90s but far from superstar, also a horrific defender.

Try again.

Petrovic wasn't a superstar because he only became a starter after 4 seasons of playing on the bench. He strung together 2 seasons at ages 27 and 28. There's no reason to think that a guy like Petrovic wouldn't be lighting up today's game.

Peja peaked in the early 2000s, the greatest defensive era, arguably, ever. He was 4th in MVP voting in 2003-04, and he was a "horrific defender," but guys like Harden and Luka are defensive gods apparently.

[HoopsNY]

If he thinks its easier in the NBA, can you imagine how easy it would be to score in the mid 90's NBA with the short 3 point line?

Doncic, Embiid, Jokic, would all be 40% 3 point shooters. Jokic would be a nightmare for Shaq, we all know Shaq hated going up against centers who could shoot.

Giannis would fit right in, might be better than any player MJ went up against during his 2nd 3 peat to be honest. And he doesn't have to worry about zone defenses because they were illegal, zones are the only way to limit him.

Embiid never shot 40% from 3. He shot 38% this season, but prior to this year, career-wise, he was a 32% shooter. It's called the evolution of the game. Where there is emphasis, players will train.

I've repeatedly shown, through numerous posts, how NBA players, the most talented players in the world, can and will adjust given the style of play and rule changes. The 3 is no different and we saw it from the inception of the 3 point line right until today.

It's why Rondo can start his career shooting 26% but then become a 36% shooter from the distance. It's why Embiid can shoot 32% for four seasons and now shoot 38%.

[TheCorporation]

The NBA became watered down by the time expansion teams came into play. This was heavily discussed by the media during that time, it was no secret really. It boils down to nostalgia, everything seems better when were a kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p57WjbKSoJ0

https://media.giphy.com/media/3ofT5yFjWxh15lsl0s/giphy.gif

[CountDracula]

The stars of today would get bullied by past greats. The work ethic off the court is not there! It would basically be men vs boys!

https://i.ibb.co/DrGbD2Q/subsource-done-button-uid-C1-E5-A26-F-4-A2-D-485-C-99-CE-92-E0505865-DF-1608477660834-source-other-o.jpg (https://ibb.co/5KY9WHL)

https://i.ibb.co/jHWBHZG/subsource-done-button-uid-C1-E5-A26-F-4-A2-D-485-C-99-CE-92-E0505865-DF-1608477660834-source-other-o.jpg (https://ibb.co/pnRGnrZ)

https://i.ibb.co/gtGtmJq/DENVER-CO-APRIL-19-Nikola-Jokic-15-of-the-Denver-Nuggets-leaves-the-court-after-the-second-overtime.jpg (https://ibb.co/vLbLVky)

[Axe]

Softest and lightest era of all-time

[3ball]

I was watching that thread with Reggie Miller making plays and I was thinking:

How can anyone not tell that this is just way more exciting to watch?

Then I thought, why is that, what is it about the game that is just so instantly recognisable as more important?

The reason is because each move mattered a lot more.

With the current game today, focused on 3 point shots and way higher scores, the difference in skill is not as obvious.

Shooting 3s and shooting a lot of them, has a way higher variance, so you need many more shots, to tell who is good or bad.

This is like playing poker with tight vs loose.

If you play a loose game, it might seem more exciting on the surface, but it is also hard to tell if you're good or just some rando getting lucky.

Where as if you play tight like Phil Hellmuth, you know this guy has to be good, because he is winning all these rings, while barely playing any hands.

This is the simple mathematical fact when scores are 80-70 instead of 130-120. There are way less shots and makes. Each score is more important, thus each move to get a score is more important, thus defense is way more important.

So yeah, modern NBA is not exciting, because it is sort of like "everyone gets a prize" mentality, while in the 90s, you had one shot, do not miss your chance to glow, this opportunity comes one in a lifetime yo.

Thanks for coming to my Tedtalk.


Yes, the threes and high scores dilute the value of each play and it's more monotonous

Furthermore, the chemistry and quality of basketball for today's short-term, mercenary collusions can't touch the long-term organic chemistry and team identities developed in prior eras..

So it was better quality basketball and a more competitive environment with deep-seeded rivalries, aka superior basketball

[CountDracula]

“I must break him(Anthony Davis)!” -Shawn Kemp

https://i.ibb.co/qM4xDG8/uid-06-A8265-A-FCC3-4580-8724-9-D3-C07-FF0234-1622707033612-source-other-origin-unknown.jpg (https://ibb.co/TBnrwXG)

https://i.ibb.co/gVcmfmP/9-FB88012-B615-4-A93-9-CD2-BCBFE9779-D0-F.gif (https://imgbb.com/)

[Axe]

it wasnt better
:cheers:

[scuzzy]

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ah163/lambruh/giphy_zps9srv3qko.gif