Isiah Thomas recently engaged in a long-running debate about how modern NBA superstars would fare in past eras.
The discussion was reignited when a social media account shared a comment from former NBA guard Lou Williams made five years ago.
During a 2019 podcast with Gilbert Arenas, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year claimed that if LeBron James started playing in 1975, he would “win 15 championships in a row.”
Thomas, who began his Hall of Fame NBA career in 1981, responded to this claim on Wednesday morning on X. “I find it comical and laughable how some, not all people think this is the first generation of basketball players that athletically could run and jump,” Thomas wrote. “I’m not sure he would be the best athlete in 1975 all things being equal.”
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The debate over the abilities of players across different eras is not new.
In the 2019 podcast clip, Arenas expressed his frustration with the notion that current players wouldn’t be able to handle the physicality of past eras. He even suggested that players like Scottie Pippen or Dennis Rodman would be considered “little guards” in today’s game.
LeBron James, who made eight straight NBA Finals appearances from 2011 to 2018, is often seen as a player who could thrive in any era due to his remarkable skill set and physical prowess. However, Thomas likely believes that even an athlete as dominant as James would face challenges against his “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons, known for their tough and physical play in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
It’s important to note that Thomas’ post shouldn’t be interpreted as a slight against James. In fact, Thomas has previously expressed admiration for LeBron, even arguing that James could be considered the greatest all-around player ever, surpassing his long-time rival, Michael Jordan.
This ongoing debate about players’ abilities across different eras highlights the evolution of the game and the changing dynamics of basketball. While it’s fun to speculate, each era has its unique challenges and standout players, making direct comparisons difficult.
Regardless, Thomas’ comments add another layer to the rich tapestry of NBA history and its ever-evolving narrative.
