Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle dismissed the idea that NBA legends from previous generations would struggle in the modern game, arguing that players such as Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Bill Russell possessed qualities that transcend any era.
Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Carlisle said greatness is defined by winning impact rather than the period in which a player competed.
“Nobody can tell me that Magic Johnson and Larry Bird wouldn’t have been top players in the league today,” Carlisle said, via HoopsHype. “Greatness is going to be great regardless of the era.”
Debates comparing stars from different generations have become increasingly common as today’s NBA emphasizes three-point shooting, pace and positional versatility. Carlisle, however, believes truly elite players would adapt to any style of basketball.
Johnson entered the NBA in 1979 and spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships, three league MVP awards and three Finals MVP honors. The 6-foot-9 point guard retired with career averages of 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds while revolutionizing the position with his size, vision and ability to lead fast breaks.
Bird arrived in the league the same year with the Boston Celtics and became one of basketball’s most accomplished forwards. Bird won three consecutive MVP awards from 1984 through 1986, captured three NBA championships and finished his career averaging 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters and passers of his era, Bird’s all-around offensive game has often been cited as one that would translate well to today’s spacing-oriented NBA.
Carlisle also defended Hall of Fame center Bill Russell, whose legacy is frequently measured more by winning than individual scoring.
“You are going to try to tell me that Russell wouldn’t be great in this era?” Carlisle said. “Russell, the guy who threw up before every game because he couldn’t stomach the idea of losing and he had such impact on winning, can you imagine having that guy leading your team?”
Russell won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, the most by any player in league history, while earning five MVP awards during a 13-year career. Although the league was far different during the 1950s and 1960s, Russell established himself as one of basketball’s greatest defenders, rebounders and leaders, anchoring one of the most successful dynasties in professional sports.
Carlisle drew a modern comparison by likening Russell’s influence to Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, a four-time NBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year known for organizing defenses, facilitating offense and elevating teammates despite modest scoring numbers.
“That was the early version of Draymond Green,” Carlisle said.
