NBA commissioner Adam Silver has believed that physicality is preventing the NBA’s top talent players from competing at a high level on the court, and that a lack of offensive output is leading fans to lose interest.
According to Silver, the game became too rough in the 1990s and this was not beneficial for the show and for the athletes.
“There was a point in the late 90s when the game became too physical. And I think we lost some of the fans over time in the process.” Silver said.
“Physicality where a big, strong player could come in, and prevent an incredibly skilled player from doing those kinds of things.
“I think not a small player in this case, but someone like Stephen Curry. When you do the kind of things you can do on the court.” Silver added.
However, Silver also thinks that “physicality” is important in the NBA, but that it is necessary to find a middle ground between basketball in the 90s and today.
“When you look at his ability to move through the paint, that if guys could just bang him and knock him to the ground, as that was the case once in the league.” Silver said.
“I don’t think that would be a better brand of basketball. I also think we have to find the right balance.” he added.
However, Silver spoke about the changes in contact rules, initiated last season. According to the commissioner, they were attempts to find a good balance in the NBA.
“We’ve made changes to stop unnatural basketball dribbling. Players had found loopholes in the system.” Silver said.
“Brilliant players, playing by the rules, found ways to turn a defensive action into a defensive foul.
“So we change during the offseason, and that’s what the offseason is for. But we knew the players would find another way to score.” Silver said.
