The NBA today vs. then

[TarheelNC]

What are some of the differences in the way the game was played, say back in the 80's and now? Is the game more enjoyable? Lacking fundamentals? Etc...

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

The game completely lacks fundamentals today in comparison to the 80's. Part of that is due to the fact so many players have left school after 1 year of college or turned pro after high school. In the 80's almost every team had at least 1 star calibre player. We can't say that about today's NBA. One thing that hasn't changed is the fact the Lakers for the most part get what they want. The only time it didn't happen is when the league stepped in to stop them from acquiring Chris Paul.

I actually enjoyed watching the NBA in the 80's. I haven't watched a game from start to finish this season.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Hand checking. Now if even hand anywhere near an offensive player, its a foul. I liked back then they let em play more, less calls.

What do expect, look at football, cant lay a pinky on the QB.

 

[TarheelNC]

Is it just me or have all sports become too 'watered down'??

 

[Golden Spur]

I think their has been a greater emphasis on pure athleticism, and that translates to a more Defensive game - you see this especially in playoff series. On offense, there are less pure shooters than you saw back in the day.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Hand checking. Now if even hand anywhere near an offensive player, its a foul. I liked back then they let em play more, less calls.

What do expect, look at football, cant lay a pinky on the QB.

I agree. There were times guys got mugged if they went down the lane. Now if a player is touched the refs call a foul. This is just one of many reasons I think Jordan is & always will be the best basketball player ever.

 

[bone3421]

defensive????......i guess if you have the right player on your team you can play defense

but if you are trying to stop lbj/kobe/durant you better hope they miss because if you try to make them miss they go to the FT line

 

[ThruTheEyesOfRuby]

I think their has been a greater emphasis on pure athleticism, and that translates to a more Defensive game - you see this especially in playoff series. On offense, there are less pure shooters than you saw back in the day.

I'd agree with this. When I was younger and tuned into a few Bird-era Celtic games with my stepdad it didn't seem unusual to see scores in the 120/130-pt range on a regular basis.

 

[bone3421]

I'd agree with this. When I was younger and tuned into a few Bird-era Celtic games with my stepdad it didn't seem unusual to see scores in the 120/130-pt range on a regular basis.

because people could shoot and didnt run slowdown iso offensives

 

[Upstater]

There were real rivalries back in the 80's.

There was a certain passion that was on the court every night and not just the playoffs.

Teams and players hated each other. You didn't see laughing with opponents or joking around. It was all business.

 

[bone3421]

just picked a random year but the top 20 for FG% all were above .530 in 86/87

last year the top 11 were above .530

10/11 the last full year only top 10 were above .530 fg%

thats not the end all be all but it just seems to me watching/remembering they could shoot a hell of a lot better back then

also just checked 85/86 and once again top 20 were all above .530 fg%

 

[TexasMan]

Allen Iverson and the people of his ilk ruined the NBA.

 

[bone3421]

would like to add they were making more fg's also..........85/86 top 20 in fg made were above 622

08/09 only top 10 made more than 622 fg's

86/87 top 20 all above 650 fg made

10/11(last full year) top 11 above 650 fg made

 

[ThruTheEyesOfRuby]

I LOL'd when I saw this. I had to share it.. this thread is as good as any..

What does this fan think of the new NBA??