Would Michael Jordan Be Just as Physically Dominant in Today’s NBA?
How much has the performance of elite athletes improved in the past 30 years?
There is a popular narrative among some modern sports followers (mostly LeBron James fans) that athletes are far more athletic now than they were 20 or 30 years ago.
In particular, this conversation often evolves around Michael Jordan in an attempt to explain and underplay the significance of his dominance.
People will tell you that Michael Jordan was only so good because he played in a less competitive league, and Jordan had it easy.
“Michael Jordan played against Plumbers and Accountants…”
“Michael only won so many titles because he played in a weaker era…”
People will say ridiculous things like that and argue that there are now several players in the NBA just as athletic as Jordan. They’ll tell you sportspeople today are bigger, faster, and stronger.
Is there any truth to this theory?
Have improvements in science, training methodology, nutrition, and technology made much of a difference in the performance of today’s elite athletes?
