Today the big men in the nba are soft would you agree?
I remember growing up and watching guys like Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Shaquille O'neal, Patrick Ewing, the list goes on.
In the 8o's and 90's i consider that the dominant era of the nba bigs. The had defense, post moves and some could run back and forth on the court, some bigs even had guard skills.
I played the game myself (not pro) but even i was taught to move my feet, play defense rebound etc. The 80's and 90's were a lot more physical as of today you breath on somebody it is considered a foul. In this era of basketball there is a lot more complaining than anything.
Big men back then would dominate the big men today guys like Dwight Howard who is 32 years old is considered the best center in the nba but does not have a post game. I can name a lot more centers, Chris Kaman, Roy Hibbert, Deandre Jordan, these big men lack basic skills.
If this genre of big men played against the last genre of basketball it would be a no contest. Dwight Howard would not be able to guard centers like a David robinson or a Hakeem Olajuwon. The lack of defense and the physicality of the game back then big men today could not handle it.
I remember centers would battle in the paint for a rebound bruise each other up, bloody each others nose, no whistle would be blown. I have seen blood and a lot more trash talking.
I remember seeing Dennis Rodman and Alonzo mourning having bloody battles. Diving for loose balls, taking elbows to the face as they go up for a rebound. This kind of play brought excitement to the game of basketball... while today when i watch it i tend to fall asleep watching most games.
The NBA is a league of oversized children "crybaby era". To many fouls being called for something that is not even a foul, or being called for a foul when you barely touch someone.
I see more elementary school kids play more physical and compete better than most of the nba. I believe that most these centers are actually overhyped and have no talent what so ever.
I used to love watching basketball in the 80's and 90's, it was by far way more exciting. Even a second rate center back than would dominate a star center, even centers and forwards who didn't have a big name would come off the bench and still play defense, average at least 3 blocks a game even against the best players in the nba.
Luc Longley and shawn Bradley are better centers than today centers are, they are a lot more tougher to, it is just my opinion but from what i have watched over the years all i see is a bunch of 7 foot oversized drama queens that can't play or know the fundamentals of basketball.
Maybe one day we will see big men with some skills......probably not.
David A.