I hope this question makes sense! I couldn’t think of a better way to word it.
Anyways, this post was inspired by all the “was XXX player from the early 2000s actually great” posts popping up in this thread that people who watched them play provide important context for that goes beyond the states.
Who are you all excited to shoot down those takes (or explain why they’re better than their stats) about 20 years from now? I think one will likely be Harden. I think 20 years from now younger fans might look at his statistical profile and think he’s like a top 25 player ever (or close), and I’m excited to be there to tell them why they’re wrong. Another might be Butler. 20 years from now, young fans who didn’t watch Butler basically be a top-3 most feared guy in the playoffs for a half decade might be baffled by why some of us old fans rate him so highly.
Who are some of yours (and feel free to tell me why I’m wrong about Butler or Harden :) )?
Ron Artest (Metta World Peace). Two way stud in his prime and changed the NBA forever with the “Malice At The Palace” incident.
Russel Westbrook. People in 20 years will say that Russel Westbrook was better than Steph Curry because of his stats. Russ will be the Wilt Chamberlain of the future.
Kobe Bryant. His career averages took a dive after his Achilles injury. Many fans already downplay him. I can’t imagine what the narrative might be in 20 years.