Andrew Pace
Basketball fans have long debated which decade was the best for the sport. Some argue for the 1960s, when the NBA was smaller and tougher, and the Boston Celtics dominated the league. Others prefer the 1970s, when the NBA faced competition from the ABA, which brought creativity and flair to the court. The 1980s saw the NBA go live, with the league securing $50 million to televise games by 1988. The 1990s were dominated by Michael Jordan, and the 2000s saw the rise of stars like Shaq, Kobe, and LeBron James. The 2010s were also a golden age, with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant making their mark. With so many great eras, it's hard to say which decade was the best for basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best players | Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| Best teams | Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs |
| Competitive nature | The 1980s and 2000s are described as highly competitive |
| Creativity | The 1970s and 2000s are described as creative |
| Pure basketball | The 1960s are described as pure |
| Growth | The 1970s saw growth in the league |
| Most exciting moments | The 2000s and 2010s are described as exciting |
| Fluidity of play | The NBA adopted a more fluid style of play in the 1970s |
| Versatility | The 2010s are described as having versatile players |
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What You'll Learn
The 1960s: the decade of Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Bill Russell
The 1960s were a transformative time for the NBA, and the decade saw some of the greatest players to ever grace the court. Among them were Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Bill Russell, whose rivalry defined the era.
Chamberlain, West, and Russell dominated the league, winning nine of the eleven MVP awards between 1958 and 1968. Chamberlain, in particular, achieved a remarkable feat by scoring 100 points in a single game. The 1960s NBA was a more physical and brutish era, and big men like Chamberlain were prized. The league was also smaller and less visible than in later decades, but it was undergoing significant changes.
The Boston Celtics, led by Bill Russell, were the team of the decade, winning multiple championships. The 1969 NBA Finals, however, saw the Los Angeles Lakers emerge as favourites after acquiring Wilt Chamberlain to join Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, forming a formidable trio. Despite this, the Celtics, coached by player-coach Bill Russell, upset the Lakers to win the championship in seven games. This series is remembered for the rivalry between Chamberlain and Russell, with the latter's defensive prowess stifling Chamberlain, who only managed eight points in that deciding game.
The 1969 Finals also marked a turning point in the relationship between West and Chamberlain. West had famously stated his preference for Russell over Chamberlain, a comment he later regretted and apologised for, calling it the "dumbest thing he ever said". Despite their differences, the trio of Chamberlain, West, and Baylor would finally win a title together in 1972, fulfilling West's long-held aspiration.
The 1960s, with its unique blend of physicality and transformative change, produced some of the greatest teams, players, and moments in NBA history. The decade was defined by the larger-than-life figures of Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Bill Russell, whose rivalries and achievements continue to resonate in the league's history.
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The 1970s: the NBA's creativity and freedom with the ABA
The 1970s were a transformative period for the NBA, marked by creativity and growth, influenced by the emergence of the rival American Basketball Association (ABA). The ABA, which operated from 1967 to 1976, introduced a unique blend of street-ball agility and Harlem Globetrotter-esque showmanship to the basketball scene. While it was initially regarded as a fly-by-night operation, the ABA gradually gained prominence and consistently outperformed the NBA in head-to-head exhibition games.
The ABA introduced several innovations that shaped the evolution of basketball. It pioneered the three-point shot, adding a new dimension to the game and influencing future stars like Stephen Curry and Ray Allen. The league also contributed to the rise of dunking as an art form, with players like Julius Erving ("Dr. J") and David Thompson ("Skywalker") showcasing their aerial prowess. Erving's performance at the 1976 ABA All-Star festivities inspired the NBA's dunk contest.
The ABA served as a platform for players who were overlooked or faced eligibility issues with the NBA. It provided an opportunity for players like Connie Hawkins, Roger Brown, and Doug Moe, who had been wrongfully implicated in gambling scandals, to showcase their talent. The league's offensive-oriented style attracted stars such as Spencer Haywood, who entered as a "hardship exemption," and Larry Brown.
The competition between the ABA and NBA intensified during the 1970s, with the ABA proving to be a formidable opponent. The ABA won the majority of the interleague games, including victories by the Kentucky Colonels over the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors. The rivalry led to merger talks as early as 1970, but an antitrust lawsuit blocked the merger until 1976. Finally, in 1976, the NBA accepted four ABA teams—the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs—into its fold, marking the end of the ABA's independent era.
The influence of the ABA extended beyond the basketball court. The league introduced unique features such as a red-white-and-blue ball and quirky halftime shows. The ABA's impact on the NBA was significant, not only in terms of talent acquisition but also in shaping the league's competitive balance and entertainment value. The 1970s, with the interplay between the ABA and NBA, represented a period of creativity and growth that transformed the sport, making it one of the most memorable decades in basketball history.
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The 1980s: Bird, Magic, and Michael Jordan's brilliance
The 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s all have their claims to be considered the best decade for basketball. The 1960s were a tough and physical era, with Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell dominating the MVP awards. The 1970s were a time of creativity and growth for the sport. The 1980s were defined by the sheer competitiveness of the game, with the likes of Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan lighting up the league.
The 1980s was a golden age for basketball, with the sport's popularity exploding across the United States and the world. The decade was defined by the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, with the two teams meeting three times in the NBA Finals during the '80s. The Celtics won three titles during this decade, while the Lakers won five. At the heart of this rivalry were two of the game's all-time greats: Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Bird, with his incredible passing ability and trash-talking, led the Celtics to multiple championships. Johnson, with his unique combination of size and skill, transformed the Lakers into a dominant force.
However, it was Michael Jordan who emerged as perhaps the brightest star of the 1980s. Jordan, with his incredible scoring ability and competitive nature, became the top attraction in the NBA. His dunks and all-around entertainment value made him a favourite among casual fans, and his dominance on the court established him as one of the all-time greats. Jordan himself considered Magic Johnson and Larry Bird to be his equals, and the three players even came together as part of the legendary "Dream Team" in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, which further broadened the NBA's international appeal.
The 1980s will forever be remembered as a decade of brilliance for basketball, with Bird, Magic, and Jordan pushing each other to new heights and captivating fans around the world.
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The 1990s: the competitiveness and toughness were at an all-time high
The 1990s are often regarded as a golden era of basketball, with some claiming that the competitiveness and toughness of the game were at an all-time high. This decade saw the rise of iconic and talented teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics. These teams showcased a dominant combination of star power and prominent role players, making the 90s a highly competitive era.
The 1990s were characterised by an emphasis on physicality and rugged play, with hard fouls and a more physical style of gameplay. This era preceded the focus on player safety and the three-point shot that came to define later decades. The game in the 90s was more about driving to the basket and working the ball inside, contributing to the perception of increased competitiveness and toughness.
While the 1990s are celebrated for their competitiveness, it is worth noting that the decade saw a dominance by a few select teams. For example, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, and San Antonio won all the titles during this period, with eight out of ten titles going to just two teams. However, this era also saw the emergence of new franchises, with around five expansion teams developing during the 90s, although most of them started out as terrible and remained that way for several seasons.
The 1990s also witnessed the continued growth of the NBA, with improved TV coverage and a broader geographical scope. The league had already gone through significant changes in the 1960s, with the emergence of stars like Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, and the expansion of the league. The 70s and 80s further contributed to the evolution of the game, with the 70s marked by creativity and growth, and the 80s known for their sheer competitive nature.
In conclusion, the 1990s can be considered a golden era of basketball due to the high level of competitiveness and toughness. The combination of talented teams, star players, and a more physical style of play contributed to the allure of this decade. However, it is important to acknowledge the dominance of a select few teams and the emergence of expansion teams during this time as well.
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The 2000s: the era of Kobe, Shaq, and Lebron
The 2000s NBA basketball scene was dominated by the rivalry between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, with both superstars owning the league for most of the decade. The era also witnessed the early stages of LeBron James's journey towards greatness.
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers, winning three championships together from 2000 to 2002. Despite their feuds, the Lakers were incredibly successful, reaching the Finals six times and winning four championships under coach Phil Jackson. Kobe went on to win two more championships in 2009 and 2010, and was named Finals MVP in 2009 and league MVP in 2008. He was known for his relentless scoring ability and was selected for nine All-Star teams, seven All-NBA First Team selections, and seven All-Defensive First Team selections during this decade.
Shaquille O'Neal, or "Shaq", was a dominant force in the paint during the 2000s. He won the 2000 league MVP, made seven All-Star appearances, and collected six All-NBA First Team honours. Shaq was known for his physical presence, with his weight reaching up to 415 lbs during these years.
LeBron James entered the league in 2003 and quickly rose to stardom. By the end of the decade, he had already achieved global superstar status. He won Rookie of the Year, made six All-Star teams, and earned two MVPs in 2009 and 2010. LeBron led the Cavaliers to the 2007 NBA Finals, becoming one of the youngest players to carry a franchise to such heights. While his peak dominance came in the following decade, his rapid ascent during the late 2000s was historic.
The 2000s also saw the emergence of other notable players, such as Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki. The decade was marked by the dominance of the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers franchises, with the Spurs winning three championships from 2000 to 2009.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of factors that contribute to a decade being considered the 'best' for basketball. These include the competitiveness and toughness of the game, the emergence of stars and talented players, the entertainment value, the quality of play, the presence of rivalries, and the impact on the sport's popularity and culture.
The 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s have all been mentioned as contenders for the best decade of basketball. The 1960s are praised for their physicality and the presence of legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. The 1970s are highlighted for the creativity and freedom brought by the ABA. The 1980s featured stars like Magic and Bird, while the 1990s are considered a golden age with stars like Michael Jordan, the emergence of several Hall of Famers, and increased competitiveness. The 2000s showcased great competitors and teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers, and the 2010s are noted for a balance of offensive and defensive play.
Specific moments or achievements within a decade can contribute to its reputation as the 'best'. For example, in the 1960s, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game, and the Boston Celtics dominated the era. The 1990s had Michael Jordan winning six NBA championships, six Finals MVP awards, and various other accolades. The 2000s included Derek Fisher's miraculous catch and shoot moment with four-tenths of a second remaining in Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals.
