The Truth About 90s Defense In The NBA and Why It is Easier To Score In Today's League

[@chrischecketts2464]

I'm starting to realize more and more how player stats are not the best way to compare players across different eras. As the game changes, stats change too.

[@MrMeriloto]

Stats are numbers for fools. In basketball even more so. You eat two chickens, i eat none, average is one but my stomach is empty. Picture's worth a thousand words, or numbers. NBA in the 90s was brutally physical, images don't lie.

[@benjaminan1183]

Pace adjustments are a thing, but there is no true way to perfectly compare across eras. Which is why, even though I have my own list, I use tiers.

[@HenryRex7]

@Charles Stanford have you ever seen a matchup between the pistons and mj? Sneezing, yeah perhaps after they clotheslined him. Come on

[@willybeamon]

This why these lebum fans thinks he’s the goat. Cause if freaking stat padding and the type of defense they play now compared to then

[@turtleislandlac1490]

Yes it baffles me why more fans don't realize rules of the era dictate stats. In the 90s it was an achievement to score over 30 points. And now players are doing it regularly, and many of these players didn't score a lot in college. Case in point Donovan Mitchell just had two games of 50 or more in the 2020 playoffs. The only other players to have more than one 50 pt playoff game is Jordan, Chamberlain and Iverson. People would be surprised to know both Kobe and Lebron only have one 50 pts or more playoff game. Is Mitchell on the level of those players? No, of course not. He's just benefitting from rules that cater to more offense. Mitchell averaged 7.4 ppg in his freshman year at Louisville and 15.6 in his sophomore year in 32 minutes a game. In the NBA he's averaged 20.5, 23.8 and 24.0 playing 33-34 minutes a game, not much more than college. And finally in 37 minutes a game in the 2020 playoffs, he averaged 36.3 ppg in 7 playoff games. This is a guy who helped lead Team USA to a SEVENTH place finish at the 2019 World Cup, where they do still allow handchecking.

[@adisnu]

Illegal defense is bringing a gun to the locker room

[@pointchamberlain4782]

ADNTV dat boi gil

[@texchu8331]

But it wasn't loaded and I never even picked it up! --Gilbert Arenas

[@pointchamberlain4782]

Tex Chu Gil is my fav player

[@savage7ecneek437]

His own teammate.....hahaha

[@wulvershon]

ADNTV i did it all the Time

[@desmondpowell7366]

I love when people do research. I swear this might be one of the most useful skills in corporate America.

[@noshotnova2432]

Yup, reseach = I found stats to support me, not you.

[@jaquevius]

@@noshotnova2432 exactly. It irks me when I see people refer to “research” on social media when they simply mean look at other sources/both sides of an argument before you make a decision or judgement, which should be basically common sense. However since most people choose/want to believe something rather than analyze the subject in total before making a judgement, I see why so many people call it “research” and it’s common bastardized use is here to stay. However, as someone who has been in science his entire adult life, I’m concerned that the dilution of the meaning and the distrust it could create regarding objective truth, as now when I read “do your research” on social media I have zero confidence the author has any credibility and implies research is essentially now meaningless rather than the search for truth regardless if the truth differs from your hypothesis (belief), and reporting the findings even when it flips your prior belief system upside down. We advance by accepting the facts, regardless if they are convenient or not, and we change the previously held belief system which sometimes rocks the foundation of civilization itself (world was flat, sun revolved around the earth etc).

[@Troy_Aesthetics]

@@noshotnova2432statistics don’t lie but they also don’t give context, do your own research

[@michaelwhite8119]

As someone who was a fan of the game and grew up real time during these rules changes, I have to say this video is so well done in explaining and highlighting the changes and giving much needed context. You aren’t the only who says they are “confused” about the illegal defense. I would almost compare it to pass interference in the NFL in which some teams go with the theory of “the refs won’t call it on every play,”

[@tkbaku3036]

I don’t think you understand illegal defense buddy

[@gio1135]

@@tkbaku3036 what is it

[@samknight9825]

U can’t switch and u have to stay with your man your assigned to

[@nolanrussell6326]

​@@samknight9825That's not true. In theory, illegal defense means you can't play zone or aggressively help/leave your man open. You were definitely allowed to switch or double team though. And illegal defense was rarely called consistently. Most teams still had their big man help in the paint and sag off their man. As pointed out in this video, modern NBA spacing has a bigger effect on discouraging defensive help than illegal defense ever did

[@X02Overdose]

@@tkbaku3036explain it then

[@Qoordis]

This is one of the best breakdowns of the rule changes I’ve ever seen

[@sebclot9478]

Speaking as someone who watched all this happen in real time, I agree.

[@keahilanil3469]

I agree. Glad I found this video before making my own response. The only weak point was how the illegal defense rule change was addressed and I am sympathetic due to the age of the author (or what I assume it to be). For that, I think quoting NBA players reacting to it would have provided the insight the rest of the video had. Most, if not all the star players, were against it. Here is a quote from Allen Iverson before the illegal defense rule change went into effect, essentially predicting its impact: "I think it's going to take a lot of creativity from the game. I'm going to get into the lane, and four, five guys are going to be sitting there waiting for me. The game will turn into a bunch of guys shooting jump shots. You can't tell me that's what the fans want to see." He was only wrong about how NBA fans would react...

[@curbyourenthusiazm]

@G-man This is correct. This is one of the worst videos I've ever seen.

[@martindagoat3909]

Stakk Cry lmaoo

[@Scottygetright]

A breakdown of a breakdown damn... good job man

[@Rawbtala]

“People need to do your research.” Problem is people don’t know HOW to research. This video pointed that out very, very well. 👍🏻

[@SoFresh415]

His graphs don't even have references. Looks like it was made on an excel sheet. You're just gonna take him for his word? Take your own advice, do your own research and draw your own conclusion.

[@Rawbtala]

@@SoFresh415 His research is sufficient, that was my point.

[@markjacobs7928]

This video ignores the reason why its easy to score and it has nothing to do with rules

[@markjacobs7928]

@@Rawbtala he talked about rules rules rules and jimmy jimmy jimmy. 20 minute vidoe that really cant show rules are even the reason its hard to score. Rules are not the reason. Lets look at the NFl in 1990. Lineman were usually 300lbs fat guys. Today they are lean and fast and block just as well. If you think the nba is different you are wrong. Players got way better at shooting. This is much more the reason its hard to defend in the nba today. They are taking 30 foot shots like standard jump shots. This did not come from silly arm check rules. In a 1990 playoff game the defenders would be 20 feet everyone was bunched together. Today the defenders are 27 feet out. This creates huge gaps. A defense can not close these gaps becasue they cant ad defenders. The response is switching and that fails. A defenders job is so much harder today and kt has very little to do with these idiotd trying to control the game. The rule changes did not create the range. Better players created the range.

[@edwardhicks9481]

his vis is bullshit, i can take a few vids and numbers and put them together how I want, defense overall was better in the 80s and 90s, you cant look at a few vids to understand how the whole 4 quarters were played, defenses always break down at some point

[@GodzillaFreak]

The 60s had insane scores, but their defence was actually really strong relative to offence. You need to look at efficiency, not volume.

[@bred1s928]

GodzillaFreak spelled offense wrong illiterate fuck

[@GodzillaFreak]

Bred 1s the dictionary is fine with both. I’m Canadian so I’m used to spelling it with a c

[@sjhshs71]

60s? Fuck dont even mention that era where people literally looks like jogging back and forth the court even gleague willfucking trash their unathletic ass. Players today are literally god mode athletes and the only thing can stop them is punching or grabbing them and you people will call it toughness lol

[@GodzillaFreak]

Dont Know Your name fits pretty well with your knowledge.

[@sjhshs71]

@@GodzillaFreak sure bro

[@mjisurdad]

Moral of the story: don’t take what you hear in a video to be fact without fact checking yourself. Do your own research folks.

[@sizzer1967]

I watched it live back in 90s. No need to research. I know what better eta was and it was hands down 90s era !! Today’s era all about flop and ballet

[@whydoiexist7029]

It was facts though. Please fact check yourself, it’s ironic you say that while likely not researching yourself and using someone else’s video.

[@markjacobs7928]

@Todd Lerfahndler a 20 minute video that should of been 4 minutes long. Jimmy jimmy jimmy. The reason its hard to defend now is because of range not because of stupid check rules hahaha. They take 30 ft 3 pointers because of lack of checks thats comical. The rules had little to do with it these shooters just got way better. You can only have 5 defenders now these defenders are stretched like rubber bands. The gaps are huge

[@james-cd8ki]

J

[@shaquillewalker2281]

Idc what none y’all say today’s nba players are wayyyyyy more fucking skilled we are better at everything

[@emaan3259]

If the defense was this physical then that means playing defense was easier back then, imagine Giannis or lebron handchecking people & allowed to be physical on defense.

[@Yaasiin._]

Exactly

[@X02Overdose]

tyroilsmoochiewallace 1 Yes, but then that would mean offensive players from back then would have it MUCH easier to day, proving LOWs point. Also a lot of great defenders back then didn’t use handchecking as much as they would have you think.

[@trentonmullins4948]

tyroilsmoochiewallace 1 lebron would get punked by niggas like rodman every night. he can’t even handle today’s soft ass league

[@jordan7985]

X02Overdose truth. Defense is played with your feet not your hands.

[@jorgeanta2912]

Yung Savage no he wouldn’t he’s 6’8 like 250-280 pounds With barley any body fat whatsoever bill lambiere said they wouldn’t stop lebron if they tried to use the rules they had on Jordan lebron will easily do better in the 90s era when he adapts

[@chinfy2994]

Good ass video, its interesting how the nba implemented many rules at the same time without worry that it could've jeopardized the fate of the league even more.

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

I think they did worry though, the reason to change it was becasue they thought the game was already being jeopradized, and it looked to have worked. It maybe have swung to far the other way now, but thats what they have to do I suppose, like a video game, balancing the game is always a changing thing, once players get use to the rules and find ways to exploit it, that can jeopordize the game unless something is done to change it up. There's no gaurantee that the something will work and thats up to debate what to do. A perfect game we wouldnt have to mess with it constantly to balance it, but since its our artificial game looks like w'ere going to have keep changing it. What happens in 300 years when the average height is 7 feet, are the rims still going to be 10 feet? haha or the opposite, what if we're 3 foot aliens by then. What does basketball look like then?

[@ucouco78]

It's entertainment so they'll rig the rules to however they want to produce the action they want

[@marvinwashington1040]

Great, Great, Great video...

[@trashpanda314]

The NBA along with the NFL as of late, are fairly quick to implement rule changes. And both leagues research thoroughly, but a big part of it is just seeing how it goes and adjusting on the fly. A lot of rule changes evolved from other rule changes and game trends. It's been directly correlated that higher scores equal more popularity. Especially among casuals. So it's no surprise that most rule changes, particularly in the NFL are offensively beneficial. Both leagues have done a pretty good job of staying with the times though if you ask me. I like todays NBA game for different reasons than i liked my 90s ball growing up in the MJ era. NBA ball has always had a different feel and dynamic from decade to decade, and that's part of the reason I enjoy it.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

@@trashpanda314 Well said!

[@Flamangatang]

One major point that gets left out is Shot blocking. The major shift in bringing in players that can shoot also left a huge gap in players that could defend the rim. The blocks per game leaders of the 80s and 90s were up as high as Mark Eatons 5 blocks (!!!) per game. Today you can lead the league with just under 3 blocks per game. The rules changes also made a difference in how many times a shot blocker challenges someone at the rim.

[@michaelbonhomme3677]

💯💯💯 I have a bias for guys who can score in the paint among The Oak trees. It’s different when Those Bigs ARE WAITING for you at the rim vs when the middle is wide open

[@jytyshh7212]

Well when everyone is shooting the ball outside the paint it is a lot harder to block it, rather than being in the paint where they have an advantage

[@gm2407]

Yeah, if you move from 8 three pointer attempts a game to 30-40 per game that means the bigs are getting fewer oportunities to block shots in the paint.

[@Flamangatang]

I’m not sure the shot attempts in the paint is much lower than before. I believe there’s less mid range attempts which are now 3pt attempts. The difference is there’s less size around the rim and the touch fouls called that stop players from trying to block shots head on.

[@keithramoran]

I remember when Shaq was getting his forearms caught by shotblocker's forearms and it wasn't called by refs and when they allowed bodies to bump into each other in the air even when the offensive player gets knocked down it's a good play bc they didn't touch the off player arms. Oh man the good times

[@TheDonovanMcCormick]

Early 2000s was the most defense friendly era in basketball, hands down.

[@tylercampbell6272]

Statistically it was the best defensive era.

[@frizzyrascal1493]

@@tylercampbell6272 The most fun to watch for me too

[@dancart1995]

A lot of bad teams

[@tylercampbell6272]

@@dancart1995 The Shaq/Kobe era? Spurs?

[@gm2407]

​@@dancart1995I was going to say a lot of bad teams in every eara. But that isn't true. This season seems to be quite close in spread of wins so closer to parity. Massive number of teams close to .5 just above and bellow in both conferences as the season is running to a close.

[@Jponto11]

I love Jxmy and his videos but I think it was pretty clear he was trying to make it a Jordan vs. LeBron type of thing. I think his argument was really biased and misguided

[@Jponto11]

Especially the part when he talks about scoring before and after hand check rule, completely ignoring players peaks and declines including age and other factors

[@X02Overdose]

Jack P His video contained NO context

[@trevor-pv1dz]

Jxmy Highroller's videos are almost unwatchable because of that annoying ass background music that he has had on repeat for 10 minutes a video for like 2 years

[@prfallenstar8968]

Like everyone that is in love Whit LeBron they will do anything to put him on top Lies , dismissed stats and they will change history just to enforce everyone that is ignorant to believe it

[@mydogsnameislucy768]

@@trevor-pv1dz Been saying that for a minute. And then when he does change it up, all his fans rage "WHERE'S MUH TRAP SAX?!"

[@kenmarkollano5795]

2000's defense is underrated

[@roskichan3001]

All thanks to fucking Shaq

[@jemfeliciano4983]

Shiroski O'charos so you are not gonna mention bruce bowen, the detroit pistons 2004 roster tmac etc so many

[@roskichan3001]

@@jemfeliciano4983 oh trust me I'm not forgetting about them. Specially Bruce Bowen! Dudes dirty and I like it.

[@LuisGonzalez-hx3qr]

The spurs??

[@jemfeliciano4983]

Shiroski O'charos shaq’s not even the best defender at his position at that time ben wallace is the best defender at the center position

[@RANDOMXNOTHING0]

This video makes you like this guy. Well spoken, no condescending comments and researched. Good job bro.

[@Mister__Jey]

It's extremely ironic that the NBA feared that if the teams made fewer points, they would get fewer viewers. And nowadays, when the teams raise points without end, where sometimes 130 or 140 points are on the board at the end of the game, fewer people are watching than ever at the NBA, because the game has simply become so one-dimensional.

[@HeathBilbrey]

Fewer and fewer are watching these days because of the wokeism, not because 130 - 140 were scored. Get real. Most fans do not want politics mixed with their entertainment. It's gone way too far.

[@Shosei_iw]

refs are also making it quite difficult to watch sometimes/for some people

[@Prince36300]

@@HeathBilbrey Nope. Fewer people are watching TV in general, there are more forms of media entertainment than ever, most casuals like yourself can get their fix by watching highlights on youtube or social media and 24hr sports networks and unlike the NFL, NBA games are not scarce so it is not the same level of event viewing. Nice try tho

[@Prince36300]

Agreed, BUT that only applies to the regular season. This years playoffs was decided by heavy pick and roll play, mid range shooting (KD, CP, Booker, Middleton), interior dominance on both ends (Giannis and Ayton). The only difference is allowed physicality and simplified officiating.

[@iTracti0n]

@@HeathBilbrey You sound dumb asl. The NFL is doing better than ever despite the "wokeism" movement. The NBA is simply boring nowadays with all the superteams, no superstar loyalty, and no intensity during the regular season

[@Qball42]

I'd love to see the NBA loosen up a bit on foul calls to make it a little more difficult to score personally. James Hardin is really smart and I admire him for it, but I would love to see players get away with stronger contact on fouls. I definitely don't want illegal defense to come back and I like the defensive three in the key too.

[@paquinraino8180]

The five past 5 years are the lowest in terms of FTs per game, that's mean nowadays en especially this season there's less FTs than before ( 00's, 90's, 80's)

[@Skiesaremine]

You get it in this season.

[@Qball42]

@@Skiesaremine Yes and, for the most part, I really like it.

[@stevonwhite8933]

@@paquinraino8180 Look at the fouls and foul calls before making this statement…

[@dustincobb5718]

No soft hand checks should come back the defensive 3 second rule and the prohop should be banned. Although wilts era and before had the toughest hand checking rule and older players are underrated for it. It shouldn't be like then because everyone will be hurt.

[@GabeGenesis]

One thing I must add to your hand checking rule is that hand checking is not gonna stop good-great players even the perimeter players. Great players adjust to their environment whether it's an old era or a new era

[@WeCube1898]

And the body contact, literally in the 90s you can shadow a guy body to body just a millimeter away ...

[@arsonhakobyan]

@@WeCube1898 That depended on the match-up.

[@KidnapT]

Facts the reasons they shoot 3’s better in this era because it’s main skills , Good players can adjust to any era .

[@nikolasmakarios8639]

Kobe himself, who played in both sets of rules, said that elite scorers won’t be stopped by hand checking. Him and MJ both said it’s harder to score against zone defense.

[@nomooon]

different types of good players here. hand checking is not going to stop physical players like Shaq Jordan or Kobe. But it could do damage to players like Durant and Curry.

[@ddave7026]

"After the finals, I sat down with the league and discussed with them the difference between player and team advantage. The discussion lead to changing the rules so that perimeter contact was called far more often." The NBA eliminated all forms of hand-checking before the 2004-2005 season. The rule was intended to give offensive players more freedom, but has given offensive players an unfair advantage. -Mark Cuban on how its a looser game now

[@back2back379]

Stu Jackson, former Vice President of Basketball Operations, in 2009: "With the rule and interpretation changes, it has become more difficult for defenders to defend penetration, cover the entire floor on defensive rotations and recover to shooters. This has provided more time for shooters to ready themselves for quality shots. With more dribble penetration, ball handlers are getting more opportunities at the rim.. The benefits of an open game are not limited to just perimeter players. An open game can benefit a post player as well. Remember, if the players are spaced wider and using more of the court, then defenses have to play those players closely because they're good shooters. The style actually serves to open up the middle of the floor. If a team has an effective post player, he would have more room to operate in the post." Adam Silver in 2018 speaking about the boost in Offensive scoring and the cutting down of the amount of contact defensive players can make: "We had a call with our competition committee last week, which is made up of coaches, GMs, owners, players, officials to discuss just that, and the consensus, or the strong feeling from the group was that the rule changes were happening as we intended." So basically, the NBA itself has stated that the rules changes overall were to favor the offense by opening up the game for them and consequently restrict the defense. It's rather telling that teams and players back in the day would be worried about the kind of defensive play that would be allowed, whereas these days teams and players get worried about the kind of defensive play NOT being allowed, hence why you've got players like Draymond Green complaining about defense not being allowed and coaches like Popovich saying "it's a lot more difficult to play and pioneer defense right now."

[@TomStansfield]

This is what happens when your entire business model is based on “entertainment” over the actual sport.

[@Shigami-lb6oc]

It all has to do with the sporting betting apps..it's all rigged..like the games themselfes

[@Shigami-lb6oc]

​@@TomStansfieldit's based on money....

[@FakeGoatDebateReferee]

The NBA was also panicking from losing MJ to retirement and loosened the rules to allow wings to be more MJ-like.

[@kristion9774]

Business Partners facts! That’s what it was about that’s why all the rules were to help offensive perimeter players that drive. Bleacher report has great article on this topic titled Jordan Changed the NBA’s Center Position Forever. And how the nab changed rules to make more duplicates of Jordan.

[@faveology]

All they had to do was be patient. Kobe and LeBron would have tore it up even with the old rules. They had heart and endless motors.

[@lilbirchtree4313]

😂😂😂

[@xfranchize]

That is correct.

[@Tailoredwright]

Not true. Stop letting nostalgia cloud your judgement.

[@Rangatology]

THE most logical, well researched & thought out analysis I have come across so far. Keep up the thoroughness & honesty.

[@MrE_]

20:07 that's a weak argument tbh. I think most teams are doing a combination of zone AND man on man together now, which wasnt allowed in the 90s. So no, they are not playing a traditional zone defense in today's game, but the zone essense is there since they basically man up on the best player and zone the rest. And no, its nothing like in the 90s, even in the clips you showed from the 90s and todays game you can clearly see the difference. and you can clearly see how much harder the 90s defense has to work in comparison to now, whether that means its weaker now or not idk I'm not an NBA player but I feel like if you arent trying as hard on defense either it's not too hard to stop single players or you just dont care about defense. So idk, do what you want with this comment

[@devdagoat2574]

so basically players today are impossible to guard plus no handchecking so players don’t even try on defense?

[@BigHeartNATION]

@@devdagoat2574 Players today try on defense but its easier to give up on defense because u cant even touch somebody without it being a foul

[@devdagoat2574]

SavageMan330 it’s harder to play defense because the rules favor the offensive player so they try on defense but the offense is too good they can’t do anything about it.

[@BigHeartNATION]

@@devdagoat2574 Facts thats true

[@diegochavez679]

NBA now is a bit weaker but more talented offensively but 2000s was the most talented and hardest era not the weak guard era of the 90s.

[@JC-po5zy]

If u play basketball at any level you know handchecking changes the game, it changes how you dribble cuz dribbling is about rhythm and flow it’s hard to keep u dribble with someone essentially pushing u

[@mikegulliver4885]

It basically feels like running through heavy beach sand...so hard to get somewhere with that hand or forearm constantly nudging you. It's exhausting.

[@JC-po5zy]

@@mikegulliver4885 exactly I’ll admit that it helps make defense easier but it makes offense harder and IMO it makes the game fair and balanced

[@themaster804]

I had to respond to this, if you hoop you know hand checking isnt doing anything to anyone that can cross but make you much easier to run around.

[@nbagoats4819]

@@themaster804 You don't hoop. You're a couch potato warrior.

[@KlayGoods123]

Bruh people couldn’t dribble with they left hand in 90’s, dare someone to pick up Kyrie full court

[@freespeechisdead1565]

21:23 Post up play in the 90s 20:28 Post up play in the 2010s

[@marekwichniarek268]

Great point!

[@jordanthedoge535]

Back then when u get the ball u have to have ur back against the opponents cause they gonna check u. Now they can do And One street ball type of dribbling freely because it is so easy now to protect the ball.

[@bernges7228]

That play from the 90s was literally called as an illegal defense violation lol you're reaching

[@jasonturner6459]

@@bernges7228 Did you even watch the video? It was very inconsistently called and people for doubled all the time. Rules against physical play and more 3pt shooting have made lanes as open as ever

[@villacresesborjabryan3345]

@Whos Mans Casual, there was an illegal offense rule, made to prevents that kind of tricks.

[@ZappB]

Great video, probably my favorite one of yours so far. Keep up the great work. Also love the love COJ144 is getting from other KZbinrs

[@shipwreck8341]

finally someone spilled that cold basketball juice on jimmy's head! good job kind sir.

[@whereami475]

still a good youtuber just focused to much on stats

[@whydoiexist7029]

LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAYS WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MINUTES. PLEASE.

[@AllenOverHeaven]

@@whereami475 we going off the eye test🤨

[@phoenixrising7777]

@@whereami475 the problem isn’t stats, it’s how you come up with and interpret stats. If you do not properly construct a stat and/or do not acknowledge the context and limitations of the stat (all stats have limitations), it renders the stat meaningless.

[@Tcheera]

I also think an important difference people don't factor in who don't play is that in the 80s there weren't flagrant fouls -- just fouls, and they added flagrants in the 90s, but every team member could get away with one with just a technical per game before getting ejected (and the fines weren't as serious nor were risks of suspension). Depending on your level or risk of injury / fear of career ending injuries -- some teams really did strategically use flagrant fouls to try to knock a player either off his game or end his career depending on the rivalry. I'm glad they have changed the rules because I think a lot of careers were ended prematurely due to getting beaten up by this defense, but I also think for some players it absolutely affected their defense either through intimidation or slow grind injury over time. There's not an exact way to measure it, but I think that aspect of defense was a big deal for some depending on your contract. Some didn't care -- others didn't want to get injured.

[@Fantumh]

The one thing I disagree with is that handchecking is overrated, because that's silly. It doesn't matter if a guy is the fifth scoring option, he's still a part of the offense and if he's fighting against handchecking the whole game, it disrupts the overall offense. And handchecking might have been a big reason he wasn't more of a go-to guy. But obviously there were many great perimeter players who had to do what they did with someone handchecking them and being physical all game long. You're right, and it's an obvious point, no NBA team has ever utilized true zone defense with any consistency. Eliminating the illegal defense mostly just allowed lazy defenders to not need to rush back to their man when they find themselves out of position.

[@kristion9774]

Fantumh can’t true zone brother because defensive 3 seconds says you can’t be inside the paint past 3 seconds if you’re not closely guarding an offensive player or they get 1 free throw and the shot clock reset. A true zone you don’t have to closely guard you just guard space. FIBA has a true zone, children basketball as well but the nba doesn’t. Defensive 3 seconds rule says to open up the game. That means get the big defender out of the paint so they faint clog it up and open up the driving lanes.

[@arsonhakobyan]

Hand-checking fouls have been called since 79 (Magic & Bird's rookie season). More hand-checks were allowed before the 95 season, and even before the 05 season, but don't make it sound like guys didn't get called for them, or that a great defender such as Michael Jordan, didn't benefit from using it. If a ref felt you were gaining an excessive advantage, causing displacement, or rerouting the dribbler by extending your hand, you got called for it in the 80s & 90s. About hand-checking being overrated, it's not when you're guarding a player of similar size, similar athleticism, similar strength. In that scenario, it does help your defense quiet a bit. But when you're way more explosive than the man guarding you, like say Jordan being guarded by Jeff Hornacek, the hand-check does basically nothing as far as helping Horny discourage a Jordan drive to the basket, clean look at a step-back jumper, or help him to keep a much more powerful Jordan out of the paint. Jordan's better than Lebron, but his era's not even close to being as physical as the 60s & 70s, when guys were intentionally knocking Doctor J on his butt going to the basket regularly w/o getting flagrants, and a flurry of defenders were literally taking free assaults w/ a running start on Wilt Chamberlain every time they were in position to do so, when he caught the ball, or was about to catch the ball inside. Wilt had to be even more gentle-spirited than Shaq to not get thrown out for retaliation, for the types of assaults he was taking, that make so many of the heavy fouls Shaq was taking, look like touch fouls.

[@arsonhakobyan]

@ScepticalCynic I liked it best that way, cause it made it stand out so much more, and so much more meaningful when they then did call it.

[@NoMoreLPCPP-NPA]

Jordan's era is not as physical? I guess Knicks and Pistons defense aren't physical enough.

[@arsonhakobyan]

@@NoMoreLPCPP-NPA Compared to the ancient NBA, no.

[@DWATTS1989]

@19:48 😂😂 “Do you even watch the nba” . Thank you LoW, I needed this after jxmy👍🏻👍🏻

[@KISS_MY_CONVERSE]

another reason the nba was hard to score in the early 2000s is because all the players would just walk the ball up the court and get stuck in half court situations. And they played a lot of iso ball with guys like Iverson, steve francis, stephon Marbury, t-mac and etc. In the 80s all the teams ran a faster pace. And there was a lot of off ball movement so defenders wouldn't be able to handcheck them as much. If your offensive players are constantly moving your not just standing there so defenders can handcheck you. The run TMC warriors were in the 80s. The entire offensive scoring came from the perimeter with 3 point shooters like tim hardaway, mitch Richmond, and chris mullin. Problem is they didn't have any interior bigs. So they got spanked whenever they faced a team with elite bigs. Like the spurs, Celtics, rockets, jazz, and 76ers.

[@alec187]

But imagine kawhi leonard hand checking a player 💀

[@elmerwilber3308]

.

[@alphazero2005]

Kawhi basically has the same size hands as MJ so those of us who are over 40 have seen it.

[@domination4892]

@@alphazero2005 Giannis has almost as big hands as Shaq

[@Mister__Jey]

@@alphazero2005 I'm 35, almost LeBron's age, and I've seen Michael Jordan play. So you don't have to be over 40. Even if you're 30 years old, you might have seen Michael Jordan because you were born in 1990 and then you were 7 or 8 years old when he played for the Chicago Bulls for the last two seasons and that's where you usually start watching sports on TV

[@newerest1]

@@Mister__Jey man I was barely 8 when MJ won his last title and I can firmly say I had no idea what was going on besides him winning and being amazing

[@lakefromchicago]

I’ve played and trained D1 and D2 NCAA basketball players, I feel as if physicality and pressure forces most players to “rush” or quickly get out of pressure so that might have some correlation to why the pace was so high and the fact that teams pressed more back then. With the introduction of zone, teams had to take their time to deal with the zone and figure out how to score, lowering the pace. That is until mfs started shooting more threes. Maybe if 3 ball and spaced oriented offenses were introduced earlier the league would be much different now. All positions would be demanded to able to pass and shoot...

[@Richyahdig]

You make no sense! It seems you are saying all players couldn’t pass back then? This is not true depending on the era l!

[@lakefromchicago]

@@Richyahdig did you read what I said ? Lol

[@momo4044]

@@lakefromchicagowhat do you mean bro???

[@AaronMichaelLong]

Hey, thanks LoW, for taking the time to write the rebuttal to Jxmy's video. I like his content too, but I definitely feel he's off the mark on that one. One of the big reasons it's hard to quantify defense is because of how little the game captures about statistics. So that really makes a situation in which it's easy to marshal statistics to show something that isn't really there. (Not that that's really difficult, it happens all the time). However, there are a lot of people who have watched basketball since the 1980's and 1990's, and we *know* how differently the game is played, due to changes in how the rules are written, and more importantly, officiated. A rule on the books does nothing if refs don't call it. Don't believe me? Check out how traveling is called now. How offensive players are permitted to lower their shoulder and just shove their way to the hoop. There's no rule change saying that charges are legal, or that gathering the ball and taking 7 steps is permitted. The refs have just been lax. So, in the 80's and 90's, the refs were usually very lax about calling defensive contact at the perimeter. You pretty much had to grab the shooter's arm to get whistled. PS: Illegal Defense is playing a zone under the basket. You can't stay in the paint for more than 3 seconds if you're not on your man.

[@ohmangoddamn1986]

Illegal defense is way too inconsistent. I was watching old film, and it was clearly more than just "zone under the basket." You can even find clips of normal modern day NBA rotations. Seems to be that it was more based on the CONTEST of the shot, while this era's is more based on the funneling of a drive or post. Whichever it is, the rule isn't as serious as Bron fans try to make it be

[@AaronMichaelLong]

@@ohmangoddamn1986 Sure. NBA officiating has always struggled with consistency. Why do you think every other call has arm-waving hysterics from the players?

[@martis4951]

@@momosgarage The guys is only averaging 7.5 points that's role player numbers.

[@kman3928]

@@momosgarage eh I don't know. Look at Kareem and Malone, they played for many seasons in the NBA. I think it goes with less on how easier the game has gotten and more on how well the player takes care of there body.

[@martis4951]

@@momosgarage Robert Parish at age 40 in 1993-94 played 74 games on 27 minutes while yeah athletes are lasting longer it's also due to our advancing medicine Wilkins tore a fucking Achilles a big part of your athleticism and power of course he wouldn't last long

[@simplyp9219]

excellent video, great presentation. I commented my displeasure on Jxmy's video. he does good work but that video was very skewed. Glad you made this vid, well done

[@thewanderer2997]

How have I not seen this video until now.. great breakdown!! I remember leaving a comment on jimmy’s video trying to tell him many of the same things. I think the NBA needs to rethink many of the rules they have implemented and go back to a tougher more physical game. Don’t get me wrong I do enjoy the perimeter offense, but I miss the days of the bigs going at it down low in the key. So I hope the NBA can find a happy medium

[@jacksprinkle2224]

Low you’re the goat of basketball KZbin

[@jmacs1955]

Lowkey you mean

[@LegendOfKhaos12]

ItsMcVay no LOW is legend of winning

[@atharvkashyap6510]

Chill out with that

[@Dennzer1]

Why does L.o.W. try to drag out every sentence to an insane degree? 0:46 - 1:01 is almost non nonsensical. It's enraging to listen to. This is my impression of this youtuber "During the course of the events from last night from the world of the NBA, Raptors Coach Nick Nurse challenged the not un-negative outcomes of the rule infractions reflected by the threat of several of his fellow members of the raptors organization not in the sphere of management, fouling out at some point before the completion of the NBA basketball game." When he could have "Nick Nurse was not happy with the officiating that game".

[@whatthe9256]

@@Dennzer1 so that every viewers can keep up. Not everyone can easily keep up to analysis like this so relax. If you can keep up then good for you but this video isnt only for you

[@JuicyCharon]

I think you're missing a huge point as to why scoring was difficult in the 2000s Illegal defenses meant you can have purely defensive specialists without any offensive output. These players would just flood one side of the court and allow a player like Jordan to do what he did. Players like Rodman encapsulated this style. When Illegal defenses was no longer a thing, teams were left with a bunch of players on offense that couldn't provide anything so floor spacing suffered greatly. The mid range grew and then eventually the 3 point line. Couple this with hand checking rule changes, then you found that the guard position developed

[@Mptappin12]

This is literally what he said in a newer video damn near Word for Word, you’re not slick😂😂

[@JuicyCharon]

@Thugg12 Have not seen the newer video. The discussion about illegal defenses has been one for atleast a decade. It was the argument that was talked about when people compared LeBron and Jordan back when LeBron was in Miami. If this guy reached this conclusion only now, then I wonder about his basketball knowledge.

[@Inn0IWNL]

NBA player: *exists* Joey: aight that's a foul

[@TC-yx1qt]

I remember the rule change from full hand checking to the elbow check. The announcers talked all about it at the beginning of the season because players kept using old hand checking and getting called for fouls.

[@justincapadocia]

Dope analysis. Love your conversational tone and footage selection.

[@anubis4032]

Low and dom2k are the best NBA KZbinrs 💯

[@kylotren979]

kingJames :/ Kawhi BIG W

[@Ahmeezy1]

Dom2k >>>> Low

[@FlossMore15]

To this day to this day to thi...

[@thetruth619ful]

@@Ahmeezy1 nah

[@EldePHX]

kingJames :/ Kawhi Andy hoops

[@VeliThaDon]

Yes it's easier to score, and so points and assist numbers are inflated.

[@kristion9774]

VeliThaDon defensive rebounds super inflated no box outs required majority are uncontested and they keep track of it to show they’re are easier to get.

[@mikebuckets]

Definitely. That's why the triple doubles are so common now.

[@heroinvrxther5826]

@@mikebuckets Not really. It’s not common for anyone not LeBron or Westbrook to get triple doubles.

[@joegevorkyan7308]

Agree 100%. I like Jimmy and I’m subscribed too- but that was the first time I found myself completely disagreeing. I think he was selling out- trying to maintain the younger fan base that can’t live for 10 minutes without their phones.

[@TiagoGomez-hb9te]

​@@Edd_LShore What do you mean please?

[@michaelstrickland9397]

yeah, the 90s were more physical, but how does removing illegal defense and "virtually allowing zone" defenses open up the floor? The illegal defense allowed star players like Jordan to not only ISO but POST UP one on one on the far side of the floor without even needing shooters to pass to. The argument that it's the same today because players got better at outside shooting does not mean that the defense was better

[@jojoprocess2820]

That makes roster construction easier by creating artifical spacing but the outcome which is allowing Jordan to iso all game could be replicated in todays era by surrounding him with 3 and D players similar to how the Bucks and Rockets are built.

[@nochey78]

If illegal defense helped offensive players as much as a lot of people believe it did, why didn’t the league just keep it as a rule? Why get rid of a rule if it’s effective??? The problem with the ILLEGAL DEFENSE rule was that it flat out wasn’t enforced consistently enough... just look at footage from from the bad boys pistons squads, 90’s knicks squads, mid-late 90’s pacers squads and late 90’s- early 2000’s heat squads... they played zone like defense all the time, and the refs allowed it to happen . Those squads should’ve been called for illegal defense violation WAAAAAAAY MORE than they actually were. And because of that lack of enforcement, it was an INEFFECTIVE RULE.. that’s the MAIN REASON scoring went down like it did from 1989-2005. Teams got hip to that lack of enforcement, and learned how to exploit the rule to help their defenses.

[@andregrant4305]

Yo Juante, replicating this in the modern NBA in the fashion you described literally raises the floor of the NBA talent pool. You do see this correlation, right?

[@johnwise1538]

A rule is only effective if it is clearly defined and easier to enforce.

[@turtleislandlac1490]

The comment above yours (by Cold Snap) blows up your argument completely. Jordan faced more double and triple teams than any player today. Watch how the Detroit Pistons "Jordan Rules" defense played him: double and triple teaming Jordan with and without the ball; forcing his teammates to make a play.

[@kylotren979]

Low, you have what’s called, real love for the game. Keep it going man, love watching your content

[@dezz7808]

Chroniclesofjudah 144 is one of my favorite channels

[@JustinCurry007]

Waiting on the 60 pack of videos!

[@xoCobain]

Justin Curry facts bro

[@yvans.]

David Fernandez that’s why Low and jimmy use his contain to prove their point.... Allegedly

[@tenasjay11]

stay woke!!!! that man is amazing

[@lexton3319]

Allegedly

[@drmike103]

Thank you for posting this video; I like and followed because of it. Not only did you research your argument, you torn the opposing argument to shreds. Well played sir, well played.

[@taffykidd97]

Dom 2k , jimmy, and LOW need a podcast together...that would be a banger

[@litoace-sw9zf]

Growing up paying basketball on defense "put a hand on em" is what everyone used to say

[@Donotdisturb946]

My call as far as hand placement is over the offensive players shoulders for preparation to contest.

[@brennangum6236]

It's how I guarded taller people. I was stocky and strong so I would just be physical as I could be. Disrupt their shooting pocket. Drive my thumb right into their ribs. Use leverage with my tree trunk legs to deny their ability to back me down. Talk a bunch of smack. I got into a lot of peoples heads lol. If only I could score the way I played defense lol. I played for a small school so Im not saying I was some awesome player or anything. But I loved basketball and playing defense. I was proud I could guard people 4 inches+ taller than me.

[@sean7891233]

wow that was really good stuff man, can't wait for your next video! much love ...

[@Hawkeyes319]

Chronicles of Judah in the end I love it. Goated channel right there

[@jordansoviet23]

Zone defense is illegal defense during Jordan's time. However teams managed to devise floating zones to keep their men at their arms length.

[@niels4478]

4:00 in his video jimmy literally said this is wasnt really the end of hand checking

[@RonnieG]

Respectful and informed rebuttal. I love Jimmy but I couldn't even bring myself to watch his whole video.

[@JeguePerneta]

Spacing is probably the biggest contributor. With better spacing you have easier buckets for everyone, so shots are now more efficient, if 3s are now hit at a 40% rate, just keep chucking them, if there are no more bad shots, it's easier to get things going so you end up with a faster pace. Now we got teams scoring 130 points in a game more often than not in 2024. The all star game is tomorrow and I swear to god they will score 200 points each.

[@Mptappin12]

And it’s looking like it now east is a couple points away from 100 in the first half. No partially is because no one’s playing defense. And I just watched trae young throw a full court lob to giannis

[@ThaCubanLiNX]

Regurgitate... LOL... absolutely correct man... its criminal to think todays soft defense in is anything like that hard-knocks 80s and 90s... smh

[@iamteamyou]

To You and Jimmy “GET A ROOM!!!” Jokes....... like both of you guys but I find that you go in-depth more so than he does. GREAT JOB on this..... lengthy but understandable considering the topic.

[@Ashantia35]

I think the biggest thing that has made scoring a bit easier is floor spacing Lot of teams have 5 guys that can all shoot , therefore opening up the lane and reducing help side It’s the skill set evolving

[@X02Overdose]

That, to go along with rules favoring perimeter oriented play

[@thedangerwich5476]

Hand checking never left the game, just egregious hand checking and current era had to play against zone. The explosion of shooting ability, player conditioning, analytics, as well as every other facet of perimeter skill improving drastically is why scoring is so “easy” now.

[@TheAndyk123]

Exactly. Back in the '80s and '90s you had maybe 6 or 7 players across the entire league who were positive 3 point shooters. Nowadays, if you aren't hitting at least 35% of your 3s, you're on the bench. Also passing has gotten SO much better in the modern game. The '80s and '90s were an iso era where you had one guy who tried to get a mismatch, or a center who would spend 20 seconds backing down his defender in the post. Ball movement and finding open looks is the game now, which makes it look "easier", but really it's like an entirely different game.

[@anubis4032]

Low I love your videos but stop exposing my favorite KZbinrs 😞

[@tylerdawson9219]

kingJames :/ Kawhi Ik CoLiN CoWgHeRd Is ThE GoAt YtEr

[@Dennzer1]

Why does this guy drag out the length of sentences so much? He never met an extra pause, or an extra word he didn't like. 0:46 - 1:01 is almost non nonsensical.

[@sebclot9478]

Just because he put out a poor video doesn't mean his overall quality is poor. Everyone has bad days.

[@Dennzer1]

@@sebclot9478 I just think his style of speaking is filled with superfluous word use, and needless pauses. Bad or good day.

[@cynkauvanyau2059]

I did enjoy that video, but his stats are very flawed.

[@APOCALYPSE_X-MEN]

Absolutely remarkable video!💪🏿

[@kjthegreat0382]

Great breakdown. The only thing i would even lightly refute is the impact of hand checking, players like Derick Harper could basically guide the point guard wherever he wanted them to go with that hand check.

[@kevinsullwold2388]

Those rules changes also opened up space for 3- pointers. And you have an explosion of them in the 2010s

[@Dreadheadezz]

Bro I've literally been saying that the spacing before made it so harder to score. Thanks for the validation

[@shinyokoyama8470]

The east played a slow half court game and the west was run and gun. The west scored huge and it was GSW who was the team doing the big scoring you know like run TMC. And when the east teams played the west west got there butts kicked for the most part because the east would hammer the west. West coast teams in the day rarly beat the east because the esat were allowed to play as theycalled it. The west coast teams did not play like that so they were at a huge diadvantage. The east teamsalwayshad thugs and players that did not matter far as winning goes that would be toally out of line and get away with it. In the west if you seen a fight it would be because some fool like Barkley oud be pushing around some giuy like Terry teaugle for the GSW and Teaugle was like 6"5' 185 and Barkely was only 6"6' but was like 260. But what he did not count on was when Teaugle got pissed that dude cold fight he was not like the rst off the fight you seen where 2 fools who could not figh throwing Blows teaught hammered babkley but those fight people got in between it real fast.Barkley was hit by a glancing blow because people were grabing Teaugle but even with a glancng blow barkley was stagering around and he or anyone else never messed with him again. Because you could see the punches and he punched like a real fighter and everyone seen it. But that is the way it was west coast teams scored high and was exciting the east coast teams is one scored a 100 points that was huge the west teams hell 120, 130 was the norm. East cost teams were allowed to do to the west the same thigs teams are allowed to do to GSWand steph now days. And anyone who dont even Know that has no business taling about the tough days. It was tough on the west teams because they played BB the east the would just hammer the west teams if they tried to getto the paint but MJ did not get that treatment from the west teams because they duid not play like that. It was horse shit. And that isthe trut if you try to tell me east coast teams scored and played exciting BB you are full off shit and did not see BB back then/.

[@mauricesmith9293]

Spacing was bad because they couldn't shoot no shooters no Spacing

[@yomioj4754]

@@mauricesmith9293 don’t even bother responding to these dummies, who think they know all about basketball

[@albertozepeda1939]

@@mauricesmith9293 Bruhhh, the shooter's are the same in every era. Go watch the sharpshooters the Rockets had in 94 and 95. Go watch Jordan and a shit ton of other shooters. It just wasnt that easy back then, the players were simply more talented at the game.

[@mauricesmith9293]

@@albertozepeda1939 you much haven't watch what's Mike 3 point percentage and how many did he shoot not another with a bad % and barely nobody could shoot off the dribble it's a very few who could shoot then

[@jordanjenkins1671]

Early 2000s made zone defense legal. The way to score on a zone defense is to shoot 3s really well. It spaces the floor so it's easier to drive to the basket too. And since we play like this now, we need to remove some of the rules on perimeter defense, even legalize handchecking again.

[@kristion9774]

Jordan Jenkins defensive 3 seconds makes zone illegal and it was implemented when zone was implemented. You have to closely guard a player to be in the paint on defense or it’s a technical foul a free throw and they retain possession. In any zone go watch children play you can guard the paint and not have to closely guard an offensive player.

[@kristion9774]

Jordan Jenkins if you take your entire offense to the 3 point line the defensive 3 seconds rule says all your players have to leave the paint. Now you get a big man further away from the basket he can’t protect it. So you can leave a bad shooter open but also your smaller players are not going to be able to protect the rim from a better athlete or some else who finishes well and has a quick first step. If zone was legal you wouldn’t have to leave the paint empty before 3 seconds expire.

[@kanyeweast7951]

@@kristion9774 it doesn't make money illegal it just means zone can't can't the lane as that would be too strong with a tall athletic big. The only real difference is the big has to take a foot off the lane once in a while

[@kristion9774]

kanye weast the purpose of a zone is to keep you out of the paint on offense

[@kristion9774]

kanye weast the purpose of defensive 3 seconds is to open up the game which means the driving lanes the paint. That’s written in the 2004/05 rule book for defensive 3 seconds to open up the game. It has resulted in scoring being easier than it has ever been in its history. And no if the floor is spread out on the 3 point line they can take the big to the opposite side of the court away from the quick athletic drivers which means they ya e to cover a lot of ground to get back to that side of the paint. Anyone watching today can see it’s much easier to penetrate and get a 1 on 1 and be at the basket in 1 to 2 moves for an uncontested layup or a small player will come contest 60% of the time in the half court to 85% of the time when 2004 and prior it was always 2 bigs coming to contest

[@iukuify]

great video, but at the end when you were talking about how teams were interier oriented and that mitigates hand checking... I would argue teams did that BECAUSE of hand checking. Scoring on the perimeter has become easier because you can't touch the players and so the rule change is what changed the more efficient play from the post to the perimeter

[@sebclot9478]

Exactly! In a game where strength is prioritized, big and strong players become crucial to success. Even the showtime lakers in the 80's struggled to deal with strong teams like the Houston twin towers and the Celtics HOF front line.

[@brout80]

You're right.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

It’s more than that. There are far more perimeter threats now than there used to be twenty or even ten years ago. That stretches the floor and opens up lanes. I’d like to see hand-checking brought back beyond the arc, just to see some scoring balance brought back.

[@warrenbankscandelario3864]

@@grahamstrouse1165 Nope is the opposite is now more easy to ZSHITTY PLAYERS TO SCORE CUZ NOW WE DONT PLAY REAL DEFENZE AO NO TODAY IS NOT BETTER.

[@markpagtama7954]

@@warrenbankscandelario3864 false lmao, back in the 90s pgs who can not shoot can become allstars. Everyone is just better today, i know its hard to accept but thats what progress is, the new generation will always be better than the old, players will be faster bigger stronger more skilled.

[@ionesito]

As an "old head" my problem has never been if the NBA now is better or worse than before. My problem has always been the comparisons, you can't compare any player from today to anyone from the 80s or 90s because they didn't play with the same rules, period. Today's players aren't necessarily softer, they just can't defend like in the 80s and 90s or they would foul out in the second quarter or even get ejected with mickey mouse technicals.

[@littleprince8164]

Great point, I don't necessarily think they're softer nowadays. I think the officiating really has been a huge detriment to the defenses today. Zone defenses have sort of replaced the individual/one on one defenses from the old days which I think is great on its own but the rules doesn't allow players to be as physical nowadays. Glad to see someone like you not downplaying today's nba as softer players.

[@elias7525]

finally a old head with sense

[@25PETERTYLER25]

The players today or faster and more skilled so the only factor is what rules are there cause superstars will adjust they are basketball players

[@DiorInEveryStore]

@@25PETERTYLER25🧢

[@acemaneuvers7575]

My only issue in the whole video is when you get down on Kenny Smith and talk about interior presence and the domination of Big Men. I think there's a discussion to be had about interior presence being as important as it was BECAUSE of the prevalence of hand checking and the unrefined nature of the isolation game.

[@kristion9774]

bojo perez but Kenny used to avg 17 points when he first came to the rockets and Hakeem scoring was lower than the title seasons. So no hand checking Kenny who nickname was the jet before the knees went out and he could fly in the sky would be a lot more dangerous. And New York has ball handlers they just weren’t allowed to show them in the old nba they called carrying more.

[@eciohc75]

The content is good. But even in 2018 final,Lebron was still defended by GS using hand-checking heavily if some did watch. The problem is that hand-check is a tricky rule to regulate,so it's hard to be fully eliminated through out the years. Therefore,use some random stats to show the impact of rule change without mentioning that hand-checking still exists is a little bit misleading to me. Because over the years players started to find ways to get away with hand-check. Anyway,great video !

[@oacevedo81]

More physicality is allowed in the postseason because the refs don't blow their whistles nearly as much. This is common knowledge.

[@capitanawesome44]

oacevedo81 it’s also why players like Steph and Harden are not as effective in playoffs. Teams physically beat them up offensively and defensively

[@stonejackballer482]

Defense always intensifies in the finals lol duh

[@nathang9034]

Alex Capitan Armendariz I mean Steph still averages around 26.5ppg and 7 ast on 40% shooting and 56% eFG in the postseason so I think he’s fine

[@deraokoli7746]

Hi Hi he’s still great. But not as great as regular season curry.

[@pablomruiz88]

...But you know that every good defender from the 90’ would be a bad defender in today system. NBA has switched the rules to award those players who are very technicals, thats why today great defenders looks like kawhi, paul george, giannis or klay. Also big mens have been pushed to be more complete players thats the reason today exist players like jokic, giannis, gobert, embiid and thats the reason why players like blake griffin or ben simmons are being always bashed by the press due to the lack of depth on their game. Yeah surely MJ in our time would be a super star the guy is the god of basketball, but beside him the majority of players from the 90 wouldn fit in today system.

[@shounakc509]

@wade wilson true but he would be a HUGE liability on defense. If the small hall Warriors play Draymond at Center like they used to, Shaq wouldn’t be able to guard the perimeter as well as he guards the paint

[@handlebucket6285]

@Brandon Ho What? What guard besides Ben Simmons is close to 7 foot? MJ would be taller than the majority of SGs today.

[@iluvdissheet]

Just watched both videos, I see what you mean. Thanks for breaking it down effectively....great video

[@McWms99]

All this proved was that Chronicles of Judah is the Basketball GOAT and LOW is the next in line to take that title

[@2stepaheadYOU]

I was surprised to hear him at the end lol

[@McWms99]

@@2stepaheadYOU he had to clear Judah's name from Jimmies misinforming video

[@jaridatkinson4907]

Allegedly

[@spacexmike]

Chronicles of judah is no where near the goat. He had plenty of misinformation in his videos. He once made a video stating greg popavic and steve kerr both have backgrounds in the cia which is completely false.

[@McWms99]

@@spacexmike when he says stuff like that he always says allegedly because he can't prove it, but I don't know that Greg has a military background. I haven't researched Steve.

[@hoodoolem]

Alright I agree with your video, but i've got one big gripe. One of the biggest reasons that 70's-early 90's NBA was tougher defensively was the bigmen in the paint combined with the fact that 3 point shooting was not a major factor. Handchecking is important to both perimeter and interior play. In fact, I think you would be hard pressed to find ANY footage of bigman era NBA basketball where the post man is not getting hand checked. A huge change that you have to think about too is the flagrant foul rules. Today you get a flagrant 1 or 2 for the same contact that would be a simple shooting foul in the 80's.

[@kristion9774]

“the only players to hit 500 makes in a season at the rim since 1996/97 are LeBron and Giannis last season and Shaquille O’Neal in 2000-01 and 1999-00. In the latter season, O’Neal set the on-file record with 571. Giannis isn’t just on pace this season to match Shaq in “500 club” appearances or challenge his single-season record, though; he’s on pace to absolutely shatter it. Giannis’s 155 field goals in the restricted area through 19 Bucks games would extrapolate to 669 over a full season-nearly 100 more than Shaq. In 1999-00, Shaq, then in his fourth season with the Los Angeles Lakers, led the league in points per game and field goal percentage en route to winning the MVP. His lead at the basket was the most emblematic manifestation of his dominance: He had 41 percent more makes than the second-most prolific at-rim scorer (Antoine Walker) and a whopping 69 percent more makes than third place. Not surprisingly, the Lakers won 67 games and the first of three straight titles.” “The at-rim numbers at NBA.com/Stats go back to 1996-97; in the intervening 22 season” www.theringer.com/nba/2018/11/27/18113438/giannis-antetokounmpo-king-at-the-rim

[@zoo05zoo]

I feel one thing which really pushed the league to enforce handchecking and make it easier to score was teams like the Memphis Grizzlies (hard nosed, defensive team) advancing further than the Phoenix Suns (fast paced, open court). The league seemed to want to see Phoenix make the Finals but they could never get past the more physical teams.

[@dannychamberlain6244]

2007 sure didn’t seem like the league wanted Phoenix to make it.

[@cottonmather8146]

This is not true. Stern wanted the Spurs to continue their dynasty (with the Lakers out) not the Suns lmao

[@Abbad1579]

🧢

[@pplebite8844]

It wasn't the defense that made the 90's better, I mean, there were a lot of cheating on defense going on. Utah, during that era, was infamous for running their zones. Detroit and New York wasn't that much better, in the scheme of things. No, it was the star power and the struggle each of those teams went through, just to reach the playoffs, is what made that era special. People praised Jordan and the Bulls, but nearly every team had a superstar or a collective of Stars at their respective positions. Take Golden State under Don Nelson, for example. RUN TMC was no joke. On any given night, those guys could get hot, or just one would get hot, and the game would be over before you realized it. If your defense wasn't up to the task, you were pretty much out of the game by the half. The defensive hand checking and the ARC made things difficult, but the players of that era were skilled when it came to shooting the ball. I shudder to think of how things would have been, had they shrunk the Arc during that era, with the likes of Steve Kerr and Craig Hodges still playing. Glenn Rice would have 45 points before the half. Rice treated the arc like a Free throw line when he was on. Vinnie Johnson, Reggie Miller, Byron Scott...man, teams during that era probably wish the arc was bigger, when Larry Bird was behind it. But that concoction of star power and ability, combined with the hand checking, the drama, and zone defense not being called, is what made the game during those days, so enthralling. You had to watch it in real time, to fully grasp it.

[@ivobatista4018]

Well said, but that is because the game morphed into a big man league at the time. That's why the Warriors were a team out of place then and it didn't work. People don't realise GS had been trying to get a backcourt led team to rings since back then maybe even before. Even in the 2000's they had Baron, Richardson and Jackson. The Bulls were unique because they had two of the best perimeter defenders and turnover creators of all time on defense to stifle opposition guards from feeding the bigs inside while also having the greatest and most versatile scorer in league history playing within a system that allowed them use the entire roster.

[@Wetrockstah2116]

The way basketball is supposed to be played in my opinion. I mean the point of the sport is to score and to stop the other team from scoring, so i think hand checking is a good rule to give the game some physicality and not give too much of an advantage to the offensive player. NBA nowadays just seems like there isnt any competition and defense isnt relevant. Almost like the game has been destroyed to a degree.

[@TOTO-vy8ej]

You and KOT4Q should do some vids together or something I think you two are the smartest NBA channels

[@shabazz360]

Jxmy had a few inaccuracies in his vid i even noticed that (especially the before after rule change stats) , but you are severely underestimating that HELP DEFENSE was basically illegal for decades....isolation scoring was definitely easier back then. It’s no happenstance that today’s NBA is pick n roll and 3 point heavy. The same brand of basketball big scorers in the 80s and 90s played then, they couldn’t do that same shit now. TEAM OFFENSE is easier to run now, but ISOLATION SCORING is most definitely more difficult to efficiently do in today’s league.

[@mpetkovic26]

These videos are just trash legend of winning is fan of Jordan and is going to make it like he had it hardest, Jimmy from what I understood is Kobe fan

[@No-Hassle]

It’s the only way to make sure the 90’s abs Jordan look better than anyone else.

[@Climb_Mountains]

...you weren't able to dribble like Iverson and gather steps weren't the norm then. Freedom of movement rules also make outside shooters more lethal so defenses have more worry about. It's easier to score.

[@TheRealBigManHarris]

You just earned a subscriber

[@fakedat9233]

I WAS SHOOK WHEN CHRONICLES VOICE POPED UP HOLY SHIT LOW WATCHES CHRONICLES.i thought KZbin auto played him

[@freeflare6338]

Good video, though I do think you missed some points. A few have been mentioned below, but just the base physicality of the game from the 70s through 90s made specific types of scoring more difficult. There were styles of defense that just revolved around physically beating up the other team, and interior players would hit people slashing most of the time. This in of itself impacts how the game is played, and how difficult scoring is.

[@SeriouslyWhofarted]

thats not defense then to stop me from scoring you have to hit me then your not a good defender

[@FrokuBabayy]

@@SeriouslyWhofarted The entire premise behind defense is stopping the offensive player from putting the ball in your basket. Everything in-between is fair game

[@ali.husain4008]

Great video. There is no way you can play better defense in todays game. The physics itself denies any argument. When you can hand-check, body check or fore-arm check your opponent there are so many more limitations to the shooter. You can’t do those maneuvers anymore.

[@lamontjamison9848]

But to be fr handchecking and forearm checking wasn’t that bad it doesn’t really stop you until they use force and that was called they did it in college when I played unless you facing a strong ass mf it ain’t really gon slow you down

[@MrGyonex]

I come back to this video every now and then because it deconstruct so well most of the half assed arguments you hear today. Really great content.

[@welcometotwannation804]

L.o.w. always bringing the unbiased facts as usual. Great video. Keep it up

[@viperstrike0]

I agree with your points except your last point. There was more of an interior presence and less sharpshooters because of checking not in spite of it. Even someone like larry bird took way less 3 pointer shots even when left alone because he was playing with the mindset of times. They were coached to not take the 3s unless they absolutely needed to because the coaches would assume they were gonna be checked. Take someone like curry, he would still be a deadly if not the best 3 point shooter anyway plopped in the 90s but he would be coached in to driving more and rightfully so.

[@yvans.]

It’s only me who see that... chronicle of Judah is becoming the KZbinr godfather of NBA KZbinr ? 😂😂

[@marcossingalong]

hes that good lol

[@bboywolf]

ALLEGEDLY

[@joshnic6639]

Is that the guy talking at the end? If so, he is a dumbass giving out false information. Jordan didn’t drive to the basket from 95-98. He drove from mid 80’s to early 90’s. By 95-98 he had perfected his midrange shot.

[@ced9938]

@@joshnic6639dumbass he said mj carried the nba from 95-98

[@BigHeartNATION]

@@joshnic6639 your braing dosent work very well lmao

[@jayking6360]

Chronicals of Judiah - I loved that channel. Wish he would make more videos.

[@2stepaheadYOU]

I was laying in bed and chroniclesofjudah144 voice hit I was very confused haha

[@prestonduch]

Msizzl3 right! I had to look back at the video to make sure 😂

[@mj2wavy651]

COJ144 is the best KZbinr honestly

[@fakedat9233]

Preston Duch yessss bro I just commented that .i said oh hell nah i can’t listen to his real ass shit today and I realized it was still the same video

[@davidmartinez52420]

Love ChroniclesofJudah

[@2stepaheadYOU]

@@davidmartinez52420 Check out his pateron videos

[@jordan7985]

One thing most people don't understand is handchecking does not mean you can foul. Holding and reaching was still the same call as it is today. The good defenders back then played defense with their feet just like they do today.

[@milkisdry4044]

People making claims before watching the video😂😂😂 just watch the vid

[@Terpio15000]

Milk is Dry this is me. 😂😂 I was whole bouta talk some shiit goodlook 😂😂

[@cassiusfelix2805]

Milk is Dry facts

[@vegetavsakuma1053]

@@user-gc1wj8tt2p exactly! This biased video only looking at the surface as most fans usually do but not adding the fact that players were faster stronger and more skilled in the 2000s and a lot of great players were barely in the league and molding their game in early 2000s

[@milanradojkovic3818]

@@vegetavsakuma1053 players now are so fast and strong that Vince Carter easily play against them with 42 years

[@vegetavsakuma1053]

@@milanradojkovic3818 I'm mainly referring the 2000s not 2010s.. players also last longer the last 20 years with better technology and medicine and how they take care of their body's. Their have been players from the 70s, 80s and 90s that played till they were pretty old also like Kareem, Jordan, Stockton and Malone because they were some of the first players to train and stay in the best shape possible through out their careers. Kareem was a little diff but had a long career. Vince carter is one of those type of players.

[@Mannymantwv]

Great video. You have made great points thank you for this 💯💯💯💯

[@TheNamesDitto]

The 90s were a tougher and more physical era but it wasn't a more defensive era. Defense isn't hitting players or being a physical thug on the court. Zone defense being outlawed in the 90s only allowed basic schemes and didn't allow double teaming an off ball player. My personal take is that iso stars in the 90s benefited from not having to face zone defense. I'm not saying Jordan wouldn't dominate but he'd have a harder time getting buckets with the zone especially since only 3 point shooting can counter it. Tmac, Duncan and other superstars would tell you they'd outlaw zone and that they hated the hell out of it. The 2000s were definitely the peak of great defense. Thoughts?

[@tonyboots2958]

I think you didn’t bother watching this video all the way through.

[@Crunchysopa52]

@@tonyboots2958 I'm pretty sure he did, you just can't fathom that he stuck to his guns and has his opinion here. and it's also true that TMac, Duncan + KG griped about zone defense back in 03 or so when they were asked about it. came out in Slam Magazine, I believe.

[@tonyboots2958]

TheCrunchySopa I was referring to his comments about no zone defense in the 90’s and MJ having a harder time getting buckets today with zone defense. It was addressed pretty well in this video.

[@kristion9774]

TheNamesDitto Defensive 3 seconds outlaw a zone it says you can’t be in paint unless closely guarding a player. In FIBA zone doesn’t have that rule or in youth leagues. 🤔

[@kristion9774]

TheCrunchySopa Jordan avg 25 against the zone with hand checking in 2001/02 then he got injured and still avg 22.9 then 20 the next season. He was 38-40 years old playing with multiple injuries from his knees, wrists , back, ribs, and shooting hand after being retired the prior 3 seasons. So prime Jordan would torch the new “zone” with no hand checking allowed a rule he never faced and defensive 3 seconds to open the game up.

[@brxndxnr5377]

Teams can probably do a 1-3-1 zone if there are 2-3 good shooters on the court but a 2-3/3-2 will not work at all

[@BrandonSmith-xb6rl]

A 1-3-1 wouldn't work either. Open corner 3s.

[@derrikwilliams2718]

It’s wild you had to make this video😂

[@joshloach7670]

You can thank the dummies who think that this era is better than the 80's and 90's

[@skywalker8796]

Joshua Deloach not better or worse just different

[@DwayneJr1]

@@joshloach7670 MDJ

[@trevorrovert3103]

Oliver Queen I agree with good defense, but hard fouls are lame. That’s not how the game was meant to be played.

[@mr.anderson1562]

​@Oliver Queen tf is wrong wit yall ??? the players are alot more skilled now so they don't have to beat ppl up during the games in order to win or stop a player and i honestly think swatting a shot away KLEANLY is more impressive the taxkling a guard to stop him from gettin to the rim and 3's are more effisient then the long twos that most old fans think is "real basketball" that shit is out dated u gotta move on

[@Kodreanu23]

One of the best basketball historical videos. Thanks!

[@obsidiangreen704]

it's HALARIOUS they say the players are soft nowadays.. that's completely a LIE. it's true that rules are softer now, BUT Players NOW are MUCH stronger than ever. Jordan in his peak 92' was 6'6 198 lbs , when he was younger, he was even skinner at around 180'ish.. . and he was already a big strong SG. today you have Klay at 6'7 230 lbs, D-Wade 6'4 220lbs , Derozen 6'6 225 lbs, Kwahi 6'7 225 lbs. EVEN a pointguard Curry at 6'3 200 lbs could OUTMUSCLE Jordan.. Imagine how DOMINANT a 6'9 250 lbs Lebron would be with the 90's rules, he would literally rippped Jordan's ass apart.

[@Manolo8988]

Stronge doesnt mean better Shaq was stronger than hakeem and hakeem still owned him same with kareem with wilt and kawi vs bron Mj never relied on strengh he was finesse not brute force Mj was putting 30 pts on guys like ray allen t Mac kobe prime dpoy ron artest at 40 years old and in 1 leg 😆 with jumpers And stephen curry isnot 6'3 200 pounds he barely 185 and 6'1 U just 🧢🧢🧢 hard 🤡

[@victorhugosolano585]

Great analysis, what K. Smith said about hand checking is real: if there's always a hand right in front of you is more difficult to make a crossover, so hand checking also allows to perimeter players to have more space to bounce the ball. And what about 0 step? A new rule which benefits to offensive players.

[@olblue3478]

Its not new

[@diegoavila8815]

Even though I agree that it's easier to score now I also believe it's harder to defend now. Players now are better defenders then players in the 70s, 80s, 90s because they can't hand check or shoulder check meaning they have to have better footwork (better defense IQ) and come up with better and harder solutions of slowing players down. Also on top of not hand checking the floor spacing and switching in todays game is a nightmare to deal with defensively.