I agree with your projection of Mark Price. Besides his obvious shooting ability, he was so quick and could split a double team on the pick n rolls that he would abuse screens now that moving screens aren't called that much. He could already get to the lane so with the spacing in today's game he would get many more baskets in the lane. Basically put up All-Star seasons Trae Young numbers but on MUCH better shooting splits.
I don't get why everyone picks on Trae but ignores Trae numbers are better than Steph and that's w no help most his career lol. Price numbers would minimum be prime Steph and that's regardless of roster🦊
Probably wouldn't go crazy. Today's game is more about handles than the 80's or 90's. Richmond had passable handles at best, while Ellis didn't have good handles at all. Ellis would probably play at the level of Zach LaVine and Klay Thompson. And for clarification, Klay Thompson isn't an all time great player. Richmond might play at that level as well.
Patrick Ewing was the best jump shooter of the powerhouse centers of that era. If he played today, he’s the one who would benefit the most from today’s emphasis on the three ball.
I disagree in part. I think he’d have a much harder time defending then guys like Hakeem or D-Rob, both of whom (especially Robinson) could also shot jumpers.
Precisely the problem with Ewing is that he fell in love with his jump shot. That and his other limitations were fully exposed by Hakeem Olajuwon. I don't think he would stand out at all in later eras.
Great choices, Here are some more 80's players that would be great today. Chris Mullin, Fat Lever, Sam Perkins, Detlef Schrempf, Craig Hodges, just to add a few more some to the list you already made. Honestly, there is about 30 players from just the 80's whom would have drastically different roles into game to make them top elites and few the would be the complete opposite. Maybe that could be your next list.
I'll add Joe Dumars as an honorable mention. Great shooter and defender with the ability to run the point and get his own shot as well. He would've had even more all star appearances in this era I think.
His numbers were lower than they should've be, because he played with Isiah who was somewhat of a ballhog. As weird as it may sound, Dumars and Thomas should've played on separate teams.
@@penkima4923I do get where you're coming from. But they made it work and are the top small guard duo of All Time. And throw in Vinnie johnson, who would have started on many teams in the league, you couldn't find a better guard trio.
@@Amick44 Curry and Thompson are probably a better duo. Maybe some other duos as well. Because Isiah handled the basketball so much. It was also to do with the era, when the point guard had the basketball for 20 seconds every half court offense. Substitute Dumars with somebody like Dale Ellis and all parties would've won in the equation.
An idea for a video that I’ve been thinking about could be “ most underrated teams of each era. That could be 5 short videos thrown into one and I feel like that would be intriguing to others. Either way I’m watching whatever you post and I hope you know it makes my day to see you post after a long day of work❤️
Great picks! I'd add John Stockton because coming out of college, he was a scoring PG. With his shooting efficiency like that of Price and Nash but superior defense and durability, Stockton could probably still average 12-15 ast/game with the inflated offenses while adding 20-22 points and 3.5 stl/game with 55/40/85 splits.
Im glad you said this. People really dont know that Stockton was a scoring gaurd coming out that could pass. Utah system made him a pass girst shoot later type.
@@dewanewelch1744, I see Steve Nash (a great player but overrated in receiving 2 MVP's) as basically a John Stockton with the green light to shoot and playmake quickly all the while without the elite defense, durability, and strength to set picks.
@mickeylee2624 I can't even say that about Nash. Both Nash and Dantoni have came out and publicly said they wish they would have gave him the option to shoot more after Dantoni had success using Harden that way.
I think that Jonny only took already NBA players of the 80's for this video. And Drazen was rookie in 1990. It's the same with Arvydas Sabonis, who would be another Jokic in this modern Era.
Peja Mijatovic!!! He played in the 90s inbthe NBA. What a legend, he is consideres by many the greatest European player of all time. He would dominate in todays game
Bernard King, Alex English, and Moses Malone are my immediate picks, for obvious reasons. (While King and English weren't good long distance shooters, their ability to drive to the hoop and finish would make them super elite on a free motion setup, and with a bit of nudging to pass, would free up 3 point spotters. Moses would be perfect just for his ability to grab every offensive rebound and give his team 2nd chances to score.) But after thinking about it for a long minute, I came up with who you missed, @jonny_arnett. Tom Chambers. Like Bird, with encouragement, his 3-point shooting would rise up. And even if his percentages don't improve (and I think it would), just the fact you have a 6'10" PF comfortable shooting from all corners of the court and still athletic enough to compete in a NBA dunk contest would be amazing. Not to mention, with today's modern tech, would have helped him stay on the court longer.
I really wish I could see Prime Bird play today, even for just a month. I seriously think he’d average 35, 15 and 10 and win every MVP that’s been going to Jokic
Jokic is better and would win MVP's over Bird in the 80s and now because for his size he's a unicorn and has better splits. He's in top 5 of points ,assists and rebounds this year. Jokic is also number 1 in efficiency and number 1 in 3 point shooting percentage. In what year Bird did that or was even remotely close.? Jokic is a better player period. Jokic has the highest PER in history while Bird is 23rd lol . Jokic takes all MVPs from Bird in the 80s .
@@cezaryadamski8786we are living in an era of inflated stats, no defense, and superstar players running the entire teams offense. Put Bird in today’s game and he’d be averaging even more insane numbers than Jokic.
Birds best assist season was 7.6 playing with McHale, Parish, DJ, Ainge. Put him to play Murray, Porter, Gordon and Brown and he won't average more even in today's league. He won't average more rebounds either. Jokic is number 1 in PER, it's not a coincidence. He's better.
@@facelessandnamelessget off your nostalgic shoes and wake up to reality. Bird in todays era would get clamped to oblivion. If you’ve actually sat down and watched a game in the era he played in, I mean actually watch a game, not following the media narratives, just watch a game, his era was not that good
Laimbeer is a highly underated player. He literally did it all for Detroit and no doubt his antics rubbed off on a young bench player named Dennis Rodman. That Pistons team with Laimbeer, Rodman, Mahorn and Edwards were a rare collection of talented goons. Most teams just had 20 spare fouls on the bench to hack the opposing star player(s), but those guys would hack you and board and score. If not for getting jobbed against the Lakers and then aging out, those Pistons probably would've three-peated. Yeah, a lot of guys from the 80s would thrive today, hell they would've moreso then if the NBA wasn't so archaic for so long.
Jordan will legitimately be dropping 60 points per game. Defenses are literally set up to give away mid range shots and he is by far the greatest mid range shooter that ever lived, and he's used to scoring them with two or three defenders in his face
Hmm, not so sure about that. With his shooting form, I don't think he'd be a great 3-point shooter. He'd probably be somewhat like Brandon Ingram, with more post up play and hence points, but his numbers might even be lower today than in the 80's.
@arch8748 incorrect. There's no hard man defense now and he shot well over 35 percent from 3 when that was excellent. Go look up what every superstar at the time said and says. In today's game, he's an all star. He was the best defender on the perimeter period in his prime. Guys still tell stories about how he was the nightmare matchup. Also, the PG position has gotten shorter. Due to the 3, the league got smaller. He'd have a better career today than he did then. BTW, on the getting fired for suggesting him, no. Zach Edey. Earl Watson. Jokic, Doncic, Giannis. In the current game, the oddity is welcome with open arms.
The pistol would THRIVE in today's NBA he revolutionised the game for point guards of today if you didn't steal from the pistol you stole from someone who stole from him he was amazing
Awesome video, Jonny! You make a great case for each of the players you mentioned. For a brief moment, I had doubts about Laimbeer, but then I remembered that he developed a nice outside shooting game. While he would get suspended a lot (as you said), I think his toughness would still be helpful as would his rebounding skills. Bird was the first person who came to mind for me, and I agree with you that he'd do very well in today's game :). As for other players who would be better if they played today, I'd say Peja Stojakovic and Chris Webber would be among them (I remember the latter developing a decent outside game and the former being a great shooter) as would Toni Kukoc. I saw someone else mention Drazen Petrovic and I agree with that too. While Vlade Divac was not a great 3 point shooter, he had decent range (especially for a center in his era) and he was a great passer. He was also notorious for flopping which would be a skill that would (unfortunately) be helpful in today's game also. Nice video again! Merry Christmas to you and your family! I hope you and yours have a great holiday and hope you enjoy the Christmas Day games. God bless. Take care.
Dale was no joke in Seattle, Mark would feast in the league today the man was unreal with a Buttery 🧈 smooth jumper.! Hersey Hawkins was a great shooter in his era, I think his numbers would increase significantly if he played today .
It’s fun to speculate about this, because the game is so very different now. 100% on all of these 80’s guys. Made me think about 90’s guys as well. Say what you want about Duke centers like Laettner, Ferry, and even Cherokee Parks, but they’d be killing it in today’s game. Medical science being what it is today, I want to give a shout out to Sam Bowie. He would’ve got his leg repaired and rehabbed properly, and would be all NBA nowadays.
Hakeem olajuwan shouldve been on the official list his play style was tailor made for the modern nba. Along side his length and athleticism, he would’ve been and even greater player than he already was
You should do a video on which modern players (the ones drafted from 2010 onwards) would be better in the 80s/90s. Lu Dort and Giannis immediately come to mind because they would be abusive defensively. Kawhi Leonard, PG, and Steven Adams as well are on that list. And then Jokic because he plays a lot like Bird and his stamina and work ethic would hold up well, and his passing would have damn near every center in the league turning their heads 360 degrees.
I remember 10 years ago when I used to get into arguments with people about how Larry Bird would do in modern basketball. Modern 10 years ago and today are different, but it was just funny in retrospect being proven right when there were SO many people who thought he'd be a complete scrub. He's too unathletic, not a good enough defender etc. is what they'd say. Bird was an underrated defender but let's just say he was a bad defender... the best player in the NBA rn to most people is Nikola Jokic. We also have Luka, who's top 3 or 5 to most people. Enough said.
I think a guy like Adrian Dantley would be hugely scoring dominant in this era of play considering just how open lanes tend to be and his insane mid-range shooting percentages. As long as a team took him for what he is and didnt try and get him to shoot a bajillion threes per game at any rate.
Something younger fans don't seem to understand, either by choice or just actual ignorance, is that plenty of players back then had their true talent hindered by the style of play at the time rather than just sheer inability to do certain things guys today can do
what are your opinions on players/coaches being omitted in future anniversary teams. so far Bob Davies and Joe Fulks are the only two players who made an anniversary team (25th anniversary) who didn’t make subsequent ones. Bill Fitch and John Kundla are the only coaches who made the top 10 anniversary team but not the top 15 anniversary team. really Doc Rivers is better than John Kundla?
Bird would probably also get better treatment of his injuries, and would likely have had a prolonged career. He would not only destroy today's NBA, but would probably destroy it for more years.
Aleksandar Đorđević -he played only a few games (only 61 minutes !) in 1996-1997 for Portland. Its just on ename but there are a number of players from the 80s in Europe who would have deserved playing time in the NBA back then but even more so in today's NBA game.
Alex English and George Gervin would be great in today's NBA. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (Chris Jackson from LSU) would kill it too but he's from the early 90s
Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, ,Mark Price Joe Dumars, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler,Reggie Miller, James Worthy, Dominique Wilkins....loved Magic and Showtime. But I don't think today's game is for him? Personal opinion.
I know he's from the 90s but Chris Johnson would avg 30+ But for the 80s, I'd also include Kevin McHale, Byron Scott, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Kareem, Bob McAdoo, Kenny the jet Smith, Dantly, George Gervin, Ralph Sampson, Dr J, shit even Danny Ainge & Joe Dumas (before the coke), i know allot of them are obvious, but you did mention Bird haha What's funny is i wasn't born until the 90s & learned the vast majority of these names playing with retro teams in 2K 😂
Larry Johnson, point forward too quick for forwards too strong for guards , deep range shooting , handles , rebounding , trash talking , LJ was elite , one of the few players who lit Rodman up on a basis
I would love to see someone break down just how good Hakeem Olajuwon really was I have him as the greatest center of all time. Even over Kareem. 86 WCF as a talking point. Not to mention he played in the greatest big man era and dominated them all. When Jordan retired he did exactly what he was supposed to do. Dream was so good..
Dominique Wilkins!!! Imagine Nique dunking on everybody, and shooting threes at a clip that he shot those long 2s. His averages jump to +30, and his peak scoring to +35.
Bird may have also benefited from modern sports medicine and surgery if he played in the current era, with the back problems he had in his mid to late career. Might have had a longer prime in the modern era, especially with load management thrown in.
EVERY player from previous generations would be better in today's weak NBA!! Every player would go up at least one "Tier". An average player would become an All-Star. An All-Star would become a Superstar.
What's up my bro merry Christmas to you and yours. I got one question as I've seen it posted on fb would you rather start a team with kg or Giannis? For me I do believe Giannis is better then kg from a all around standpoint. But kg was that Dog he was a better defender and played with much more ferocity. I grew up in the 80s and 90s I watched kg. If I had to pick one Im taking kg.
One statement of yours I vehemently disagree with. That anybody that survived that era can play today. No. Players like Rick Mahorn, if you can't guard the pick and roll on the perimeter and don't have a jump shot, you're not playing today. Prime Dennis Rodman would wreck havoc defensively but he'd be clogging the paint on offense and would be a black hole because he can't shoot anywhere. You need toughness back then. You need skill today.
There are players on every team who don't shoot outside the paint at all, and mostly finish lobs. Rodman was a good scorer early in his career, and he'd probably score more in today's game. He might be just a lob-threat, maybe an overall paint threat, or he might even be shooting jays. Doesn't really matter how he would be on offense, because he'd lead the league in rebounds and play good defense.
Who is a better from the past who would be way better if he played today?
Bird is the absolute first player that comes to mind.
@@jonnyarnett Jordan. He wouldn't have to deal with handchecking or a packed paint like the 80s. Plus the refs would give him so many FTs
Fat Lever
Drazen, Price and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf and Pistol Pete to
@@colewrld901for real. Jordan would average 40 a game with elite defense
Larry bird would be "God" in this era lol the playstyle of jokic, with the cockiness of Ant and Luka. It would be amazing
Bird would be strapping Hella 3s
Honestly think bird would be a solid 25 ppg scorer
@Josh.Pointer he'd prolly score around that, but his playmaking ability defense toughness versatility and iq would make him elite in today's game
@@Josh.Pointer he was a 25ppg scorer in the 80s lol today he'd be around 30 to 33. Because of the dramatic increase in 3s taken
@colewrld901 not to mention bird would prolly shoot 15 to 20 free throws a game now adays. And shoot Hella uncontested 3s. And larry was a sniper
Every name you gave was on point. Especially Larry.
I think Pistol Pete and Jerry West as old school players would also be lethal in the modern day.
I agree with your projection of Mark Price. Besides his obvious shooting ability, he was so quick and could split a double team on the pick n rolls that he would abuse screens now that moving screens aren't called that much. He could already get to the lane so with the spacing in today's game he would get many more baskets in the lane. Basically put up All-Star seasons Trae Young numbers but on MUCH better shooting splits.
Imagine if him and Brad Daugherty stayed healthy
Bro him w curry's screens and roster would win 7 rings lol. He knows how to actually pg too and isn't to prone or freezes in the clutch
I don't get why everyone picks on Trae but ignores Trae numbers are better than Steph and that's w no help most his career lol. Price numbers would minimum be prime Steph and that's regardless of roster🦊
Dale Ellis and Mitch Richmond would go insane in this era
Probably wouldn't go crazy. Today's game is more about handles than the 80's or 90's. Richmond had passable handles at best, while Ellis didn't have good handles at all. Ellis would probably play at the level of Zach LaVine and Klay Thompson. And for clarification, Klay Thompson isn't an all time great player. Richmond might play at that level as well.
Would love to have PISTOL in the league now, I would definitely watch more NBA.
This was my first thought as well. Jonny should do a similar video with the 1970s.
Pistol did some goofy shit for that era's rules
he plays for the hornets, he's name is lamelo
Pistol was a highlight reel, kinda more efficient Lamello Ball , he would be exciting but not a champion
He would slaughter Morant
Patrick Ewing was the best jump shooter of the powerhouse centers of that era. If he played today, he’s the one who would benefit the most from today’s emphasis on the three ball.
Add Rick Smitz to that
I disagree in part. I think he’d have a much harder time defending then guys like Hakeem or D-Rob, both of whom (especially Robinson) could also shot jumpers.
@@andrewarnold9751yeah he's choked too. Pgs today would drive him crazy
@@andrewarnold9751 Ewing was excellent in drop coverage. So I don't think his defensive impact would decline as much as you think
Precisely the problem with Ewing is that he fell in love with his jump shot. That and his other limitations were fully exposed by Hakeem Olajuwon. I don't think he would stand out at all in later eras.
Great choices, Here are some more 80's players that would be great today. Chris Mullin, Fat Lever, Sam Perkins, Detlef Schrempf, Craig Hodges, just to add a few more some to the list you already made.
Honestly, there is about 30 players from just the 80's whom would have drastically different roles into game to make them top elites and few the would be the complete opposite. Maybe that could be your next list.
I'll add Joe Dumars as an honorable mention. Great shooter and defender with the ability to run the point and get his own shot as well. He would've had even more all star appearances in this era I think.
His numbers were lower than they should've be, because he played with Isiah who was somewhat of a ballhog. As weird as it may sound, Dumars and Thomas should've played on separate teams.
@@penkima4923I do get where you're coming from. But they made it work and are the top small guard duo of All Time. And throw in Vinnie johnson, who would have started on many teams in the league, you couldn't find a better guard trio.
@@Amick44 Curry and Thompson are probably a better duo. Maybe some other duos as well. Because Isiah handled the basketball so much. It was also to do with the era, when the point guard had the basketball for 20 seconds every half court offense.
Substitute Dumars with somebody like Dale Ellis and all parties would've won in the equation.
@@penkima4923 Duo perhaps. I can't think of a better trio though, than the bad boys top three guards.
id still want to see Kevin Mchale today as paint is emptier and maybe he would learn to be a lob threat.
Best basketball channel. I fall asleep to your long vids almost every night. Please keep up the good work
I appreciate it man!! Comments like these are why I keep making those 3 hour compilations. Glad my videos can help you wind down :)
An idea for a video that I’ve been thinking about could be “ most underrated teams of each era. That could be 5 short videos thrown into one and I feel like that would be intriguing to others. Either way I’m watching whatever you post and I hope you know it makes my day to see you post after a long day of work❤️
Great picks!
I'd add John Stockton because coming out of college, he was a scoring PG. With his shooting efficiency like that of Price and Nash but superior defense and durability, Stockton could probably still average 12-15 ast/game with the inflated offenses while adding 20-22 points and 3.5 stl/game with 55/40/85 splits.
@@mickeylee2624 Agreed. With how spacing its now and so many great wing and spot shooters.
Stockton was still slightly on the pass-first side coming out of college. And his splits wouldn't be as high if he scored more.
Im glad you said this. People really dont know that Stockton was a scoring gaurd coming out that could pass. Utah system made him a pass girst shoot later type.
@@dewanewelch1744, I see Steve Nash (a great player but overrated in receiving 2 MVP's) as basically a John Stockton with the green light to shoot and playmake quickly all the while without the elite defense, durability, and strength to set picks.
@mickeylee2624 I can't even say that about Nash. Both Nash and Dantoni have came out and publicly said they wish they would have gave him the option to shoot more after Dantoni had success using Harden that way.
Drazen hands down. IMO he doesn't get enough love
Drazen would decimate for sure
I think that Jonny only took already NBA players of the 80's for this video. And Drazen was rookie in 1990. It's the same with Arvydas Sabonis, who would be another Jokic in this modern Era.
Prime Arvydas Sabonis, Peja, Chris Mullin, Steve Kerr
Solid list!
These are 90s players
Peja Mijatovic!!! He played in the 90s inbthe NBA. What a legend, he is consideres by many the greatest European player of all time. He would dominate in todays game
@@User-22ps457 yeah I know. I was thinking for next video.
Yes!!!! Chris Mullin would be amazing
bro moaned at 0:16
He's got a girlfriend dude. Keep it on the downlow and don't let her know he's enjoying himself 😂
Starting off with Dale Ellis and Mark Price makes me feel like I'm young again and right at home. Merry Christmas, mate.
Price is SEVERELY UNDERRATED in my opinion
On the contrary. He was a great regular season player, but failed in the playoffs.
The 2 knee injuries cut his prime and career short. If not, he's a likely Hall of famer.
Awesome topic!
Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Hope you all have a blessed day and tomorrow. 🎄
Hakeem would absolutely destroy this era! He was so far ahead of every other center both offensively and as an on-ball and rim defender.
Jonny, I've enjoyed your channel for some time. You always do good research and great presentation. Thank-you.
I'l add MJ and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
those are 90's players
@@apex_blade Well, MJ was drafted in 1984, so he did play for much of the '80s before he started winning titles in the '90s.
Bernard King, Alex English, and Moses Malone are my immediate picks, for obvious reasons. (While King and English weren't good long distance shooters, their ability to drive to the hoop and finish would make them super elite on a free motion setup, and with a bit of nudging to pass, would free up 3 point spotters. Moses would be perfect just for his ability to grab every offensive rebound and give his team 2nd chances to score.)
But after thinking about it for a long minute, I came up with who you missed, @jonny_arnett. Tom Chambers. Like Bird, with encouragement, his 3-point shooting would rise up. And even if his percentages don't improve (and I think it would), just the fact you have a 6'10" PF comfortable shooting from all corners of the court and still athletic enough to compete in a NBA dunk contest would be amazing. Not to mention, with today's modern tech, would have helped him stay on the court longer.
Excellent video as always
Gah, Mark Price was my first thought as well!
Fat lever might average a triple double if he played today
Luv the positivity here!
I really wish I could see Prime Bird play today, even for just a month. I seriously think he’d average 35, 15 and 10 and win every MVP that’s been going to Jokic
Jokic is better and would win MVP's over Bird in the 80s and now because for his size he's a unicorn and has better splits. He's in top 5 of points ,assists and rebounds this year. Jokic is also number 1 in efficiency and number 1 in 3 point shooting percentage. In what year Bird did that or was even remotely close.? Jokic is a better player period. Jokic has the highest PER in history while Bird is 23rd lol . Jokic takes all MVPs from Bird in the 80s .
@@cezaryadamski8786we are living in an era of inflated stats, no defense, and superstar players running the entire teams offense. Put Bird in today’s game and he’d be averaging even more insane numbers than Jokic.
Birds best assist season was 7.6 playing with McHale, Parish, DJ, Ainge. Put him to play Murray, Porter, Gordon and Brown and he won't average more even in today's league. He won't average more rebounds either. Jokic is number 1 in PER, it's not a coincidence. He's better.
@@facelessandnamelessget off your nostalgic shoes and wake up to reality. Bird in todays era would get clamped to oblivion. If you’ve actually sat down and watched a game in the era he played in, I mean actually watch a game, not following the media narratives, just watch a game, his era was not that good
@@Josh.Pointerstrapped by who, ain’t nobody playing defense today. Not. A coincidence the NBA is entering a dark age of the sport
Laimbeer is a highly underated player. He literally did it all for Detroit and no doubt his antics rubbed off on a young bench player named Dennis Rodman. That Pistons team with Laimbeer, Rodman, Mahorn and Edwards were a rare collection of talented goons. Most teams just had 20 spare fouls on the bench to hack the opposing star player(s), but those guys would hack you and board and score. If not for getting jobbed against the Lakers and then aging out, those Pistons probably would've three-peated. Yeah, a lot of guys from the 80s would thrive today, hell they would've moreso then if the NBA wasn't so archaic for so long.
Pistol Pete, Adriant Dantley, Alex English, Mark Price, Chris Jackson, alex aguierre would EAT..EAT in this era. cook for years
Damn nuggies w their scoring guards that joker def doesn't have. Sad
Great video👏👏👏
Jordan will legitimately be dropping 60 points per game. Defenses are literally set up to give away mid range shots and he is by far the greatest mid range shooter that ever lived, and he's used to scoring them with two or three defenders in his face
Alex English in today's NBA would be bananas. He'd put up crazy scoring numbers
Hmm, not so sure about that. With his shooting form, I don't think he'd be a great 3-point shooter. He'd probably be somewhat like Brandon Ingram, with more post up play and hence points, but his numbers might even be lower today than in the 80's.
@@penkima4923they would be MUCH lower
Bird, Olajuwan, and Stockton would be unstoppable in the current game. Bogues, Richmond, Ehlo, and Price are all stars today.
In what fuckin would a 5’3 player be drafted today 😂😂. Any NBA gm would be fired for even suggesting drafting Muggsey Bouges
@arch8748 incorrect. There's no hard man defense now and he shot well over 35 percent from 3 when that was excellent.
Go look up what every superstar at the time said and says. In today's game, he's an all star. He was the best defender on the perimeter period in his prime. Guys still tell stories about how he was the nightmare matchup.
Also, the PG position has gotten shorter. Due to the 3, the league got smaller. He'd have a better career today than he did then.
BTW, on the getting fired for suggesting him, no. Zach Edey. Earl Watson. Jokic, Doncic, Giannis.
In the current game, the oddity is welcome with open arms.
Mitch the rock definitely would be going HAM in today's NBA
Shawn Kemp, Chris Webber, Rasheed Wallace, Allen Houston, and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf,
Kemp was drafted in nineteen eighty nine. But the rest of the players were drafted in the nineties. Not sure about Chris Jackson?
@ktapreswreckd921v9 most are 90s guys
@@RayGipson-x3c Yes. But Johnny's video is about eighties players only.
Dominique Wilkins would thrive in today's league
He wouldn't probably be much better than in the 80's, because he was a slasher with a mid-range shot.
You should do a video of any players in nba history who would be better if they played in a different era
The pistol would THRIVE in today's NBA he revolutionised the game for point guards of today if you didn't steal from the pistol you stole from someone who stole from him he was amazing
Awesome video, Jonny! You make a great case for each of the players you mentioned. For a brief moment, I had doubts about Laimbeer, but then I remembered that he developed a nice outside shooting game. While he would get suspended a lot (as you said), I think his toughness would still be helpful as would his rebounding skills.
Bird was the first person who came to mind for me, and I agree with you that he'd do very well in today's game :).
As for other players who would be better if they played today, I'd say Peja Stojakovic and Chris Webber would be among them (I remember the latter developing a decent outside game and the former being a great shooter) as would Toni Kukoc. I saw someone else mention Drazen Petrovic and I agree with that too. While Vlade Divac was not a great 3 point shooter, he had decent range (especially for a center in his era) and he was a great passer. He was also notorious for flopping which would be a skill that would (unfortunately) be helpful in today's game also.
Nice video again! Merry Christmas to you and your family! I hope you and yours have a great holiday and hope you enjoy the Christmas Day games. God bless. Take care.
i never say this, but i unironically think i’m the first to this vid lol. if you see this jonny, love your vids man
Dale was no joke in Seattle, Mark would feast in the league today the man was unreal with a Buttery 🧈 smooth jumper.! Hersey Hawkins was a great shooter in his era, I think his numbers would increase significantly if he played today .
It’s fun to speculate about this, because the game is so very different now. 100% on all of these 80’s guys. Made me think about 90’s guys as well. Say what you want about Duke centers like Laettner, Ferry, and even Cherokee Parks, but they’d be killing it in today’s game. Medical science being what it is today, I want to give a shout out to Sam Bowie. He would’ve got his leg repaired and rehabbed properly, and would be all NBA nowadays.
Brad Sellers is another guy worth mentioning. 7-footer with a guard skillset. Perfect for today's style of play.
Awesome thank you Jonny!
Great video.
Hakeem olajuwan shouldve been on the official list his play style was tailor made for the modern nba. Along side his length and athleticism, he would’ve been and even greater player than he already was
In today NBA , David Robinson would play center, power foward and even small foward and would shoot way more of 3's
You should do a video on which modern players (the ones drafted from 2010 onwards) would be better in the 80s/90s. Lu Dort and Giannis immediately come to mind because they would be abusive defensively. Kawhi Leonard, PG, and Steven Adams as well are on that list. And then Jokic because he plays a lot like Bird and his stamina and work ethic would hold up well, and his passing would have damn near every center in the league turning their heads 360 degrees.
I remember 10 years ago when I used to get into arguments with people about how Larry Bird would do in modern basketball. Modern 10 years ago and today are different, but it was just funny in retrospect being proven right when there were SO many people who thought he'd be a complete scrub. He's too unathletic, not a good enough defender etc. is what they'd say. Bird was an underrated defender but let's just say he was a bad defender... the best player in the NBA rn to most people is Nikola Jokic. We also have Luka, who's top 3 or 5 to most people. Enough said.
Jokic is the BEST today, Bird was at another level... Enough said
@@javigar133 Nothing to do with what I said but ok
Make Price!!!🤩
I’m glad you had Dale Ellis. To this day I never seen a better swoosh. In my mind he swooshed every time he shot a 3
I think a guy like Adrian Dantley would be hugely scoring dominant in this era of play considering just how open lanes tend to be and his insane mid-range shooting percentages. As long as a team took him for what he is and didnt try and get him to shoot a bajillion threes per game at any rate.
With all the rule changes and lack of calls many many players from 80s would be better
If you do a 90s version of this vid my pick would def be mahmoud abdul rauf
Something younger fans don't seem to understand, either by choice or just actual ignorance, is that plenty of players back then had their true talent hindered by the style of play at the time rather than just sheer inability to do certain things guys today can do
Bird in today's game? When no players can't touch him? That would be nasty! If you think Jokic dominates today, you wouldnt believe Bird 😂
what are your opinions on players/coaches being omitted in future anniversary teams. so far Bob Davies and Joe Fulks are the only two players who made an anniversary team (25th anniversary) who didn’t make subsequent ones. Bill Fitch and John Kundla are the only coaches who made the top 10 anniversary team but not the top 15 anniversary team.
really Doc Rivers is better than John Kundla?
Need a part 2 to this video
This should be a video series, haha! From the 80's, Alex English is the first name I think of.
Bird would probably also get better treatment of his injuries, and would likely have had a prolonged career. He would not only destroy today's NBA, but would probably destroy it for more years.
He would dominate today dude, do you see Jokic? He aint Bird
He @ least would afford a snow blower instead of blowing his back out shoveling 😂
Aleksandar Đorđević -he played only a few games (only 61 minutes !) in 1996-1997 for Portland.
Its just on ename but there are a number of players from the 80s in Europe who would have deserved playing time in the NBA back then but even more so in today's NBA game.
Alex English and George Gervin would be great in today's NBA. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (Chris Jackson from LSU) would kill it too but he's from the early 90s
Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, ,Mark Price Joe Dumars, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler,Reggie Miller, James Worthy, Dominique Wilkins....loved Magic and Showtime. But I don't think today's game is for him? Personal opinion.
Dale Ellis never heard of him before but shooting basically 50% from 3 you gotta respect it
have to a list of the honorable mentions cause Fat and Ralph deserve it
Well done Big Mo would be a beast too
I think Craig Hodges would do well and you can’t forget about Stockton and Jordan I know they are more 90’s but both played 6 years in the 80’s
I know he's from the 90s but Chris Johnson would avg 30+
But for the 80s, I'd also include Kevin McHale, Byron Scott, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Kareem, Bob McAdoo, Kenny the jet Smith, Dantly, George Gervin, Ralph Sampson, Dr J, shit even Danny Ainge & Joe Dumas (before the coke), i know allot of them are obvious, but you did mention Bird haha
What's funny is i wasn't born until the 90s & learned the vast majority of these names playing with retro teams in 2K 😂
Soundtrack is🔥
You should do a “Modern players who would excel in the 80’s to 90’s.
I got you 🫡 ua-cam.com/video/Q_BB-aNxeNU/v-deo.htmlsi=861yvreQ2jUKu3Yv
Larry Johnson, point forward too quick for forwards too strong for guards , deep range shooting , handles , rebounding , trash talking , LJ was elite , one of the few players who lit Rodman up on a basis
Michael Cooper
The 80's were uber physical everyone of those players would absolutely thrive in today's game even the bench players
Larry would go 32 + 11 + 11 nowadays
I would love to see someone break down just how good Hakeem Olajuwon really was
I have him as the greatest center of all time. Even over Kareem. 86 WCF as a talking point. Not to mention he played in the greatest big man era and dominated them all. When Jordan retired he did exactly what he was supposed to do. Dream was so good..
Big smooth Sam Perkins / Ralph Sampson / worthy/ Wilkins/ Len bias
Dominique Wilkins!!! Imagine Nique dunking on everybody, and shooting threes at a clip that he shot those long 2s. His averages jump to +30, and his peak scoring to +35.
Ellis is vastly underrated
Abdul-Rauf. He was a 90’s player but so way ahead of his time!
Merry Christmas Eve!
Mark Price is THE reason I love basketball
Alex English. With this ultimate greenlight era, he would double down on his high octane run and gun playstyle.
Bird's stats would be great in any era. I think Mark Price was the Curry of the 80's and would be the most fun to watch along with a healthy Sabonis.
Kobe would average 60 ppg in 2023 and also jordan would average 40 and 20 and 12 in this era , thats just facts :( sorry yall
Basically any player that could shoot efficiently and had good handles back in the 80's and 90's would be all stars today even the role players
Alex English would be a monster today.
Would it be a hot take to say that Magic Johnson would be worse? He couldn’t shoot jumpers
He had a set shot, but was quite accurate, often draining them from just inside the arc, particularly before he incorporated the 3 late in his career
He would have facilitated everyone else and moved the ball around to hit open jumpers and would still have mad orgies. Playa for sure.
Draymond Green is not a good 3point shooter. Ja Moran is not a good 3point shooter.
Merry christmas everyone!
Bird may have also benefited from modern sports medicine and surgery if he played in the current era, with the back problems he had in his mid to late career. Might have had a longer prime in the modern era, especially with load management thrown in.
80s Denver was a late 2010s-2020s team from the XXth century
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf would be lighting up today's league and Rod Strickland I think would be perfect for today's game.
i think tom chambers and adrian dantley might do well in todays nba. possibly also eddie johnson
EVERY player from previous generations would be better in today's weak NBA!! Every player would go up at least one "Tier". An average player would become an All-Star. An All-Star would become a Superstar.
I’m thinking Bird on today’s Spurs, Price to the current Timberwolves.
Sam Perkins and Anthony Mason
I like to see what Minnesota KG’s defense can do against 2025 offenses
What's up my bro merry Christmas to you and yours. I got one question as I've seen it posted on fb would you rather start a team with kg or Giannis? For me I do believe Giannis is better then kg from a all around standpoint. But kg was that Dog he was a better defender and played with much more ferocity. I grew up in the 80s and 90s I watched kg. If I had to pick one Im taking kg.
Larry Bird in this era would be a mix of Luka & Jokic and it's scary
adrian dantley, 80s version of james harden. would thrive in today’s game
One statement of yours I vehemently disagree with. That anybody that survived that era can play today. No. Players like Rick Mahorn, if you can't guard the pick and roll on the perimeter and don't have a jump shot, you're not playing today. Prime Dennis Rodman would wreck havoc defensively but he'd be clogging the paint on offense and would be a black hole because he can't shoot anywhere. You need toughness back then. You need skill today.
There are players on every team who don't shoot outside the paint at all, and mostly finish lobs. Rodman was a good scorer early in his career, and he'd probably score more in today's game. He might be just a lob-threat, maybe an overall paint threat, or he might even be shooting jays. Doesn't really matter how he would be on offense, because he'd lead the league in rebounds and play good defense.