This was definitely a thing just back in the 2000s. You had guys like melo, tmac, Paul pierce, wade, Dwight ect all decline in this age range or way before. People always mentioned lebron still being so good when he was 33. At first that seemed like an anomaly. Now, you have guys like curry, kd, kawhi, dame, lebron still(lol) jimmy butler, all still being in their prime at 33+. Is it an advancement in technology and medicine? Something else?
sport science, modern medicine, better pt, peds, better nutrition, load management, less hard fouls better shoes…less binge drinking, cig smoking, and coke use.
This about sums it up
It’s definitely a factor, but we also have to accept that some players will be outliers. I think this argument would hold better if there were a ton of role players also playing well enough to keep jobs over young up and comers.
Load mangement…haha, this has arguably ruined the game.
I mean he answered the question being asked on longetivity, not a question on whether it has “ruined the game”. So…
Emphasis on shooting and more complex team defensive schemes means skill and experience can trump pure athleticism.
Ghost of Len Bias would like a word.
A lot of that comes down to mentality—modern athletes realizing their body is they paycheck and making business decisions accordingly.
well that does it /thread
The real answer is money! Seeing Giannis get $180 mil for 3 years. I’d be motivated to get the best nutrition, load management, shoes, trainers, etc. and play till I’m 40.
and baby blood
Coke use? Jesus christ! lmao
better* peds
It’s PEDs. A human body is still a human body. 100 year advancement isn’f changing that.
LBJ is juiced to the gills.
Just imagined a 19 year old 1st overall pick being told he could play 20 years but he can’t do coke. Basically have to sell his soul for that ultra success.