The NBA, through its nearly eight-decade history, has seen countless variations in how the game was played. From the pioneers who first set the stage, to the Magic Johnson –Larry Bird era that transformed basketball into a national phenomenon, to the Michael Jordan years that brought global attention and exponential growth to the league and now into a more free-flowing, 3-point shooting festival.
Not to sound cliché, but every one of those eras had something special in them. And diminishing the legacy of those who came before is a line many legends refuse to let anyone cross.
With every new generation of players and fans, it seems the bar always shifts toward the modern game. Today, we rarely hear conversations about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , let alone Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and others who built the league.
Even though this is just how things go sometimes, dismissing the skill level and impact of previous generations is something that former stars like Dominique Wilkins have taken issue with.
"I give credit to every era, because it's that respect and love for the game that made us who we are," Wilkins said in an interview with the Esports Insider. "When I hear, 'Well, the league wasn't that skilled back then,' it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life. If you haven't seen that era, played in that era, you cannot make that statement."
"It's so outlandish, so ridiculous. It makes me cringe sometimes," he continued. "What were you watching to make those statements? It's a lot of youth. They don't really know. I respect every era and I tell these guys, 'I love the way y'all play. I love that you play hard.' It's just about respect, to honor those before us."
The legendary high-flyer's thoughts were a clear reminder that the paint was once fiercely guarded by the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing, and scoring was earned, not handed out by spacing and off-ball switching. Players had to showcase their skills on both ends of the floor every single night. And, more often than not, they did just that.
The Human Highlight Film's perspective comes with plenty of credibility. In an era dominated by bruising defenders who were never afraid to throw a hidden punch or two, he still managed to average nearly 30 points per game multiple times. He carried the Atlanta Hawks into consistent playoff contention in one of the deepest and most competitive Eastern Conferences the league had ever seen. His skill, athleticism and scoring ability made him one of the most feared offensive players of his generation, while he never lost sight of the respect owed to those who came before him.
The debate over which generation was the most skilled will never truly end, and that's perfectly fine. What is not fine, however, is disrespecting the path those pioneers paved for today's stars. Without their contributions, the current generation would not enjoy the level of popularity, exposure, or opportunity that exists now.
Wilkins' words are a reminder to all to honor the eras that came before because they are the foundation upon which the modern NBA is built.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
