- The 1990s is considered the toughest era of all time
- Players in the ‘90s were both skilled and aggressive
- Some top stars in today’s game would still flourish back then
The 1990s are often regarded as the golden era of the NBA, marked by a more physical style of play, intense rivalries, and legendary figures such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson. In this bygone era, the game was characterized by hand-checking, tough interior defense, and a slower pace. While the NBA has undergone significant changes, with an emphasis on three-point shooting, athleticism, and versatility, there are several current NBA players whose skill sets and attributes would have translated seamlessly to the 1990s.
Current NBA players, along with several others, possess the attributes and skills that would not only have allowed them to survive in the demanding landscape of the 1990s but also to actually perform at a high level. After seeing which stars from the past would have dominated in today’s game, and there were many, it is time to discuss which of the current crop of talents would have flourished in the iconic 1990s decade without a significant dropoff.
10. Paolo Banchero
Career Stats: 21.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Paolo Banchero is an old-school type of player because his build, confidence, and playing style resemble some of the 1990s stars. He is only 21 years old but had a grown man’s body by his rookie season. It is no secret that past generations had a bit more beef on them than today’s stars, but that is the way of the world.
Banchero’s mid-range and post-game are above-average in today’s NBA and he would be a similar player in the 90s. With an All-Star selection and an average of over 20 points per game already, Banchero has the physical and mental tools to be a very good player in the 90s.
9. Julius Randle
Career Stats: 24.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Julius Randle has changed his game over the years by becoming more finesse, but he is still a force in the paint. While some might point to Zion Williamson ahead of Randle, Zion’s injury history is very worrying when looking back at what the 90s defenders used to do. Randle has seven seasons of at least 70 games played, and a powerful body.
Had Randle played in the 90s, he would certainly be a more focused power forward in the paint. He is powerful, explosive, and has a soft touch around the rim. There is no way Randle would be a center back in the day, but has the physical tools to be an impact player without a major drop-off in stats besides three-point shooting and possibly playmaking.
8. Jimmy Butler
Career Stats: 18.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Jimmy Butler’s tenacity and style of play would have fit well in the 90s NBA. While he might not be a high-scoring superstar like some of today’s players, his gritty, hard-nosed approach to the game aligns with the era’s values. In the 90s, physicality and defensive prowess were highly regarded, and Butler’s reputation as an elite perimeter defender and his willingness to do the dirty work on both ends of the floor would have made him a valuable asset.
His work ethic and ability to lead by example would also have been appreciated at a time when leadership and toughness were essential qualities. Although he might not be the flashiest player, Jimmy Butler’s relentless work ethic and defensive skills would have made him a valuable contributor to any team in the 90s NBA.
7. Jayson Tatum
Career Stats: 22.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
The current leader of the Boston Celtics, an iconic franchise, Jayson Tatum’s game is well-suited to various eras of basketball, including the 90s. He possesses a versatile scoring ability that includes a polished mid-range game, and he can also stretch the floor with three-point shooting. With career shooting averages of 45.8% from the floor and 37.5% from three shows that the forward is an above-average shooter for such a high-volume scorer.
Tatum’s size and length, standing at 6’8″ with a 6’11” wingspan, would have been an asset in the 90s NBA, allowing him to compete effectively against tough and physical opponents. In the 90s, Tatum’s scoring versatility, size, and defensive potential would likely have earned him a place as a promising young star in the league.
6. Nikola Jokic
Career Stats: 20.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Arguably the most unique big man to have ever played, Nikola Jokic, and his exceptional passing ability, often regarded as the best among big men in the history of the NBA, would have made him a standout player in the ’90s. In an era when big men were primarily seen as low-post scorers and rim protectors, Jokic’s unique playmaking skills and court vision would have set him apart.
His ability to facilitate the offense, make pinpoint passes, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates would have been a rare and valuable asset. He is posting 6.6 assists per game over his career and while that number probably wouldn’t be as high, the Serbian would still dominate on offense.
Without a doubt, Nikola Jokic’s passing prowess would have still made him the greatest passing big man in the 90s NBA and earned him a special place in the league’s history.
5. Luka Doncic
Career Stats: 27.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
A top star in today’s league, Luka Doncic’s game has invited comparisons to the legendary Larry Bird, a testament to the versatile and captivating style of play he brings to the NBA. Sure, Bird was at his best during the 1980s, but it is still a valid comparison when looking at how playing styles can be forged into any era. Much like Bird, Doncic excels in every facet of the game.
His scoring ability is reminiscent of Bird’s, with the versatility to score from anywhere on the court. Both possess an innate basketball IQ, allowing them to read defenses and create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. Doncic, despite his guard position, shares Bird’s knack for rebounding from unusual spots on the floor.
Additionally, both players exhibit natural leadership, carrying their teams and serving as emotional anchors on the court. While Doncic is forging his own path in the league, the comparisons to Larry Bird underline that Luka would have been great in the 1990s even if his jumper seems to come and go.
4. Kawhi Leonard
Career Stats: 19.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Kawhi Leonard’s style of play is often associated with a more old-school approach, making him a player who could have excelled in the 90s NBA. His tenacious defense and workmanlike attitude mirror the values of that era, where physicality and toughness were highly prized.
Leonard’s mid-range game is reminiscent of 90s stars, and his dedication to both ends of the court aligns with the mindset of the era. His defensive skills have earned him the reputation of being one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, a trait that was highly respected in the 90s. Remember, Leonard won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2015 and 2016.
In a league that valued two-way players and grit, Kawhi Leonard’s playing style would have made him a standout in the 90s, although there are doubts about how his body would hold up when getting physical with other players.
3. Kevin Durant
Career Stats: 27.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Kevin Durant’s unique combination of attributes, including his slender frame and exceptional scoring ability, would indeed have set him apart in the 90s NBA. While he might not be known for his physical strength or leadership qualities, his scoring prowess is unparalleled.
Durant’s ability to shoot from virtually anywhere on the court and his scoring versatility would have made him an anomaly to defend in an era when physicality and tough defense were emphasized. Defenders of that time would have struggled to cope with his range, ball-handling skills, and ability to create his shot.
Despite not fitting the traditional mold of a leader, Durant’s individual scoring ability and impact on the game make him one of the greatest scorers in the history of the NBA, a distinction that would certainly have translated well to the 90s.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Career Stats: 22.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 BPG
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s athleticism and versatility would have made him a standout player in the 90s NBA and in any era. While the 90s featured a more physical style of play, Giannis’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism would have allowed him to excel in that era.
His ability to drive to the basket with force and authority would have made him a formidable interior presence, similar to dominant 90s big men. Additionally, Giannis’s defensive skills, particularly his shot-blocking, and ability to guard multiple positions, align with the values of defensive excellence that were highly prized during that time.
Giannis’s work ethic and dedication to improving his game also reflect the hard-nosed mentality of the 90s. Although he might have faced some unique challenges in a more physical era, his athleticism and well-rounded skills would have made him a noteworthy player in the 90s NBA.
1. LeBron James
Career Stats: 27.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG
LeBron James is a generational talent who would have excelled in any era of the NBA. LeBron’s 6’9″ frame and versatility would have made him a dominant force. He possesses the ability to score from anywhere on the court, making him a threat in both half-court and fast-break situations.
LeBron’s passing and playmaking skills are second to none, which would have made him a valuable asset on any team, much like they do today. We saw how Magic Johnson and Larry Bird picked defenses apart with passing and James would have done the same. His leadership and work ethic also align with the values of that era, where players were expected to carry their teams both on and off the court.
In essence, LeBron James’ transcendent talent and versatility would have made him a superstar in the 90s, much as he has in the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s so far. James would have also had similar longevity even if the past era was built on protecting the rim against players who attack it.
