Why this Modern Era is the Most Talented Era EVER

[@jonnyarnett]

Is this the most talented era ever?

[@vicepresidentmikepence889]

Yes, 95% of players, in the 80's and 90's, couldn't make a simple three point shot, if their life depended on it. Today, you have 7 footers make threes, like it's nothing

[@awesomereviews1561]

The rules allow them to be more talented. When they go to play in FIBA rules, they are less talented already…

[@sir_sack]

I believe so. Since the league has become more positionless and global, the amount of players and the quality of those players has increased. You have 7 footers pulling up from 30 feet. If someone like Hakeem did that, the coach wouldn't be very happy 😂

[@ronski4059]

No. There's no defense in this Era. Stephen Curry would not be considered an all time great if he played against the defense of the 90s and early 2000s

[@kennethxu1789]

@@awesomereviews1561this is a bad take, of course if you play a specific way then when you change the rules you get worse.

[@marcellkristoffauszt5444]

I’m a store manager of my country’s best basketball store. Thanks to your videos, i’ve been able to connect with my older customers, since i’m 27, i haven’t been alive to witness lot of legends’ careers, but you gave me knowledge to be able to talk about them. And also i seem like a basketball wikipedia for the younger fans😂. So I appreciate every video you have uploaded. Thank you Jonny!

[@ckq]

No Kawhi, SGA, Booker, Mitchell on the graphic shows how deep it is. Playoff Jimmy too

[@jonnyarnett]

Throw in Ja, Jimmy B, and Kyrie. League is absurdly stacked

[@crosswiz6]

​@@jonnyarnett Less defensive resistance and physical play breeds more offensive stars = a misleading sense of "more talent"

[@michaelsevilla3697]

shai definitely should have been on the thumbnail instead of day to day davis and no kawhi because he's too brittle and unreliable at this point but yeah the nba is by far the most talented it's ever been

[@benlazzopina-wy9om]

@@crosswiz6 less physical play because its impossible to clobber opponents driving when everyone is chucking threes, its not the defense is worse its that todays players are the most offensively talented in league history which in turn makes it harder to guard them

[@moneyman4740]

Ja Zion Wemby Mobley Chet Trae Young Cade Fox Jaylen Brown Beal

[@lItunasubIl]

I'm 19, but your videos are extremely insightful and as unbiased as they come. It's always interesting to look at older generations of the nba through their lens, the same way I view the modern nba through my youthful lens lol. Keep up the good content Johnny I've been binge watching all of your videos and they don't disappoint🤞

[@brandonw6139]

It'd be interesting to see the top 50 NBA players in each era to really see how deep it is now

[@fortynights1513]

How deep it is these days, as well as what periods really are the weakest.

[@n_man0484]

Jonny keep up the good work, I'm only 19 years old and I didn't actually get into basketball until the bubble, and a major reason was because I was watching lots of basketball videos based on the history of the sport. That's where I found your channel and its always been extremely informative and insightfull

[@jp3813]

So far, the 1987-88 season featured at least 28 Hall of Fame players: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Adrian Dantley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Ralph Sampson, Sidney Moncrief, Maurice Cheeks, Alex English, Bernard King, Dominique Wilkins, Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, Reggie Miller (still plenty of candidates such as DPOY legends Alvin Robertson & Mark Eaton). Only time will tell how many players from this current season will get into the HoF. But there's still the question of quality vs quantity. People often say that the 1984 draft is more top heavy while the 1996 draft is deeper.

[@jp3813]

Artis Gilmore was also still in the league, though he played very limited minutes.

[@chubbibots]

Imagine having a basketball KZbinr that UNDERSTANDS all eras, sides of the ball, facts and is very knowledgeable! Thank you Jonny!

[@alex4833]

Excellent points, Jonny. I agree with them all, especially with the point about international players catching up and improving. As I mentioned in a different video, I think a gold medal, while still likely for a team of USA superstars, is not a guarantee. I too can see a future in which a team of USA superstars does not win the gold (probably not in 2024 but sometime beyond). I have enjoyed the past and present of the NBA and while this era isn't my fave, I still like it and you make a compelling case for it being the most talented. Happy Sunday. Have a nice week😊.

[@anthonys3892]

I love this current season in particular because you still have the old guys like Lebron, Steph, KD, etc playing at a high level. Then you have the current generation of Giannis, Embiid, Jokic, Tatum currently dominating. But it’s also cool to see the next evolution in Chet & Wemby start up Edit: Not to mention great in-between and talented players like Jimmy, Dame, Luka, Booker, etc

[@chrilpy]

Embiid flopping his way to 2 scoring titles isn't dominance. He shits the bed in the playoffs and relies too much on his jumpshot, even against defenders much smaller than him

[@maxlowson5470]

mitchell, shai, ja, kawhi, AD, kyrie, zion, PG, the list goes on. flooded with talent although style of play vastly changing as it has the last 3-5 years does make evaluating the current crop to past eras difficult

[@anthonys3892]

@@chrilpy Was Dirk not dominant before his ring? Was Tmac not dominant in the 2000’s? To be a scoring champ and MVP you must be dominant. Obviously him and his team have choked in the playoffs but that doesn’t mean he isn’t dominant.

[@TheTonytone77]

@@anthonys3892 u cant dominate a season or a decade without winning titles bruh....u new guys move the goal post to make it easier player u like

[@dontbedummy8101]

Cross out Tatum for dominating. He doesn't deserve that word yet.

[@insuchaway]

00:40 That picture is CLASSIC!

[@southwest1988]

This era allows flopping carrying the ball traveling offensive fouls to promote higher scoring games and promote marketed players its really diluted today !!!! The average years going up due to less physical play and thanks to the more spacing but in reality 4 man standing have paralysis

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

Good key points.

[@RichardRennes]

Other things not mentioned is: 1)if this is the most talented and athletic era, why are there more injuries and missed games than at any time in NBA history, WHILE being in a completely NON-EXISTANT defensive era? 2)why has the shooting percentages not gone up in the last 40+ years, even in this NON-EXISTANT defensive era? 3)why are the fundamentals almost completely non-existent? 4)why is there is so much less defense being played year after year, in the last 40 years, that free throw attempts have dropped virtually every single year? It because refs will call the smallest things, so players don`t even bother to try to play defense anymore.

[@rlh12345]

The more explosive you are the more likely you are to get injured. The more missed games also include players resting bc resting helps prevent injury. Shooting percentage hasn’t gone up, bc way more 3s are shot (lower shooting percentage but more points scored). Defense is harder than ever bc of a combination of a tighter whistle and more skilled shooters stretching the floor which means more space to cover. This also puts more wear and tear on the athletes. It’s highly unlikely that the game grew a ton worldwide and somehow we have less talent in the league.

[@1vaultdweller]

Bro during 90s, you couldnt even touch MJ or it was a foul. To act like NBA started promoting and protecting its stars after 2010s is the dumbest take ever

[@southwest1988]

@@1vaultdweller protecting players that are cash cow is a different story that’s been happening all the time everywhere however over time it’s gotten obviously worse that sports ain’t a sport anymore it’s strictly entertainment

[@markjackson6431]

we only really knew of hockey players, baseball players, and punters extending their career into their mid 40s. it’s gonna be awesome to see basketball players do the same thing.

[@strmshadow8411]

Good for those players and their longevity, but basketball now has turned into a glorified track meet IMO...

[@cgs20]

@@strmshadow8411basketball is insanely more complex than any previous era. I hope you get over your nostalgia and actually watch the games

[@strmshadow8411]

​@@cgs20Other than some minor nuances, the game has boiled down to pick and roll kick for and open 3 or layup. Being bored watching that and the lack of defense has nothing to do with nostalgia.

[@rogelioatempa1115]

​@@strmshadow8411so then you must have really hated the 80's then? Because that's one of the highest scoring eras of all-time and that was without a 3. Guess not much defense being played there. Or how about the 90's when the average player was so bad at shooting that the NBA had to make the 3pt line closer. The NBA is in the best time of it's life right now and it's really not even close.

[@strmshadow8411]

@@rogelioatempa1115 Everything you said was false. 1% change in 3pt % since the 90s, and 60's and 20's are the highest scoring era's. Why watch a boring game? It's lightly defended drives or 3s. Basically a glorified track meet.

[@MrTrueCaller619]

And i am also eternally grateful for U Jonny & Ms. Arnett for what u're both doing to the game of basketball on this platform . Thank U sir for educating me about this beautiful game, especially me being a foreigner who never stepped foot inside the US soil . Respect .

[@etcheverrypanpi2753]

I totally agree. Iam the kind of "old" dude youre talking about in your introduction. And I really like youre channel and youre amazing work. Moreover iam feeling very close to you from a basketball standpoint, from youre analysis to the players you like the most. I agree : we are living probably in the most talented era of nba history. Because of the cross timelines you talked about but also because, from my point of view, the level of athleticism and skills of average players and role players is way better than in the previous eras.

[@alexandrogarcia9165]

I am not old but I appreciate history that‘s one reason I like your content. Actually I started watching basketball when Covid started and I‘m originally a football player (i am from europe, we dont say soccer). I appreciate a lot your objective sight on eras, bc there always like two camps (old vs new) that kind hate each other without being objective.

[@blondy682]

Very good points, i think it includes everything you mentioned and also a league + ownerships that are protecting their assets. There are a lot of examples from previous years where a team has drove their greatest players into the ground...no rest, playing hurt; where a league allowed players to rough up their opponents. Regardless of what i think about how the game has changed, i think most players would want to play in this era.

[@captainswagalicious]

This is why I love your content. I’m the type of person to hyper obsess over a select few things and basketball is by far my favorite thing to obsess over, as I’m sure you can relate. I’m only 19 and I haven’t even been alive longer than Lebron has been an all star, but I believe there’s so much basketball to love outside of the current era.

[@louschweetz]

I'm 24. I still consider myself young. Been a subscriber for years now. I love the simplicity of your videos. One of the most unbiased and underrated KZbinr for sure.

[@celtics17banners84]

This era is strong, but the product is weak. Clean up the flopping and the encourage some defense

[@demappless]

It’s widely known that today’s common players are better shooters and handlers than the common player in the past. It’s easier to look better at defense when your man doesn’t know how to shoot or handle a rock. Call a spade a spade.

[@elgrannido156]

Best take on this video.

[@jordansoviet23]

You forgot to add call blatant dribbling and movement violations as well. It's insane to think that these players today get away with these violations with regularity. Some of them are even proud of it by posting videos of their illegal moves.

[@warriorofgod2700]

Just bring back hand checking. We'll see who can really handle the rock

[@nicksamp515]

More on the NBA management itself, than the players. Players are just adapting to the situation in which favors them. Hate the soft techs and the gather step. the 2000 rule book and officiating is the most balanced of all, just remove refs who love to fix games and this modern day NBA would be fantastic!

[@oren482]

Great video. In addition to all of your points, I'd say that there's also the fact that playstyles have evolved to become better - each time a new strategy becomes popular it's because it wins against the old strategy, meaning over time the level of play should increase even if the talent among the players were to stay the same.

[@gamefreak2050]

I love all eras but have to agree. We should all be glad we get to experience this as it’s going

[@dionysise5008]

You have a very good point at extended primes. I was just thinking of it the other day

[@bretskywater774]

Best episode ever awesome! I’ve been watching the NBA on TV since 1980 your waxing poetic about the older eras always entertains and your take on the modern era being the most talented in history is 100% accurate no question in any way shape or form. Great job brother.

[@zapman7985]

You and uncle hays are goats in nba history videos

[@The_Protagonist]

Very interesting take and discussion. I don’t know that I fully agree but I don’t compare eras often simply because they are so different and it’s a different game every 10-15 years or so. There is a good case for the claim. But there is a case to be made to counter. Good video tho.

[@Smido83]

Yes, and I dont understand why so many have a problem with that. Most talented doesnt mean best... there is a huge difference. Rules (better in the past), rivalries (there are none left), social media (huge problem today), load management... this era is lacking A LOT! But talent? Come on now!

[@rogelioatempa1115]

Rules being better in the past, but to say there are no rivalries left is just plain dumb. And while social media may be a problem it's also a big reason why the NBA is as big as it is today. I'd argue previous era lacked a lot more than the current era lacks today.

[@Smido83]

@@rogelioatempa1115 Thats your opinion... I dont see any rivalries, specially not between players of franchises. They are all Buddy Buddy the entire Summer and Huggs all season. Wanna see a true rivalry, visist a Partizan vs Red Star game in Belgrade! And the fans? Jokic said it best after he was ejected against the Heat and they "booed" him... A reporter asked him if he felt save and if he was frightened or something... His answer: "I played in Serbia, Brother! I wish you guys could feel that!"

[@1vaultdweller]

Illegal defense rule that was kept until 2000s was BS. Glad NBA got rid of it. It made defenses dumb and predictable. Modern zone-allowed rules are vastly superior And whining about social media *on social media* is very hypocritical of you lol

[@cobra7282]

"availability is the best ability". The inability of modern players to stay on the court is a talent that is lacking. Seriously watch any NBA game and watch it with the mindset of finding every time it would have been a turnover in the 70s or 80s and you will notice that carries, travels and offensive fouls are all over the place.

[@1vaultdweller]

@@Smido83 Thats comical. Cus MJ and Ewing, Magic, Barkley, Bird, Oakley, Reggie were all buddies off the court

[@27ad]

I can not say that I am a fellow old head but Jonny I love the past eras (specifically the 90s) more than any others and I have to no more about it then I know about todays era and you have helped me become so much more knowledgeable about basketball as hole.

[@hughtrotman2212]

Jonny Arnett I am really happy that you cover the older eras of NBA basketball. Because we’re now starting to ask questions like who was better Steve Nash or John Stockton? Tracy McGrady or Dominique Wilkins? Grant Hill or Derek Rose? Without comparisons we wouldn’t have thoughtful discussions to figure out who is better?

[@leriasmichail9183]

You should definitely make a video comparing the nba talent in 2023 vs. other eras such as the early 2000s or the late 80s.

[@vintagemonte]

This video ✨🤌🏾 everything i’ve been saying about the modern era. I will forever be linking this video. This is peak basketball IMO

[@sizzlack5442]

Johnny I disagree with you on a lot of points in some of your videos but I always respect that you give flowers when you believe it’s deserved even if you know it’ll upset a subsection of fans. Always keepin it real to your genuine thoughts

[@mams1701]

As a 50+ year old: every one has their own opinion. For me the late 80s thru 90s until about '04 (ending with that Pacers vs Pistons ECF) was and is the greatest Era of basketball ever. To me talent is worthless without competition and when foreign players come here and say it's easier to play here than in Europe then that tells me that this NBA is pathetic today. I walked away from the NBA in'06 and each highlight I see of floppers and whining and zero defense I lose more and more interest in the NBA. But again: to each their own.. 👍

[@mediokah232]

Well. At least you admitted your own bias.

[@crosswiz6]

Agree! And I'm not even an old head. Late 80s till early 2000s was the best. Players are waaay too cuddled today, and defense is non existent.

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

I'm almost with you. The 80's,90's and the 00's had the most talent.

[@ReallyJTT]

@@GenghisClaus social media did

[@blentoot2382]

Bias fan have no opinion. Keep your opinion by yourself.

[@jamiekelley4076]

I absolutely agree this is the most talented era. How could it not be, they have access to the largest population ever in human history. The sport is at its most popular in the world which means it has access to the largest talent pool it ever has. The sport is also offering some of the most lucrative contracts in the world meaning it is able to attract the best talent in the world. 3 NBA players are on the list for Forbes top 5 highest paid players in the world. The average basketball player salary is the highest average per sport professionally. As to why careers are lasting longer. I think it is a combination of medical/sports technology and better understanding of human limitations vs return on effort. Even 20 years ago players were asked to play through "minor" injuries without ever giving them a proper chance to heal. These often turned into nagging long term injuries after repeatedly reinjuring them. Now players can get the games off they need to heal up meaning they don't slow down as fast anymore.

[@southwest1988]

The rules and money will actually make the game today more diluted why you think USA can’t win against the world ? If nba has the best talent then why they lose to the world ? You want to know why the fundamentals of the rebound is lost ! Thanks to evolution and spacing right the game today is positionless and in reality creates 3 to 4 man just standing more spacing = paralysis

[@Dottor_J]

Ive learnt a lot from your channel. Definitely my favorite basketball creator on youtube

[@nickbongos]

You know your background music playing during your commentary reminds me of the E true Hollywood story intro back in the day

[@colewrld901]

As a spurs fan, I'm in heaven right now lol

[@MelachiDubNation2531]

Wemby finna carry them to the playin or even playoffs 💪🏾

[@whyjordan]

I’m 21 and I watch your channel religiously. Love your content my guy! Much love

[@jmckie45]

Even though I am 26, and I am experiencing this era in real time, I appreciate past greats in the NBA because of my love of sports and history. Even though I never wanted to answer this question of talent because of my bias due to my age, I agree with you take on this debate topic.

[@laz0rama]

i am definitely one of your "old-heads", i started watching the nba in 1969-70. i hate most ways the league has changed in recent years, but i think it's true that there's an argument to be made that this is the most OFFENSIVELY skilled collection of players. however, to me that is seriously tempered by the fact that the rule changes (and changes in interpreting them - eg walking, carrying, offensive bullying, ...) and playing style changes get a huge assist in that. still, you make some valid points in the video, absolutely.

[@Eyevan119]

Ole head & happy lol love the channel bro . I’m on every upload quick

[@jonnyarnett]

I appreciate it man! Means more than you know :)

[@joeytheant6731]

Thanks for the shoutout to Djokovic :)

[@Galaxis_Gunner]

As Always Great Video 💯 Much love from Germany❤️🇩🇪

[@Hendrix.Robinson]

We are grateful for you too Jonny!

[@alemanpr007]

It's not that there is more talent now. The thing is that the rules softened the Defense. Now there is no hand check and there is the 3 second defensive rule where the paint is open. That's why when they play in Fiba they don't have those freedoms and they have big problems. In the last World Cups they didn't even win medals even though on paper they are the favorites.

[@crosswiz6]

He conveniently left that GLARING information out 😂 After Jordan left ratings dropped massively so the NBA changed the rules in order to encourage more offensive and make the game more exciting in an attempt to boost ratings. The pampering coddling and babying of NBA players just got worse over time..and here we are today 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Xenon-h9z]

Ironically, I think he covered that in another video. @@crosswiz6

[@crosswiz6]

@@Xenon-h9z So he knows better and he's just making this video for clicks, cuz no way in hell is this the most talented ers ever. The most babied and cuddled era by FAAAR

[@ivanbobanovic]

This video com,ing from this channel is actually insane

[@axelgiosido4997]

@jonnyarnett, I am your avid follower and I have known so much from old school basketball because of you but man, you hurt my feelings when you said that your average viewers are old heads. I'm still 26 dude hahahah kidding aside, keep it up my man, we appreciate what you do :)

[@cadecrusader]

Thanks Jonny. This era is talented in a different way

[@adolphdooley3632]

The game has evolved to its present greatness. When the game was invented in 1891, it had to change, evolve, and mature with each generation, and era of players to where it is today, so it’s not wrong to say that players today are the greatest group of players ever. There are some player from the past who could be great in any era, but this present era of players are the greatest ever, because everything is transitioning and evolving, getting better than the era’s before it.

[@willg3220]

I don't think us old people get offended as easily as younger generations...i definitely got offended easier when I was younger though 🤔

[@lenliu749]

Regarding player longevity, yeah its true that Lebron, Steph, KD have astonishing longevity but you also have guys like Derrick Rose, Oladipo who had relatively short peaks due to injury. It remains to be seen whether injury riddled players like Embiid and Kawhi will still be able to play at a high level into their mid to late 30s. The injuries may eventually catch up to them, contributing to their decline along with their age.

[@RetroKid]

The 2010s and current era reflect this generation's need to feel special without doing anything special, or putting in the work to be special. Instead of working hard on a craft, they create "hacks" that allow them to do more with less effort, work or practice. Take all these players flopping, carrying or load managing, and hiding behind the excuse that they're "evolved" or that the game is "evolved to something better". They can't even play a full 82 or dribble without palming or carrying, and yet we're being told that the way they play is an "evolution"? That's some copium right there. 80s and 90s were peak, and when the 2000s hit, it started to go down hill. Idiots like Bruce Bowen being labeled as all-time defenders, and everyone having an A.I. inspired crossover that was really a carry is start of players doing less and calling it more.

[@davidhutson2846]

I would say this era is the most fortunate to be able to showcase their talents.. as a whole

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

Good point on the international talent.

[@ShermanSitter]

I think the primary reason the league is more talented now is because of the amount of money involved. The incentives and thus competition for talent spots, advertising, high end management, etc is under much greater pressure. There is a corresponding explosion in training, facilities, staff, scouts, pressure to succeed, etc.

[@JayTator]

I think nba peaked in 90's. I do agree though that modern era is most talented.

[@jonnyarnett]

I actually agree. It was more entertaining to me back then, but it’s deeper now.

[@m.otransformers4855]

How is deeper? This is garbage

[@sideshowbobsaget8876]

​@jonnyarnett it isn't

[@isiahbraun8704]

Us 35 and up crowd appreciate your video's bro

[@bpmachete]

In these last 2 years I have realized that, never before have I seen such talent in flopping and artistry in carrying the ball. The talent is so high, that basketball became unwatchable, the way they fly through the air flopping all over the place, the way they stop dribbling, carry the ball up and across and then drop the ball again and keep dribbling is so amazing. I am glad I got to live to the time where you could tackle the defender off the ball with moving screens, and people could get a gather gather, to exaggerated gather step to one two and layup. Also if the defense was so soft in the 80's and 90's maybe the stars could go out there and play in late 30s well as well, and not be all hurt, if they could play average 60 games instead of go all out and try to play every game, maybe the late 90's could have also been a scoring fest of no defense, carrying and flopping.

[@jimbobfisher8904]

This is exactly the exact same way I look at this topic 👌💯

[@Dantana773]

Well I'm old enough to have Seen the 80's basketball up until now And all eras had talent. The other places in the world have caught up with us in the sport I will agree. The foreign player can start a pro career early look a Luka for example he started a pro career at what 16. it also helps this era that the players get to start careers earlier on average then back in the past now a rookie will be 18/19 ( 1 year Of College and to the pros compared to the 80s and 90s where players started at age 22 /23. On Average. Medicine, training, Style of play also play a role in the lonegevity of players careers. Side not players these days no matter of size/ height are allowed to shoot from 3 and handle the ball in previous eras if you were a taller then most you got tossed in to be center even if you had a shot and handles. I enjoy your content salute from Chicago

[@crax-55]

another banger video

[@Évrard_Elisea]

I read once that Tinder was a major part of it too. For, players on the road don't go out anymore to get lucky, they find lovers from their hotel bedroom.

[@neboyshanicolich761]

1996-1998 Era...packed with talent. Jordan,Pippen,Rodman,Shaq,Penny,G.Hill,Kobe,Stockton&Malone,Payton&Kemp,Drexler,R.Miller,Olajuwon,C-Webb,Ewing,Duncan,Garnett,J.Kidd,Zoo,Iverson,Barkley,Ray Allen,M.Richmond,David Robinson,Mutombo,T-Mac,Steve Nash etc...

[@kdfan35]

Half of those players weren’t even in their primes. Everyone post KG usually peaked in the 2000s

[@Taj_Rahine]

@@kdfan35 A lot of the big names today are not in their primes but they get counted anyway...

[@jeremycrumpton7881]

Haven’t even finished the video yet, just the intro. Johnny such a real one!

[@randomperson2540]

I still believe it's the 2000s, as you had a balance of everything while having longevity in a physical era. A lot of the reasons why players can produce is because it's easier too, such as less physical, looser rules, and more pacing.

[@henrylowery3297]

Weakest era

[@micahdavis1369]

I think it’d be interesting instead of “most talented era” narrowing it down to “most talented season”. What season do you think had the most talented players? For me it’s probably 2006, prime Kobe, prime Duncan, prime KG, prime Dirk, Lebron was already a superstar, D Wade and Melo were rising stars, guys like Shaq and AI could still put up great performances despite being over 30, and I haven’t even mentioned Steve Nash, Yao, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady (tbf this was the season he started getting injury prone), Vince Carter, Tony Parker, Pau, and underrated stars like Shawn Marion, Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace. Absolutely loaded season.

[@randomperson2540]

@micahdavis1369 I agree, and yea, after you said all that, 06 seems to have the most talented season, like there a guys that averaged 35+ while being all defensive first team and wasn't even the top 4 jn the mvp race, and the guy who was all nba second team would gone to have the best performance in the playoffs and be a champion. The worse guy you mentioned is a guy who just went to the nba finals last year and nearly won by anchoring one of the best defensive teams ever

[@crosswiz6]

​@@micahdavis1369this is it! Weaker defense and less physicality today will breed more offensive stars, and that shows a false or inflated level of "talent" You can take good role players from 80s and 90s put em against this non existent defense today and they also become offensive stars 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@kdfan35]

@@henrylowery329790s was the weakest modern era 2010-Now, 2000s, 80s, 90s

[@vicentecampos2893]

The athletism is the best ever. Every player is capable of dunk, jump and make spectacular plays. But I am an old school fan, I still enjoy today's play, but I miss the 80's and 90's way of play.

[@2KDUDE22]

Maybe they re playing longer because of the less physical style of play and the toll it takes on the body. I do think load management also contributes, in the 80s and 90s guys routinely played 80 games.

[@tranceform9459]

If you consider the concept of standing on the shoulder of giants. Each era (players, coaching staffs, trainers, film techs, scouts, executives, media, etc.) Add much more knowledge about skill sets, play sets, defensive schemes than each subsequent generation. Players now often learn the fundamentals of the game much earlier, thus develop into training on advanced skills much earlier. Equating to math or science, basic arithmetic, (addition and subtraction) are the fundamentals. It appears as the current players don't necessarily use the fundamentals, even though the do, now because they are so well trained at calculus. The systems to develop young talent are more robust these days. Youth camps, aau etc. Are developing talent at a much younger age and training to become a pro basketball player is a much more prestigious career idea than ever before with the growth in worldwide viewership, and amount of money made. That's why it makes less sense to compare 1:1 across eras. The systems surrounding the sport have evolved so much. You can see it in the player mechanics overall. As time goes on, the sport becomes much more dialed in.

[@Trevdawg48]

Without even watching, it is right now. If you were to compare the top 5 players, there would be multiple eras who could stand up to this one. If you were to compare the top 10 players, there would be a couple eras (such as late 80's/early 90's) that could stand up to this one. But if you are talking top 20 players, this current era is stronger than any. The depth of talent is insane right now.

[@Trevdawg48]

And I'm 43, and have been watching the NBA since the mid-80's.

[@Force_RC21]

I'm under 20 and enjoy your videos. I'm a bug fan of the game but if im being honest, I can't tell you much regarding anything 2010. Of course I know about Magic, Bird, Zeke etc. But if it weren't for your channel I wouldn't have the side hobby of watching older basketball games

[@juwanrigby1924]

This the reason why I have magic and bird low on my top 10 all time list.

[@richardscott9973]

Jonny for a future video, do the best of each eras compared....honestly I think the best of the 60's playing with no 3 point line and with the physicality of the 80's or before, would beat any 5 from now.... Skill wise and depth wise I agree with you, but honestly Oscar, Jerry, Elgin, Russell at 4 and Wilt....I think beats any 5 now.... But that being said under today's rules and with the 3 point spacing this time would beat the best of most other decades.....

[@johnatspray]

Old school fan, but great points! Yes this is probably the “best” era.

[@johnle1535]

McGrady, Shaq, Duncan, Kobe, KG, Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Iverson, Wade, Melo, Lebron, Dirk, Kidd, Nash, Yao Ming was even forgotten. Time just rips people's memories. These guys were all insane, I'm sure I missed a bunch. I'm talking like VC and Iverson was taking turns scoring 50 on each other. Imagine no one hand checked those 2, vc held most 3s in a game (13x) during an Era that didn't allow you to. He'd dunk on the BEST shot blockers.

[@RyanWithAnE]

Am I the only teenager who loves Jonny arnett videos?

[@tommywolmart265]

This is well argued and I agree. I think the issue with this era is the B listers are hyper inflated, so folks think they are A listers, especially when directly compare to previous eras. Like the Michael Redds of the 2000s will periodically drop 50 today, and been seen as like comparable to A listers from the 2000s and early 2010s

[@genesisnineteen9579]

Honestly I haven’t had this much fun watching basketball since high school

[@Lalambz]

having the super team was a “good move” in the longer run, it forced the less talented team to catch up or compete with the best.. it sucked in the moment because we know who’s going to win, but its awesome to see the underdogs out perform the favorites

[@MrMaboto]

Great video

[@elastios]

I picked up basketball around the start of last post season and its been so much fun learning about its history

[@jereyounger1725]

Not that old lol but I definitely enjoy ur videos 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿 RIP KOBE❤️❤️❤️

[@jamoa3395]

It not about the viewer that dis old eras , I’m an old head myself, but the constant disrespect that the 70”80” and 90” get from the players today and media is really wrong, that why I would shove back and especially the Le bron fan boys too , just give the old school ballers thier damn respect ❤😂

[@Jeff_2x]

Why don’t people realize the MAIN reason why the NBA in the 80s and 90s was more “physical” was due to the rules 😂

[@sirbradfordofhousejones]

For sure. And on the flip side, ball-handling is also more impressive today because of the rules.

[@ajatathemu]

I can agree that based on the amount of players and the popularity of the sport it's more talent available.

[@217ShowOffBoii]

Curry was a late bloomer and didn't reach Superstar status till 2016 at age 27, imo. I thought to myself wow, that's too bad he only has until maybe age 32 before he starts to decline. He went on to average his age and is still going.

[@swandaley]

I agree with your points. It's very difficult to say that this era isn't the most talented era when even the most mediocre role player is making 3s like clockwork. However, this is the least motivated era at the same time. Old school players had more of a killer instinct where a person like Lebron quits as soon as he's met with the smallest adversity.

[@FunkWithMagic611]

I’d say rule changes have made it easier for Europeans to play bball, like 3 second rule, the shooter landing space rule, the spacing being wide open,and it’s really just better for individuals not not team ball just my opinion

[@jmarcguy]

Definitely the most talented. Everyone has handles and everyone can shoot. My era is the 80’s - 90’s but I’ll admit players today are more skilled. I still prefer the styles of the older period though.

[@jasonvargas4798]

Old head here, I was definitely triggered by this initially, but after watching the video, I agree to a degree. I do wish we could have a more balanced league to really see if the superstars are truly superstars. But I can definitely see that, this is a stacked league.

[@sergioa.9695]

I do wish they actually call travels, carrying, offensive fouls, illegal screens like they should be called also allow more contact and give technical fouls for flopping. Then we will see, also the kind of basketball that is played today is a regression in my opinion, a lot of fundamental basics has been lost and then people ask why usa players struggle in fiba competitions. In my opinion the best basketball played in nba was in the 00's, perfect balance between talent, different kind of styles played, rules, competition and so on.

[@Sketch_0123]

Here are some stats to compare two seasons. FG%: 1996-97 (45.5) vs 2022-23 (47.54) 3PT%: 96-97 (35.96) vs 22-23 (36.01) Turnovers per game: 96-97 (15.66) vs 22-23 (14.09) Blocks per game: 96-97 (4.9) vs 22-23 (4.78) Rebounds per game: 96-97 (41.07) vs 22-23 (43.43) There’s a lot to draw from these numbers. The website I used only went as far back as the 1996 season. However, comparing those two years, 3PT shooting for example isn’t much different then as it is now. So to say today’s players shoot better 3’s is inaccurate. It would be cool to see what previous seasons averages though.

[@Stimulation334]

Deadly starting 5. Pg LeBron Sg jordan Sf bill Russell Pf wilt C shaq

[@JJWAD]

Bruh that lineup has no spacing

[@christianlua508]

The only thing I hate in this era is the constant injury/load management.

[@nvm9040]

i like this current era and i have some favorite players in this era,but its too heavy on offense and not enough defense granted there was those teams that had balance like the dynasty Warriors,'21 Bucks championship team,bubble Lakers,and '19 Raptors Granted at time this current era doesn't have the balance between each conference and there was a stretch of superteams which was predictable who would make it to the finals but the league was still watchable In my opinion the greatest era in nba history was the 70's bc of its balance of not having a true dynasty,the players that are known as hall of famers,highly praised role players,and legendary moments that were created by those players makes the 70's the best era

[@winstonmiu]

I thought so too. It’s hard to follow the highlights of so many star players.

[@ouss]

What is the background music?

[@thomash8501]

I agree with your first and second points to a great extent, Jonny. However, the longevity (several eras in one) of players over the last twenty years or so clearly has to do more with load management and resting players with minor injuries that older generations would have played right through, and in some cases, doing so ended their careers earlier. Furthermore, without a doubt, the best drugs (steroids, PED's), "supplements", and training and recovery methods in history are available to players in the modern era. One's definition of "talent" is still greatly subjective. While I agree that the league has better shooters now than at any other point in history, I still see a lot of stretches of games that resemble sloppy street ball more than the refined game that the best players in the world should be playing. Incidents such as the Malice at the Palace in addition to others have caused the league to become way too strict on calling fouls, which has led to a much softer style of play. One can argue over the pleasing aesthetics in terms of whether or not they like this style compared to decades in the past, but in my opinion, players in the 80's, 90's and 2000's had more pride in their game than today's players do, stronger work ethics, and much fiercer loyalties to their teams and franchises, and this stronger competitive spirit and the willingness to get physical and play far harder than they do today makes me feel that the best basketball in history was played in those decades.

[@JoseIrizarry-k7g]

20 years later this era became plumbers and fireman 😂🤡😂

[@hepwo91222]

yes, often little respect is given to past NBA players, but in baseball its the opposite, way more respect is giving to the past for some reason.

[@cacherodelaspampas8658]

Being the most talented era doesn't necessarily mean it is the "best" era. Like for example one could say today's car industry produces the best cars ever, but one could argue that cars in the 60s and 70s are the greatest cars ever produced.

[@LargeDude2023]

I definitely agree that the international players are better now and for me they are the most exciting players. Difficulty to compare eras because of the differences in physicality. I remember a guy like Gerald Henderson playing with a neck brace. You would never see that with the soft players of today. Taking a beating took its toll on many players' bodies in the past. Now guys play more for the stats and the longevity, in and of itself, is another stat, as well as hanging around accumulating stats is more valued now, even if they aren't contributing to winning. Guys like Westbrook and others manufacture stats and stats are inflated on several levels in comparison.

[@rickygrayson7070]

I ain’t no old head lol I’m 20 but keep the vids up man I love em