In the past couple months, a recent trend emerged on the internet, known as the “We done with the 90’s” trend. The idea revolved around comparing clips of the NBA during the 90’s and current era, emphasizing the increase in skill from then to now.

The NBA of the 1990s was an era marked by dominance, rivalries, and iconic players. From Michael Jordan’s six championships with the Chicago Bulls to the physical battles of the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons, the 90s left an indelible mark on basketball history. However, the NBA has proved that it really has moved far past the 90’s era.

One of the most prominent arguments between the eras is over who is the GOAT: Lebron James or Michael Jordan. The thing is, as great as Jordan is, LeBron is just better in most aspects of the game. First off, Jordan was never the leading scorer for the NBA; that title was previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (His record was 38,387 points in his career). Recently, LeBron was able to surpass this record; achieving, as of now, 40,409 career points. Secondly, Lebron during the 2023-24 season is 39-years-old; he averages 25.7 PPG, (Points per game). Compared to Jordan at 39-years-old was only able to average 20 PPG.

The 90s were known for a more physical style of basketball, characterized by bruising defense and low-scoring games. Teams like the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat were notorious for their physical defense. However, in the modern NBA, the game has shifted towards a faster pace, emphasizing three-point shooting and spacing on the floor. Teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets have led the way in this new era of offensive firepower.

The NBA has implemented various rule changes over the years aimed at increasing scoring and promoting player safety. Rules such as the hand-checking ban and the enforcement of defensive three seconds have opened up the game, making it more conducive to high-scoring affairs. These changes have helped to distance the league from the physicality of the 90s.

Starting with the 1979-80 season of the NBA, the league implemented the 3-point rule. Because the game was more intense on the defensive end then, most players couldn’t consistently shoot 3’s with success, aside from prominent faces like Larry Bird. However, with the newer generation, more and more players are very capable of being effective shooters. Of the newer generation, players like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the way, taking inspiration from Steph Curry: The greatest shot in NBA history.

Steph Curry has undeniably changed the landscape of basketball with his revolutionary style of play. By mastering the art of long-range shooting, Curry has transformed the way the game is played, emphasizing the importance of three-point shooting like never before. His unparalleled shooting ability has forced defenses to adapt, stretching the floor and creating space for his teammates. Steph Curry’s 3pt percentage is 42.6%, compared to Larry Bird, (Widely considered the best shooter of the 90’s era) only has a 3pt percentage of 37.6%. Steph Curry is the best shooter the NBA has ever seen, and because of how he played, more players have taken to shooting like him. His impact has left an undeniable mark on the game.

The NBA has become a truly global sport, with players from all over the world making significant contributions to their teams. In the 90s, international players were still a rarity, but today they are an integral part of the league. The influx of talent from overseas has brought diversity of playing styles and cultural influences, further shaping the evolution of the game.

In recent years, NBA teams have increasingly turned to advanced analytics to gain a competitive edge. The use of data-driven strategies has revolutionized player evaluation, game planning, and roster construction. This analytical approach to basketball was virtually non-existent in the 90s, signaling a fundamental shift in how the game is understood and played.

With the retirement of iconic players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, the NBA entered a transitional period in the early 2000s. New stars emerged, such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry and Tim Duncan, ushering in a new era of basketball greatness. While the legacies of 90s legends endure, the focus has shifted to the exploits of the current generation of players.