“I could come back!” Champs in late 40s troll ‘non-athletic’ Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic dominating NBA
Former Celtics champs consider coming back to NBA in their 40s, citing how "un-athletic" the league has been over the past couple of years.
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The NBA league has been in a bit of a pickle lately. From an over-reliance on three-point shots to a lack of dunking during fast breaks and a decline in viewership, it seems like problems and criticism keeps piling up for the league. And wait, there is a new one added to the list. Former champion Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics recently commented on their show “All the Smoke” how much “non-athletic” the league has grown to be over the years.
Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce took jabs at the top players on the league when laughing over the thought of coming from retirement in their 40s, stating that the game lacks athleticism. Garnett chimed in that the most dominant players of the current era can’t even jump over a “beanbag.” This prompted Pierce to facetiously suggest that he, perhaps, could get back into today’s NBA.
Why can’t I come back if that’s the league? Look at our top players. Luka—no athleticism. Joker… come on, dog. I can spot up. I can give you some slow-mo sh*t.
Paul Pierce said
KG couldn’t help but laugh and agree with Pierce’s statement. Placing his hands on his head, Kevin Garnett exclaimed:
I hate that you even right on this!
Kevin Garnett to Paul Pierce
The duo highlighted how the modern-day game has turned away from the explosive athleticism and physicality associated with the 90s and early 2000s era. While players like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic continue to dominate the league with their basketball IQ, and finesse, critics argue that the league lacks the same thrilling athleticism that once defined it.
Dominating the league through skill and IQ, not just mere athleticism
Ever since they’ve stepped on the court, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic have taken the NBA by storm. It’s not their exceptional athleticism, but their extraordinary skills and high basketball IQ that has impressed the fans the most. Luka, with his exceptional court vision and his clutch genes, has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the game to watch today.
Comeback szn…? 👀
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) December 13, 2024
The level of athleticism in some of the NBA’s best players have got KG & Paul thinking… 🤔
Head over to the KG Certified YouTube for an all-new Ticket & The Truth. pic.twitter.com/YzzUjCxxsz
Jokic, on the other hand, has completely redefined what it means to be a center. His passing is so wizard-like that even seasoned critics like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have had to acknowledge his brilliance and bow-down to his reign. Jokic, who’s currently sits at number two among season leaders in points, assists, and rebounds, has not just won back-to-back MVP awards but also led his team to a championship.
It’s clear to anyone with even a single eye that the NBA is entering into a new era. This shift in focus—from sheer athleticism to skills and versality—has brought about a different style of play in today’s game. Players like Jokic and Doncic have proved that stars don’t need to rely on explosive athleticism to dominate at the highest level.
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Anubhav Bajpeyee
(173 Articles Published)