LeBron James didn’t shy away from controversy on his first appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
James is a guest on Thursday’s episode of the show, and the Los Angeles Lakers icon was happy to share his thoughts on the age-old debate about NBA eras.
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James was shocked at the assumption that Giannis Antetokounmpo would struggle to compete in the 70s era of basketball in North America.
“You trying to tell me Giannis wouldn’t be able to play an NBA game in the ’70s?” wondered James.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo would have 250 points in a game in the ’70s.”
The preview clip, which ended with McAfee left shocked by James’ take, is likely to spark fierce conversation online.
Debates about the difference in basketball between the 1970s and the modern day are a recurring topic, with analysts and fans often comparing the difference in athleticism and playing styles.
James’ claim about Antetokounmpo is likely born out of the fact, that many argue the athleticism of players in the 70s was much lower.
And since the Greek Freak is a physical phenom among the current crop of NBA players, he would no doubt dominate.
Simple aspects of that game that are taken for granted now did not exist in the league back then.
It’s also fair to ask how much the stars of the 70s and 80s would have prospered in a more professional era.
Players these days benefit from better training, nutrition and sports science, creating fitter, stronger athletes and a faster, more physical game.
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Since the pace and style of the NBA in 70s was considerably slower, players like Antetokounmpo would thrive with his ability to run the floor and attack the rim.
Another difference between the league back then was that the defensive three-second rule didn’t exist, and again, dominant players like Antetokounmpo would have more one-on-one opportunities, something he excels at.
Defensive strategies were also much weaker in the NBA back in the 70s, and so the elite players had far fewer challenges when trying to reach the rim.
In contrast, defensive schemes are now more sophisticated with switch-heavy schemes, zone defenses, and defenders constantly adjusting.
However, one criticism of James’ point would be that the three-point line didn’t exist until 1979, so offences were more congested inside the arc.
As current NBA offences prioritise spacing, giving players like Antetokounmpo wide open lanes at times, back then, he would have to deal with more packed defences.
NBA’s Greatest
Nevertheless, NBA great Marques Johnson, who began his career in the late 1970s, has previously dismissed the suggestion that the big men of the league today wouldn’t dominate basketball in his era.
“The game has advanced,” Johnson told Back In The Day Hoops On SI.
“The game has evolved. These guys skills-wise are so much far superior just in terms of pure basketball skills.
“From the Wemby’s being able to step out, Brook Lopez being able to step out and knock down deep threes.”
James weighing in on the debate is worth listening to.
Now in his 40th year, having been drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers James has played in three decades of ‘The Association’ and continues to set the benchmark in fitness and standards.
Alongside his four NBA title rings, he is a 21-time All-Star a four-time Finals MVP and a three-time Olympic gold medalist.
He leads the league in all-time points having recently hit the 50,000 mark, while his LA Lakers team have surged into contention for an 18th NBA championship.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
