"I feel like European basketball is more physical than the NBA is right now" - Kobe Bryant foresaw the NBA becoming an increasingly "softer" league
Calling today's NBA "soft" has been the constant theme among NBA legends. However, their opinions may hold some credible points rather than just sentiment.
Undoubtedly, the NBA has undergone significant changes over the years, and not all of them have been met with universal approval. Among the most vocal critics of the league's evolution was five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, who foresaw a shift toward a less physical, more offensive-focused style of play.
His observations were grounded in personal experience and a deep understanding of the game and continue to resonate as basketball evolves further from its rugged roots.
The decline in physicality
In the 1990s and early 2000s, basketball was marked by a physicality that tested players' skills and resilience. However, a series of rule changes introduced by the NBA altered how the game was played—the abolition of "hand-checking" in 2004 is one of the most impactful changes.
Hand-checking allowed defenders to use their hands to impede offensive players, making scoring far more challenging. Its removal opened the floodgates for higher-scoring games but diminished defensive prowess—since the 2003-2004 season, points have gone up from 93.4 per game to 114.2 per game recorded last season.
"The Black Mamba," renowned for his physical and mental toughness, voiced his concerns about these shifts as the NBA continued to evolve.
"It's more enjoyable if there's a certain level of physicality," Kob' told reporters. "It's more competitive; you get to see players go mano a mano a little bit as opposed to, 'Oh my god, he put a hand on me; it's a foul.' That's got to go. I feel like European basketball is more physical than the NBA is right now."
Another significant rule adjustment was banning the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy, which targeted poor free-throw shooters like Shaquille O'Neal. While aimed at improving game flow, these changes stripped the game of some of its strategic nuances.
European basketball, where Bryant played during his youth, still emphasizes physicality and fundamentals. Players in competitions like the EuroLeague are accustomed to dealing with rugged defensive tactics, often honing skills to counteract this pressure. The result is a system that prioritizes team play and individual development, producing stars who seamlessly adapt to the NBA's demands.
The dominance of European players
This difference in playstyle has become apparent in recent years, as international players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic have dominated the league. Antetokounmpo and Jokic have claimed five MVP awards, while Doncic was the NBA's leading scorer last season. These players, shaped by European basketball's physicality and technical demands, have thrived in a league increasingly favoring offense over defense.
However, in the past, top-scoring players like Michael Jordan faced relentless defenses that demanded exceptional skill and strategy to overcome.
"It challenges players to improve their skill level because now if you can hand-check things like that, you really must be fundamentally sound. You must be able to handle the ball to be able to get past defenders," Bryant said.
Big men in the old NBA, such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing, used their size and strength to dominate in the paint, relying on bodying up against opponents. The removal of hand-checking and other defensive strategies has shifted the focus to perimeter play, making it easier for guards and forwards to score. While this shift has increased entertainment value, some argue it has diminished the game's competitive edge.
As the league evolves, the debate over physicality and skill remains central to its identity. The Los Angeles Lakers legend observes that maintaining a balance between offense and defense is crucial. Players shaped by more physical leagues, like those in Europe, demonstrate the value of toughness and fundamentals in a rapidly changing game.
