Decade Versus Decade: Which Was the NBA's Best?

It is an argument every basketball fan has had: Which decade has the best players?

Some will say the 70s, with the creativity and freedom of ABA. Others will point to the 2000s as the top decade. This was the decade that saw the return of guard play.

The league had been dominated by giants for a few years and the 2000s brought back the exciting guard play that made the NBA so fantastic. So rather than reliving those unforgettable moments that each decade possessed, let us pit the top players of each decade against each other to see who truly would reign supreme.

Beginning with the 1970s and going all the way to 2010, we will take the five best players of each 10-year span and put that team up against another five players from another decade. The criteria that were used in establishing who was a top player in his decade are simple. First, the player needed to have played five or more years in that decade and he had to have made the All-Star team at least five times in that decade to be considered a top player.

The playoffs and playoff seeding were a simple formula. The seeding would be based on championships. The team that won the most championships would be seeded No. 1 and the decade with the least amount of championships would be seeded No. 4.  

Now that we have established what system was used in selecting the players for each decade, let us now reveal each roster.

1969–1979 Tale of the Tape

This was when the game finally started to transform into what we all have come to know and love. A more fluid style of play was born in this decade. The fast break became a staple of some teams and more players began to take their games above the rim.

The NBA also received some much-needed competition in this era with the ABA. The ABA may have saved professional basketball or, at the very least, improved it. With its infusion of the three-point shot and the slam dunk contest, the ABA glamorized a certain style of play and embraced creativity.  

The NBA proved not to be outdone and added the individualism that the ABA offered to the NBA game. This influx gave birth to a new style of play and more importantly a new style of player. This player was both fundamentally sound and athletically spectacular.

CENTER – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks

1970-71 NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks

1970-71 NBA Finals MVP

Led NBA in points per game 1970-71 (31.7) & 1971-72 (34.8)

Led NBA in rebounds per game in 1975-76 (16.9)

Led NBA in blocks per game 1974-75, 75-76, 78-79 and 79-80

Won five MVP awards in ten years

All-NBA First team seven times

All-Defensive first team three times

Led NBA in defensive rebounds 1975-76 & 1976-77

Led NBA in total rebounds in 1975-76 & 1976-77    

FORWARD – Julius Erving, New Jersey Nets

1973-74 ABA title with the New Jersey Nets

1973-74 ABA playoffs MVP

1975-76 ABA title with the New Jersey Nets

1975-76 ABA playoffs MVP

1973-74 ABA MVP

1974-75 ABA MVP

1975-76 ABA MVP

Three time ABA scoring champion

All-ABA First team four times

ABA All-Defensive first team 1975-76

Led ABA in offensive rebounds 1971-72

All-NBA First team 1977-78

FORWARD – Elvin Hayes, Baltimore/Washington Bullets

1977-78 NBA title with the Washington Bullets

Led NBA in rebounds per game 1969-70 (16.9) & 1973-74 (18.1)

All-NBA First team three times

Led NBA in offensive rebounds 1973-74

Led NBA in defensive rebounds 1973-74

Led NBA in total rebounds in 1969-70 & 1973-74

GUARD – Walt Frazier, The New York Knicks

1969-70 NBA Title with the New York Knicks

1972-73 NBA Title with the New York Knicks  

All-NBA Defensive first team six times

All-NBA First team four times

GUARD – George Gervin, San Antonio Spurs

Led NBA in points per game 1977-78 (27.1) & 1978-79 (29.6) 

Two time All-NBA First team 

1979 – 1989 Tale of the Tape

The 1980s gave birth to a nation of new NBA fans. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were quickly becoming professional sports icons and the world was in awe of the league as a whole. The early 80s witnessed Magic vs. Bird for the first time playing for an NBA title and a draft pick who would change the professional sports landscape.

Prior to the 80s, tape-delayed playoff performances and untelevised regular season games were the norm. By the mid-80s, everything was live, including the draft. To put it in perspective, USA Network paid the NBA $1.5 million to broadcast games from 1979 to 1982. When it came time to renegotiate in 1982, that number jumped to $11 million for two years and, by 1988, the league secured $50 million for their product to be televised.

What changed in just six years that allowed David Stern and crew to demand such riches? Please read below.  

Center – Akeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets

Led NBA in rebounds per game in 1988-89 (13.5)

Two time All-Defensive team

Three time All-NBA First team

Led NBA in offensive rebounds in 1984-85

Led NBA in defensive rebounds & total rebounds in 1988-89

Forward – Moses Malone, Philadelphia 76ers

1982-83 NBA title with the Philadelphia 76ers

1982-83 NBA Finals MVP

1981-82 NBA MVP

1982-83 NBA MVP

Led NBA in rebounds per game for five straight seasons 1980-85

Three time All-NBA First Team

All-Defensive First Team 1982-83

Led the NBA in offensive rebounds from 1980-83

Led the NBA in defensive rebounds in 1982-83

Led the NBA in total rebounds from 1980-83 & in 1984-85

Forward – Larry Bird, Boston Celtics

1980-81 NBA title with the Boston Celtics

1983-84 NBA title with the Boston Celtics

1983-84 NBA Finals MVP

1983-84 NBA MVP

1984-85 NBA MVP

1985-86 NBA title with the Boston Celtics

1985-86 NBA Finals MVP

1985-86 NBA MVP

All-NBA First team nine times

Led NBA in 3pt field goals made in 1985-86 & 1986-87

Guard – Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls

1987-88 Defensive Player of the Year

1987-88 NBA MVP

All-NBA First team three times

All-Defensive first team two times

Led NBA in total steals in 1987-88

Led NBA in points per game in 1986-87 (37.1), 1987-88 (35.0), & 1988-89 (32.5)

Led NBA in steals per game 1987-88

Guard – Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers

1979-1980 NBA title with Los Angeles Lakers

1980 NBA Finals MVP

1981-1982 NBA title with Los Angeles Lakers

1982 NBA Finals MVP

1984-1985 NBA title with Los Angeles Lakers

1986-1987 NBA title with Los Angeles Lakers

1987 NBA Finals MVP

1986-1987 NBA MVP

1987-1988 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

1988-1989 NBA MVP

All-NBA First team seven times

Led NBA in total assists in 1982-83, 85-86, & 86-87

Led NBA in assists per game in 1982-83, 83-84, 85-86, & 86-87

Led NBA in steals per game in 1980-81 & 1981-82

1989 – 1999 Tale of the Tape

The 1990s were dominated by two players: Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan. The decade began with the Detroit Pistons bullying their way to two NBA titles. However, it was Michael Jordan who challenged the bullies of the Palace and walked away a legend.

Jordan’s dominance was briefly interrupted by a mid-life crisis caused by the death of his father. Had Jordan not retired, it was feasible his Bulls would have won eight straight titles, but he did retire and while many handed the title to Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley, it was the Nigerian Nightmare who seized the moment and etched his name among NBA folklore.

Without any doubt, the 90s were the decade of Jordan. For six years, we all witnessed a comet shooting through a league full of stars.

Center – Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets

1994 NBA title with the Houston Rockets

1993-1994 NBA Finals MVP

1993-1994 NBA MVP

1995 NBA title with the Houston Rockets

1994-1995 NBA Finals MVP

NBA All-Defensive first team three times

1992-1993 Defensive Player of the Year

1993-1994 Defensive Player of the Year

All-NBA First team three times

Led the NBA in defensive rebounds 1989-90

Led the NBA in total rebounds in 1989-90

Led the NBA in blocks 1989-90 & 1992-93

Led the NBA in rebounds per game in 1989-90 (14.0)

Led the NBA in blocks per game in 1989-90, 1990-91, & 1992-93

Forward – Karl Malone, Utah Jazz

1996-97 NBA MVP

1998-99 NBA MVP

All-NBA First team 10 years straight from 1989-1999

All-NBA Defensive first team three times

Led the NBA in defensive rebounds 1990-91 & 1994-95

Forward – Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls

1990-91 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1991-92 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1992-93 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1995-96 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1996-97 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1997-98 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

All-NBA First team three times

NBA All-Defensive first team eight times

Led NBA in total steals in 1994-95

Led NBA in steals per game in 1994-95 

Guard – Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls

1990-91 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1990-91 NBA Finals MVP

1990-91 NBA MVP

1991-92 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1991-92 NBA Finals MVP

1991-92 NBA MVP

1992-93 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1992-93 NBA Finals MVP

1995-96 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1995-96 NBA Finals MVP

1996-97 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1996-97 NBA Finals MVP

1997-98 NBA title with the Chicago Bulls

1997-98 NBA Finals MVP

1997-98 NBA MVP

Led NBA in points per game from 1989-1993 & 1995-1998

All-NBA First team eight times

All-Defensive first team eight times

Led NBA in total steals 1989-90 & 1992-93

Led NBA in steals per game 1989-90 & 1992-93

Guard – John Stockton, Utah Jazz

Two time All-NBA First team

Led NBA in total assists from 1989-1996

Led NBA in total steals 1991-1992

Led NBA in assists per game from 1989-1996

Led NBA in steals per game in 1991-1992

1999 – 2009 Tale of the Tape

A new star was born in the 2000s and the NBA was not welcoming to them. The new decade brought in a new player whose style of play was more reminiscent of the ABA then NBA. These new stars played to a different beat than their predecessors, but looked just as eloquent playing it. This decade’s style compelled the league to institute zone defenses on the court and a fashion code off of it.

The NBA lost its suit-and-tie stars and were stuck in a conundrum in regards to how to market their new players. Unlike previous decades, this group was not accomplished on the collegiate level and consequently had not been introduced to the ticket-buying public.

General managers became so uneasy on drafting these players they decided to draft foreign players who were even less of a known commodity but were viewed as more “fundamentally” sound.

Nevertheless, the 2000s served as a platform for some of the greatest competitors the game has ever seen. A group that was overflowing with competitive fire but severely lacking in the requisite charm needed for middle America’s 40-and-over crowd. 

No other group of players evoked so much emotion from the public. It almost felt as if this group was hated just as much as they were loved.

Center – Shaquille O'Neal, Los Angeles Lakers

1999-2000 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

1999-2000 NBA Finals MVP

1999-2000 NBA MVP

2000-2001 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

2000-2001 NBA Final MVP

2001-2002 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

2001-2002 NBA Final MVP

2005-2006 NBA title with the Miami Heat

All-NBA First team seven times

Led the NBA in points per game in 1999-00  

Forward – Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

2001-2002 NBA MVP

2002-2003 NBA title with the San Antonio Spurs

2002-2003 NBA Finals MVP

2002-2003 NBA MVP

2004-2005 NBA title with San Antonio Spurs

2004-2005 NBA Finals MVP

2006-2007 NBA title with the San Antonio Spurs

Seven time All-NBA first team

All-Defensive team seven times

Led NBA in defensive rebounds in 2001-02

Led NBA in total rebounds 2001-02

Forward – LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

2008-2009 NBA MVP

2009-2010 NBA MVP

All-Defensive team three times

All-NBA First team five times

Led NBA in points per game 2007-08

Guard – Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

1999-2000 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

2000-2001 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

2001-2002 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

2007-2008 NBA MVP

2008-2009 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

2008-2009 NBA Finals MVP

2009-2010 NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers

2009-2010 NBA Finals MVP

All-NBA First team seven times

ALL-Defensive first team seven times

Two time scoring champion

Guard – Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers

2000-01 NBA MVP

All-NBA first team two times

Led the league in total steals 2002-03 & 2004-05

Three time scoring champion

Led the NBA in steals per game 2000-2003

PLAYOFF SEEDINGS AND MATCHUPS

(4) 1970s vs. (1) 1990s

This would be a basketball historian’s dream matchup. Who would not pay top dollar to watch an in-his-prime Kareem taking on an equally in-his-prime Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan? Another dream matchup worth watching would be one of the game’s greatest scorers in Dr.J taking on one of the game’s greatest defenders in Scottie Pippen.

Jordan gives it to another Knick as he beats Clyde in their matchup. Jordan’s quickness is offset by Frazier’s strength, but the Bulls guard's jump-shooting and rebounding prove to be too much for Frazier. George Gervin wins his matchup against Stockton, and the forgotten scoring machine evens it up for the 70s.

Kareem and Hakeem are the main even this night and an unbelievable event it would have been. How does “Cap” handle the Dream Shake? Conversely, how does Hakeem handle the sky hook? Kareem’s offensive repertoire appears to give him an advantage, but Dream is a nightmare on the boards for Abdul-Jabbar. Then after making some adjustments, the defensive prowess of Dream kicks into full gear as he stifles Kareem late. By a hair, Hakeem takes out Kareem.

Dr.J has his way with Pippen who struggles with Erving’s strength and ability to finish above the rim. Doc wins this matchup, but the 90s walk away with the win thanks to Malone’s defense on Hayes and his lethal 12-15-foot jumpshot.  

The 1990s win in a close game.

(3) 1980s vs. (2) 2000s

This matchup definitely will not be as close. Shaq would give Akeem all he can handle in the paint. O’Neal’s power turns Olajuwon into a non-factor on the offensive end as he exerts his energy trying to slow O’Neal down. Moses Malone’s rebounding, touch around the basket and strength are simply too much for Tim Duncan. O’Neal’s advantage is nullified by Malone’s dominance.

Larry Bird and LeBron James’ duel is won by Bird as he shoots lights out from the arc. Birds’ midrange game also gives James fits, who surprisingly struggles to get in any offensive flow against the three-time second team All-Defensive team member.

Kobe Bryant learns that he is not nearly as athletic as an 80s Jordan, whose pull-up jumper and lighting-quick first step put Bryant in his rightful place in history. Bryant finds it virtually impossible to get by Jordan who is displaying his Defensive Player of the Year form.

Magic Johnson surprisingly is able to hold his own defensively against Iverson by using his length and offensively his height and strength are just too much for the Sixers guard to handle. Iverson is able to get to the foul line, but is ineffective in all other facets.

The 1980s win by double-digits.

(1)1990s v.(3)1980s

An 80s version of Olajuwon is helpless against the 90s version. Hakeem’s touch, defense and footwork simply dominate the paint and give the 90s an early lead. Sadly, this would be the only matchup the 90s win.

Moses Malone literally and figuratively beat up the Mailman. Moses is too much of a force in the paint for Malone. Despite the Mailman’s defensive wherewithal, Moses is able to rebound at an unparalleled clip against the Jazz forward. Malone resorts to fouling Moses who shoots a respectable 76 percent from the foul line and thus puts an end to this matchup.

Larry Bird continues his onslaught against the game’s best defenders as he lights Pippen’s “you know what" up. First, Bird runs Pippen off a multitude of screens set by Malone and Olajuwon, then Bird proceeds to take Pippen to the paint. Bird is able to rebound at will against the lean forward. Pippen, void of any signature offensive moves, finds it increasingly difficult to score against the underrated defender. Bird wins this matchup easily.

A more skilled and polished 90s Jordan would appear to have the advantage against a raw and uncut 80s Jordan, nah. The sheer athleticism and drive of an 80s Jordan will not be denied in this matchup. The 80s MJ is able to put the 90s MJ in the blender, crossing him over at will and then posterizing himself. 80s Jordan also is able to beat 90s Jordan down the floor habitually. 90s Jordan is able to hit his fadeaway jumper and at times bully the smaller 80s Jordan, but the often forgotten patented Jordan pull-up takes out 90s Jordan.

What Magic Johnson does to John Stockton should be outlawed in seven states. Johnson beats Stockton up and down the floor in transition and in the half-court sets backs Stockton down and chooses between shooting or feeding Bird coming off of screens. Johnson exposes Stockton’s weaknesses and closes the door on any argument of what decade is superior.

The 1980s win in a blowout and reconfirm why they were the decade that took the league, and professional sports, to a new stratosphere.