NBA players are the cream of the crop, and even the least impactful NBA players are some of the best basketball players in the world. Basketball players are only getting better through the eras due to the exponential rise in popularity of the sport, as well as advancements in technology. The question is are the so-called scrubs of the NBA today better than the stars of the past?
The NBA has had some great players across all of its eras. If you threw Evan Fournier in a highly competitive 70’s tilt between Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, he is going to be overshadowed by those legends. Evan Fournier is a quality NBA player today and would be a legitimate starter back then, dazzling with moves that hadn’t been invented yet. With all that being said, he’s not better than the 70’s best. On the other hand, if you sat Kyrie Irving down in a time machine and pressed the 70’s button once again, they might charge him for wizardry with the way that he handles the ball. Wilt, Kareem, and Bill Russell will still dominate, but Kyrie’s name would be right under theirs when talking about the best in that generation. If we put Max Strus, a modern day bench player, in a time machine and sent him to the 60s, would he rival the greatness of guards Jerry West and Oscar Robertson?
Bleacher Report’s The Portal is a captivating animated series that pits NBA legends against today’s stars in thrilling 1v1 or 2v2 matchups. The series raises the question of how players from different eras would fare against one another, sparking heated debates among fans and basketball enthusiasts. With matchups that blend flash, physicality, and strategy, The Portal provides an entertaining lens to explore whether modern NBA players could dominate in past eras. Here’s a breakdown of all eight matchups.
In the series opener, Kyrie Irving, one of today’s most skilled guards, faced off against Allen Iverson, the king of the crossover and an icon of the 2000s. Both players relied on tight handles, explosive finishing, and creativity, making this matchup a fantasy of flashiness.. Iverson emerged victorious, his relentless energy and ability to thrive in a physical era giving him the edge. This result highlighted how Kyrie’s reliance on modern spacing and less physical defense may not fully translate to success in the gritty 2000’s.
This episode pitted Joel Embiid, a dominant big man with a blend of modern post moves and perimeter skills, against Charles Barkley, the undersized powerhouse forward of the 80s and 90s. Barkley’s relentless aggression and dominance in transition ultimately won him the battle, emphasizing his ability to outwork opponents. Embiid’s versatility is an asset in today’s game, but Barkley’s tenacity shone in an era where raw physicality often dictated the outcome.
A clash of athletic titans took center stage as Giannis Antetokounmpo squared off against Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most physically dominant players in history. Giannis’s modern two-way dominance prevailed, his combination of speed, versatility, and defensive prowess proving too much for Wilt. This matchup demonstrated how today’s players benefit from more advanced training and two-way expectations, though Wilt’s scoring feats remain legendary.
Kevin Durant, arguably the most unstoppable scorer in modern basketball, faced Larry Bird, the epitome of skill, grit, and basketball IQ. Durant’s length and scoring versatility gave him the victory, though Bird’s toughness and all-around game made it a competitive battle. This matchup showcased how modern players, with greater physical tools, can excel in isolation, but Bird’s fundamentals and clutch shooting reminded viewers of his era-defying brilliance.
In this point-forward showdown, Luka Doncic’s crafty scoring and court vision met Magic Johnson’s elite playmaking and size. Magic’s superior leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game gave him the win. Luka’s brilliance in the modern pick-and-roll-heavy offense didn’t shine as much in a matchup where Magic’s dominance in transition and versatility reigned supreme. The episode reinforced how different styles of play shape players’ effectiveness.
A battle of defensive masterminds and emotional leaders brought Draymond Green head-to-head with Dennis Rodman. Rodman’s physicality, rebounding dominance, and defensive prowess earned him the victory in a gritty matchup. Draymond’s playmaking and versatility in a team-oriented system may give him the edge in today’s game, but Rodman’s relentless effort and ability to thrive in chaos highlighted his unique impact.
In a rare 2v2 matchup, LeBron James and Anthony Davis took on Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. The game showcased contrasting styles: LeBron and AD’s modern pick-and-roll mastery and versatility versus Shaq and Penny’s dominance in the post and transition. Shaq and Penny ultimately triumphed, their chemistry and physicality overpowering their modern counterparts. This episode highlighted how dynamic duos thrive in different systems and eras.
The final episode paired Ja Morant, the explosive young guard known for his athleticism, against Vince Carter, the ultimate high-flyer of the 2000s. Vince’s combination of scoring ability and unmatched dunking power gave him the win. While Ja’s skill set is suited for today’s fast-paced game, Vince’s physicality and experience in a tougher defensive era gave him the edge in this matchup.
Across its eight episodes, The Portal showcased the differences in playing styles, physicality, and skills showcased across different eras. While modern players benefit from advanced training, analytics, and rule changes that favor offense, players from past eras often excelled in more physical, defense-oriented environments. The series raises an intriguing question: Could a current NBA bench player dominate in a previous era? The answer likely depends on their adaptability. A versatile, physically gifted bench player could thrive, but role-specific players reliant on modern spacing or analytics might struggle to have the same impact.
In the end, comparing eras is impossible. There is no right answer, and that’s what makes this debate so interesting. There are great arguments from both sides, everyone has their own opinion, and yet there will never be a proven, undoubted conclusion.
If we put Max Strus, a modern day bench player, in a time machine and sent him to the 60s, would he rival the greatness of guards Jerry West and Oscar Robertson?