The NBA is not the same game that many fans and former players are used to from many years ago.
Back in the day, the game was built on defense as teams would struggle to score 100 points in a game.
Nowadays, every team averages over 100 points per game.
The Miami Heat averaged the lowest points per game last season at 109.1.
That number would have led the NBA in points per game in 2005-06.
Defense seems voluntary for most players instead of mandatory.
All fans love to see scoring and shot-making, and it is rare to find players who focus on their defensive ability.
One former NBA player in Kenyon Martin does not like what the NBA has turned into.
According to Legion Hoops, Martin said on the “Podcast P” show that, “It’s tough to watch some nights because there’s no resistance.”
Kenyon Martin on the lack of defense in today’s NBA:
“It’s tough to watch some nights because there’s no resistance. How many guys averaged 30 this year? Like six, seven. That’s unheard of, man. Y’all can score. Everybody ain’t that damn good, man.”
(via @PodcastPShow) pic.twitter.com/HZvgiKrbBO
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 28, 2023
Martin was known for being a tough-minded player when he played.
If you ask many players who played in the early 2000s, they would all agree the defense is nonexistent in the current NBA.
It is worth mentioning that Martin’s son is in the NBA.
Kenyon Martin Jr. plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.
That goes to show his dad still has a lot invested in the NBA and is watching games.
Even though the NBA is all about offense, usually the top defensive teams are the ones standing at year’s end.
The NBA is now a scoring league, and that is not going to change.
But, defense is still important for teams in the championship hunt.
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