NBA legend Kevin Garnett recently addressed comments made by Anthony Edwards about the skill level of past NBA players. Garnett asserted that today’s players would struggle in the physical environment of the league from 20 years ago.
On Ticket and The Truth, Garnett responded to Edwards’ claim that Michael Jordan was the only skilled player of his era. “Man, the levels in which you had to be not only strong enough but skilled enough to get by this [expletive] in front of you, you understand?” Garnett said, via HoopsHype.
He elaborated on the physicality of the game, referencing the defensive prowess of players like Dennis Rodman. Garnett highlighted that defenders such as Rodman, standing at 6’7”, were formidable opponents in their time.
Garnett contrasted the past with the present, noting, “You couldn’t get to a triple step back. And then if you shot that [expletive], it had to go in.” He emphasized that the efficiency and physicality of previous eras set a higher standard for players.
The NBA legend also pointed out the challenges players faced when attacking the basket in the past. “You might get your nose broke trying to dunk,” Garnett remarked, reflecting on the intense defensive play.
Garnett’s comments underscore the evolution of the game, explaining that the league’s shift towards a faster, high-scoring style has changed how the game is played. He suggested that the physicality of the past was a major factor in shaping the game’s current pace.
In response to the evolving style of play, Garnett acknowledged that the league had to adapt to increase scoring and enhance the flow of the game. “It was too physical, and guess what? The league had to come off of it for the flow of movement to be able to have scoring go up, which is why we like to sit here and watch kind of the rat race of the high-paced game right now,” he said.
