Players That Were Ahead of Their Time and Would Be Even Better Today

[AStark1991]

Who are some players from past decades that you think possessed skillsets that are better suited for the modern game compared to their own eras? Two names that come to my mind are Larry Nance Sr. and Shawn Kemp. In my opinion, both guys were very ahead of their times in terms of their raw athleticism and versatility for players their size. They were absolutely tailor made to be modern stretch 5's. Very consistent midrange shooters and also had the capability of being legitimate defensive anchors. In today's era of pace and space, I can easily envision them both consistently averaging 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 2-3 blocks per game.

[CumberlandPosey]

dolph schayes.not sure if he would be even better as hes already all-pro

[Liam_Gallagher]

Insert any stretch 4 from the 2000s.

[Stan]

This will essentially involve any player who can shoot 3's.

[Mavrelous]

Steve Nash, as successful as he was in the SSOL Suns, he'd be better in the pace and space era now.

[Joshyjess]

Bird. Just in three pointers alone.

[tamaraw08]

This will essentially involve any player who can shoot 3's.

Sam Perkins
Dale Ellis
Shane Battier for me.

[red96]

Rasheed Wallace.

[jojo4341]

Larry Bird
Jack Sikma
Mark Price
Dale Ellis
Reggie Miller
Tim Hardaway Sr.
Chuck Person
Sam Perkins
Michael Cooper
John Stockton
Chris Mulllin
Peja Stojakovic
Steve Nash

non-3P shooters like MJ and Barkley would also thrive since they can attack the basket as a perimeter player.

[Bornstellar]

Shawn Marion would be a highly coveted player in this era

[Bornstellar]

Also - I have to disagree with the OP that Kemp or Nance are averaging 3bpg in this era, especially Kemp. Nance had one season where he peaked at exactly 3bpg and this was in the early 90s where you had a number of guys in that range since most shots were at the rim or in the mid range. Kemp was a career 1.2bpg guy and averaged above 2 exactly one time in his career. In the last 10 seasons, only 4 players have averaged at least 3bpg for a season - Whiteside, Turner, JJJ, and Wemby (twice). In an era where teams are constantly chucking three pointers, I see no way these guys are suddenly averaging career highs in blocks that they never routinely achieved during their careers when shots were typically coming much closer to the basket.

[Anderson Hunt]

Bill Laimbeer

[louc1970]

A lot of posts with players that were already outstanding in their current era. I will go with Darrell Griffith of Utah. He could shoot streaky shots from distance. He would have fit in with the 3-ball of today.

[Bad Bart]

Bill Laimbeer

Terry Mills

[mojomarc]

Soviet Sabonis would have been ridiculous today.

[Bad Bart]

Bill Laimbeer

Terry Mills

Matt Bullard

[AStark1991]

Also - I have to disagree with the OP that Kemp or Nance are averaging 3bpg in this era, especially Kemp. Nance had one season where he peaked at exactly 3bpg and this was in the early 90s where you had a number of guys in that range since most shots were at the rim or in the mid range. Kemp was a career 1.2bpg guy and averaged above 2 exactly one time in his career. In the last 10 seasons, only 4 players have averaged at least 3bpg for a season - Whiteside, Turner, JJJ, and Wemby (twice). In an era where teams are constantly chucking three pointers, I see no way these guys are suddenly averaging career highs in blocks that they never routinely achieved during their careers when shots were typically coming much closer to the basket.

Yeah, maybe 3 was a bit of an exaggeration, but at the same time, if Whiteside, Turner, and JJJ can do it, then I have absolutely no problem believing that Nance could as well. Him being the all-time leading shot blocker amongst non-Centers is a fun little fact that not a lot of people seem to be aware of.

[Lalouie]

sidney wicks

[dhsilv2]

Nearly all players would be worse today vs in the past.

[LarsV8]

Reggie Miller