These days, any basketball fan will tell you that NBA podcasters love nothing more than comparing eras and players. Many do it for the clout, but some inject sense into the conversation. Count Muggsy Bogues in among the voices of the reason.
In an appearance on The Mark Jackson Show, the shortest guy to ever play in the Association outlines the differences between the old and new eras. Muggsy’s take shows that comparing different periods is not only impossible but also pointless.
“I sit back and hear all of the conversations with the young guys talk about the game today and as opposed to the game back then and how they don’t understand that eras are all different,” the 1987 first-round pick said. “They don’t understand that the skillset is totally different in terms of the NBA called for at that particular time.”
“In our time, we don’t have big guys that bring the ball up the court; they played with their back to the basket. So these guys who are big now gotta work on that aspect of the game and try to fit the style of the game today,” explained the 14-year NBA veteran.
The Baltimore native’s simple observation is on point. We don’t even have to go back to the 80s or 90s to prove it. Just 12 years ago, Lakers big man Andrew Bynum attempted a wide-open three-pointer with 16 seconds left on the shot clock. Coach Mike Brown was livid and yanked him out of the game, thinking that the shot could have taken the Purple and Gold out of their rhythm. Today, nobody would bat an eyelash if somebody like that attempts five a night.
Chuck and GP agree
Fortunately, Muggsy is not the lone rational voice. For one, 1993 MVP Charles Barkley thought it was impossible to compare all-time greats who played in different eras.
“Kareem was the greatest in his generation, MJ was the greatest in his generation, and LeBron has been the greatest in his generation. You can’t compare eras; it’s impossible. LeBron is, and I’ve said this before, the greatest story ever. I don’t want to leave Kobe out of that conversation either, but I’ve always said, as great as Kobe was, Kevin Garnett was, LeBron’s the one that came in ready to play at 18 years old,” the Chuckster said back in the 2023 All-Star Week.
Along these lines, Hall of Famer Gary Payton implored current and former NBA players to ‘ leave each other’s eras alone .’ As the “Glove” noted, his era was about defense and toughness, while the current one is about scoring and entertainment. Each has its own merits, but at the end of the day, it’s an entirely different style of play.
Related: "MJ called Lute Olson and told him he had a diamond in the rough" - When Michael Jordan gave his seal of approval to Gilbert Arenas
Game got global
While discussing the varying play styles over time, the former Wizards draft pick expressed his appreciation for what current NBA players contribute, especially in elevating the game to new heights.
“That’s the beauty of the game; it’s all global,” the former Wake Forest University Demon Deacon remarked. “The game now has become global and that’s the wonderful thing about watching the skill set of the game.”
Ultimately, every era leaves its own mark. Rather than comparing them, we should just appreciate how each generation shaped the game into what it is today.
Related: Muggsy Bogues talks about the brilliance of Vince Carter: "He doesn't get the credit he deserves"
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