Yes, the NBA has gone downhill

I happened to catch the beginning of the 1992 NBA All-Star game this morning.

As a basketball fan, I’ve noted with mild disinterest the feud between those why decry the decline of the NBA (usually tying it to the influx of players straight from high school) and those who point to the incredible skills of the new generation of stars (Kevin Garnett is a 7’1″ *small* forward who can hit the 3, post up centers, and is probably the defensive player of the year).

In general, I’m more sympathetic to the new school–to resist progress is futile. However, after watching the 1992 broadcast, I’m re-thinking my position.

While the players in that game were smaller and less athletic (if you can call players like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman smaller and less athletic), the teams, especially the Magic Johnson-led West All-Stars, had an offensive flow that today’s game lacks.