After Michael Jordan’s retirement, many fans feared the NBA would suffer without its iconic leader. However, the emergence of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry swiftly alleviated those concerns. Despite this new wave of talent, former players often criticize today’s game. Recently, a 2022 Golden State Warriors champion entered the debate with a striking comparison between the two eras.
“I feel like it definitely has gotten softer since the ’80s and the ’90s. Like, Bad Boys Detroit Pistons, there were some teams in there … you come in the lane, you going to get a forearm. Back to [Shaquille O’Neal] era, early ’90s. And nowadays, they want to clean it up. They want the fans to see more like just play. So, I feel that’s why they calling more fouls, guys going to the line more,” Gary Payton II said, via Jaxxon Podcast.
The emergence of dominant players like Shaquille O’Neal propelled the league to implement significant changes to the game. This trend coincided with the rise of highly skilled athletes who emphasized technique and team play, shifting fan preferences toward these styles. In response, the NBA adjusted the rules to foster more offensive play, aligning with fan expectations.
Stephen Curry stands as one of the most scrutinized players, largely because his extraordinary talents have made him the ultimate three-point shooter. His impact reaches beyond personal achievements; as he has influenced teams like the Boston Celtics to evolve from a tougher, more physical style to one that prioritizes scoring finesse. This shift in strategy has altered defensive schemes, complicating gameplay and establishing a new trend in the league.
While Curry often attracts the spotlight, Rudy Gobert also faces his own set of criticisms, particularly from former stars like Shaquille O’Neal. Unlike the traditional “big men” of past eras, Gobert does not rely on physical dominance alone. Despite this, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ standout continues to shine defensively and contribute offensively, embodying the evolution of the modern NBA.
LeBron James has been vocal about the evolution of basketball, addressing the topic during an episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast in May 2025. He offered his perspective on the ever-changing nature of the sport, saying, “The game changes. The conversation on ‘I wish the game was like this,’ it’s too far to even be thinking about those type of things. It’s impossible. Everything changes… we have to just evolve with it. Just like how we do in every day life, we have to evolve with life.”