I can appreciate the safety protocols that professional sports implement these days but when I look back at old NBA footage I am reminded how tough the sport used to be. I'm sure there are tough players today, but the game has definitely changed. Big men don't bang under the basket like they used to. They stretch out beyond the arc, play with more finesse, and shoot the 3.
When I see current video highlights entitled fights, they usually end up being pushing matches or just technical fouls. When players "fight" these days they push each other then run away or wait for their teammates to quickly restrain them before anything can happen.
This is a big contrast from the basketball toughness of the 80's and 90's. Names like Charles Oakley, Rick Mahorn, Kenyon Martin, Xavier McDaniel, Darryl Dawkins, Maurice Lucas, Bill Laimbeer, Charles Barkley, and others come to mind. When those guys threw a punch they actually connected. Even the guards were much scrappier and physical back then. I can't blame today's players for not being as physical, they have no choice since the game has just evolved.
I don't advocate dirty play, but I still remember so many flagrant foul plays between the Lakers and Celtics. I remember seeing the Pistons and Knicks go after Jordan, especially during playoff times. Back then you could block someone's shot or dunk on a guy and stare them down and talk smack to them. Today you get a T for even thinking about it.
It's been interesting to see the evolution of the game and how it has softened over time. I am all for clean play, sportsmanship, and safety, but I still miss some of the hard nosed, physical, old school basketball from the past.
