The NBA has been around for a very long time. The league celebrated its 75th anniversary recently, so there is no doubt that there have been many great players that have graced the hardwood with their presence.
As a result, the debates about which generation is better will probably never end. From comparing two players from different generations to hypothetically creating superteams featuring players of two generations, the debates are endless.
Among them is one that if a great player from an older generation could achieve the same level of success in the modern NBA? After all, over the years, the rules of the league have changed beyond recognition.
Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers legend and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson was asked this question. There is no doubt that Magic is one of the best players to ever play in the league and is considered arguably the best point guard in NBA history. But will he succeed in today’s league? Well, here’s what Magic said about that question:
Via Sportscasting:
“Oh, I don’t wonder, but I know that I could do what I did back then in today’s game. You know, listen. You think Larry Bird couldn’t still shoot in today’s game? He did it then. Michael Jordan couldn’t do what he did back then? He knew he could do it today. When you’re great at something, and when you delivered, right, and when you won…”
He continued, “See, I won at every level. So winning was not going to change whether I played back then or I play today. My no-look passes then, it was great. And it would have happened today. You know, when you’re good at something and you’re great at something, it doesn’t matter the era, you could still pull it off.”
There are some players in the league’s history that were so good at what they did that they would be successful, irrespective of the era that they played in. Magic Johnson is definitely one such player alongside the likes of Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.
Looking at Magic’s career record against other NBA legends is the perfect example to support the five-time NBA champion’s claim. But will he really succeed in the modern NBA? It’s up to your imagination, as we have no certain way to find that out.
