Every era of the NBA has had its charm, with stars across generations helping the sport grow massively and drawing in new fans from across the globe. Every basketball fan at some level is partial towards a certain era of basketball, whether it was because that’s when they fell in love with the sport or that’s when their team was doing the best, but there isn’t much of a consensus on which era was objectively the best.
One of the more underrated times in the NBA was in the middle of the 2000s right after the 2003 draft class came into the league. Shaq and Kobe had just broken up and the San Antonio Spurs won their 3rd title in 6 years in 2005. There were superstars across the league, names like Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady along with young stars like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony all fighting for the highest honors.
Pictures from that era are a great reminder of the tough but beautiful basketball the NBA was used to at the time, and it’s always something that gets fans of the game going when they think about the different matchups from that time.
(Swipe right to see all the pictures)
The comments on this post are filled with nostalgia as fans reminisce about a time when their childhood favorites were tearing up the league.
“NBA live 2005 was lit.”
“Good times when we still could enjoy the game not like this.”
“Such a good time for basketball.”
“When ball was “
“When basketball was way, way better than it is now.”
“Not good, these are the best times.”
“The golden era of the NBA.”
“What a time! I’m glad I grew up watching the league at this time. “
“The good days! When all of the jerseys also looked “
“When the game was creative. Not this watered down pick n roll shoot 3s or drive and kick brand.”
“Good times man. Ain’t have cable so I had to catch them Sunday games…”
“10 out of 12 made it into the HOF. “
“Easily the BEST era”
No matter how good the NBA gets, there is some magic in the years that have already passed that will likely never be captured in the same way again. The modern game has its legends and style that make it appealing but the distinctive physical but smooth play of the 2000s is unlikely to be replicated.
