You could be right.  I'd be inclined to think that the technology, diet and training all contribute to the increased athleticism...and that much of what is done every night in today's NBA wouldn't have happened in the '80s version of the game because personal pride and competitive determination would have seen to it.  These days, you hear about "lock-down" defenders...individual matchup specialists like Bruce Bowen.  Back then, I think you had better overall team defense.  Today's players might have thought twice about driving the lane lest they see Rick Mahorn or Bill Laimbeer at the end of it.  I think some of the rules have been tightened to protect the star players and many of the moves that are routine now became so because the rules have created extra space for the "skill players".  That Dr. J could make those moves when he could just as easily gotten mugged speaks even higher of his overall excellence, I think. 

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan

I'll try, but no promises:-).

Fair enough. :-)

From the time I was nine years old in 1956--maybe it was the occurrence of dramatic international events such as the anti-Soviet Hungarian uprising or Nasser closing the Suez--I developed and maintained a consuming interest in foreign policy and international affairs, which continued relatively unabated for the next twenty years or so.  My dream during most of that time was to eventually work in the State Department or the Pentagon.  [I also became an "authority"--in my own mind--regarding combat aircraft of the world's air forces.]

However, after finishing law school in the mid-70's, my career path took a different direction, and although my interest in the area is still considerably more than casual, it is nevertheless considerably less intense than formerly. 

Although I feel quite capable of defending my positions, if the focus is directed toward international events and foreign affairs issues of the last couple of decades, you could very well "outscholar" me in any such debate.  I don't think you could embarrass me though. [Well, maybe occasionally.]

Jer