Top 15+ NBA legends who would struggle in the modern era

The evolution of the game

The NBA has undergone significant evolution in recent years, with the development of the three-point line and a growing emphasis on player safety. Which NBA legends would struggle in the league today?

Charles Oakley

Charles Oakley was a physical enforcer and an elite rebounder during his time in the 1990s, but his lack of versatility in the pick-and-roll and inferior perimeter shooting would have meant he'd have struggled in the NBA today. He played in the interior, not the exterior.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Despite being the second top scorer in NBA history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's game was solely focused on post play and in the interior. Kareem lacked speed and versatility and would have struggled to keep up with the pace of modern players on both the offensive and defensive ends.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O'Neal's sheer size and dominance would still make him effective in the NBA today, but his lack of speed in switching, poor free-throw shooting, and limited perimeter game would mean he would struggle to play at the current pace of play.

Bob Lanier

While a skilled big man during his heyday in the 1970s, Lanier's game was more focused on post play and mid-range shots. The modern game would require him to develop a three-point shot and play at a much faster pace.

George Mikan

George Mikan was a dominant force in the NBA during its early years, but his lack of athleticism and foot speed would prove to be a significant disadvantage in an NBA filled with strong and fast big men, who could punish opponents from inside and outside the paint.

Jerry West

The 'Logo' was an impressive shooter and great playmaker, but the increased pace and pressure on defence may hamper his game. At 6ft3 and with a lack of athleticism, West would have struggled against the taller and more powerful players of today.

Oscar Robertson

While Oscar Robertson had a tremendous all-around game, being the first player to average a triple-double for a season, his game was heavily reliant on physicality and mid-range shooting. With the faster and more physical defenders of today, he may struggle to be as efficient.

Moses Malone

Although a great rebounder and inside scorer, Moses Malone had a limited outside scoring game and was a poor passer as a big man. In a game that requires the center to kick out to the perimeter when double-teamed, Malone's game would struggle to translate.

Bill Laimbeer

Bill Laimbeer was an aggressive and often dirty player on the floor during his NBA career. The stricter defensive rules would mean Laimbeer would foul out in today's game, and the increased spacing would mean Laimbeer would struggle to impose his physical will on attackers.

Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas is one of the best ball handlers in NBA history, but Thomas' game was more suited to the slower and more deliberate game of the 1980s. In today's much faster-paced game, Thomas would struggle to dictate the pace and influence the game.

George Gervin

George Gervin's game was built on isolation and a slower pace. The modern NBA is all about ball movement and spacing, which wouldn't suit the 'Ice Man's' style.

Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins was a high-flying dunker and incredibly lethal at attacking the rim. In a league focused on switching, Wilkins may struggle with player mismatches while attacking the interior, and his outside shooting was notoriously poor.