Magic Johnson didn’t hold back after Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards claimed that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player of the past. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce took the opportunity to address these comments on their “Ticket and The Truth” podcast.
Paul Pierce acknowledged that today’s players are more skilled but pointed out that they play much more individually than when he was in the league.
“The skill level has gotten better,” Pierce said to Garnett. “But I don’t think it makes you a better player overall.”
In basketball, especially in the NBA, the system of playing and finding your role is essential. However, today’s game is less focused on the system. The rules have become easier, and the public generally prefers a more offense-oriented game. As a result, the NBA allows offensive players more leeway, such as traveling or double-dribbling, when it adds to the entertainment value.
Kevin Garnett took it a step further, stating that he doesn’t believe any current NBA player, aside from the younger generation, could have lasted during his prime.
“If I’m being honest, I don’t think anybody in this generation could have played 20 years ago,” the former MVP told his former teammate. “If I’m 100% honest—and this is to Ant, to everybody in our league, Jayson Tatum, everybody—let me tell y’all something. Twenty years ago, you couldn’t get away with a triple step-back [jump shot]. Do you hear what I’m saying? You couldn’t get to a triple step-back.
“And if you did take that shot, it had to go in. You know why? Because we had efficiency back in the day, and it was so hard. The game was too physical, and the league had to ease up on it to allow for more scoring, which is why we now see this high-paced, fast-break style of play.”
Check out the video of the duo below.
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