By every metric, the 1970s were the worst decade in NBA history. The on-court product was lackluster, leading to record-low attendance and TV viewership. The off-court stories were more about players abusing drugs, with an estimate that up to 75 percent used cocaine.
It was also a free-for-all era devoid of dynasties, with eight different franchises capturing the NBA title in 10 years.
Yet some analysts have selective memories when comparing eras, suggesting that today’s players wouldn’t be able to handle the physicality of yesteryears. LeBron James — the unofficial flagbearer of the modern NBA — is determined to set the record straight.
In an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” James explained why he was tired of analysts comparing eras, but not before he mocked the quality of basketball in the 1970s.
“The game is different and we should respect all eras in that era,” James stressed. “We can’t be saying, ‘Okay, because Wilt was great in the ’60s and ’70s, he’ll be great now.’ We also can’t say some of the guys now won’t be great then. It is what it is. Respect that era and move on. But the whole [comparing of players], every single day, ‘He’s better, he’s not better.’
“You trying to tell me Giannis wouldn’t be able to play an NBA game in the ’70s?” James asked mockingly. “Giannis Antetokounmpo would have 250 points in a game in the 70s. That’s no disrespect….With Kyrie [Irving], they would have told him, ‘You can’t dribble anymore.’ They would have changed the rule.”
