The evolution of the NBA
Tichenor reflects on the ways the NBA has progressed through the years
Nostalgia is a powerful thing.
Not the same — Some think the NBA has transformed into a better game over the years, but older generations would disagree. Google Images
Prior generations love to get all poetic about how their era was better than today’s. Beside maybe eating oatmeal and reading the newspaper, telling “kids” how things used to be so much better is 40-somethings’ and 50-somethings’ favorite thing to do.
Specifically, basketball fans raised on the 80s NBA love rubbing it in young NBA fans’ faces how much better basketball was back in the day. And, to be fair, they do have some valid points.
There have not been two players resembling Magic Johnson and Larry Bird since the good ol’ days. Young Michael Jordan was one of the greatest spectacles in sports history. It was the first true Golden Era for the league, which also boasted young stars like Hakeem Olajuwon, Bill Walton, Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley during the mid-to-late 80s.
But much to the curmudgeonly old-timer’s dismay, today’s NBA has evolved into a product that rivals the sacred Magic/Larry/Jordan-led Golden Era. They will repeatedly deny this is the case, but do not worry, this is normal.
The purpose of this article is to give you ammunition against your nostalgic dad, uncle, local sports talk radio host, etc.
Take notes.
Curmudgeon argument No. 1: “Today’s game is soft.”
If anyone watched Game 4 of this year’s Cleveland-Boston series, they would know physicality in the NBA is not dead. Kevin Love’s arm was pulled out of socket. Jae Crowder almost got knocked out. It was a straight out brawl. And it was ugly.
Sure, the game was more physical in the 80s, but in the wrong ways. Unnecessary fouls and playing dirty were glorified during that time, which is not what basketball is about. If you want to watch bodies hit the ground, go watch football. Basketball is a sport of skill and athleticism. That should be the focal point.
The two best teams of the 80s — the Celtics and Lakers — both thrived as graceful offensive machines. That is what should be celebrated from that era, not the brutish physicality of the game.
Curmudgeon argument No. 2: “There will never be another Jordan.”
That is like saying, “Oh man, since this salmon is not steak, it is not good.”
Salmon and steak can both be good, as long as the consumer is not expecting salmon to be steak and vice versa. In fact, someone appreciating a good meal would love salmon and steak on the same plate.
Same thing with basketball. A real fan will appreciate LeBron James. A real fan will appreciate Tim Duncan or Kevin Durant or Anthony Davis. These guys are something basketball has never seen and it is prime entertainment.
There is a particular resentment toward James by Generation Curmudgeon because of his coronation as basketball’s next megastar. All James did was win four Most Valuable Player awards and two NBA championships. His teams have been in the Finals the past four seasons — something last done by Bird’s Celtics from 1984-1987. His career averages 12 seasons into his career: 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game.
Not enjoying LeBron James is not enjoying basketball.
Sure, it might not be steak. But it is some darn good salmon.
Curmudgeon argument No. 3: “The prominence of the three-pointer has ruined basketball.”
This is probably the surliest argument of all of the old-man arguments. While the three-pointer existed in the 80s, it was more of a novelty than a focal point of basketball strategy. Pre-1990, the most three-point attempts by a single player in a season was 466. This year, five players took at least that many threes. Stephen Curry took a remarkable 646 threes and made an even more remarkable 44.3 percent of those. In fact, the first time a team took as many threes as ’14-’15 Stephen Curry was the ’86-’87 Dallas Mavericks with 653 attempts.
So yes, with the sudden emphasis on efficiency, the three-point shot has become a much bigger part of the game. Kyle Korver was an all-star this year for goodness’ sake. That does not mean the game is worse or less exciting. More threes lead to more scoring and better comebacks.
NBA basketball is as good as it has ever been. Even without Magic, Larry and Jordan. So, sit down in your recliner and watch the show, NBA curmudgeon.
You might just enjoy yourself.
TICHENOR is the former sports editor.