[vincesanity82]

It's always nice to check in with has been retired NBA players to get their thoughts on how the game has changed since their days on the court, right? Well, maybe not, considering the fact that they rarely have anything positive to say. Toni Kukoc definitely falls into this category, ripping current players for what he views as a selfish and unintelligent style of play:

"The NBA is a league of selfish people and it is no longer a part of my life. Last year, I watched just three games of the Chicago Bulls.

"I hardly ever go to the United Center because there's little to see. It irritates me to see the poorness of the game of today and the lack of intelligence on the court."

Kukoc claimed that players are putting themselves before their teams and, by doing so, are sacrificing their chance of glory.

"There are too many selfish players in basketball nowadays. I could also have scored 30 points per game but, how many titles would I have won playing with that style?"

Toni Kukoc Calls Current NBA Players Selfish and Stupid - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

Kukoc is on the money..its exactly why quit watching pro basketball. It's a 5 person highlight reel with little team play.

[Lefty Noob]

Yep, I agree with both Kukoc and our unregistered friend here - I miss the way the game used to be played.

[Tiny Tom]

How exactly did the game used to be played as opposed to the way it is now?

[CarlFanFromOZ]

Pertfect example is Team USA now Lebron etc versus the first the original Dream Team of 10-15 years ago MJ, Magic etc

10-15 years ago the first(an only)Dream Team was playing team basketball. They where looking for good shots, making the extra pass to find the open teamate, actually playing DEFENSE and hussling for the loose ball etc.

Now they just try to break down a player 1 on 1 and throw up a low percentage shot trying to look good or throw the ball away altogether trying to make some ridiculous move that belongs in an all star game. Many of the elite level players now days are look at me ego maniacs. Not to say these guys didnt exist before, but winning Olympic and World Championship gold medals was never a problem before, now the so called Dream Team is lucky to make the Semi's.

I have to say I agree with Tony on this one as well, I'll still be watching tho

[Tiny Tom]

I'll watch but I have to say that interest in the NBA is low. Not NHL low but low. I was trying to find some Miami Heat merchandise for the new season and the NBA Shop looks like a yard sale unless you want to buy clothing of course but i'm gonna be 40 soon and I feel silly in a basketball jersey. Not even a magnet to put on my fridge door!!! In the Jordan years you could get absolutely any piece of home decor you want. Heck, you could probably get a Utah Jazz back scratcher if you desired it! These post-Jordan years are really dwindling the NBA in the publics eye. That strike a few years back didn't help either.

[vvip002]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

It's always nice to check in with has been retired NBA players to get their thoughts on how the game has changed since their days on the court, right? Well, maybe not, considering the fact that they rarely have anything positive to say. Toni Kukoc definitely falls into this category, ripping current players for what he views as a selfish and unintelligent style of play:

"The NBA is a league of selfish people and it is no longer a part of my life. Last year, I watched just three games of the Chicago Bulls.

"I hardly ever go to the United Center because there's little to see. It irritates me to see the poorness of the game of today and the lack of intelligence on the court."

Kukoc claimed that players are putting themselves before their teams and, by doing so, are sacrificing their chance of glory.

"There are too many selfish players in basketball nowadays. I could also have scored 30 points per game but, how many titles would I have won playing with that style?"

Toni Kukoc Calls Current NBA Players Selfish and Stupid - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

Why did he say that??

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by vvip002

Why did he say that??

Because it's true? I certainly think it is, and like Kukoc, I wish these guys would forget about trying to play like they're on an And-1 video.

[azrael492]

Kukoc makes an excellent point. Most players are just looking to score and make great plays rather than play team ball. Jordan would be a perfect examle. He had a high per game scoring average early in his career, but didn't start winning titles until he got the rest of the team involved. There was still a lot of opportunity for great plays, but higher percentage shots.

I think the Spurs still play the game the right way. That is why they are still winning consistently.

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by Tiny Tom

How exactly did the game used to be played as opposed to the way it is now?

Teams used to move the ball around much more crisply instead of a lot of this one on one play.

Plus, when a guy used to score a basket, there was none of this chest thumping and showboating.

[legend]

The fact that the Spurs win one after another titles should give a hint to the rest of the league. But a huge percentage of these players could care less about winning a championship.

[Tiny Tom]

The NBA is the most fixable of any sport however. If the only problem is that players aren't playing as a cohesive unit and are only interested in personal glory it will fade I think as compared to other sports problems. In the NHL the USA simply doesn't like it, the NFL has become a showcase for second string players as the injury rate is simply way to high for the sport to be enjoyed anymore and baseball is riddled with steroids and the Hall Of Fame is going to be inducting these illegal drug made men. The NBA simply needs players who are more team oriented and I think everyone trying too hard to be the next Jordan is the cause of this selfishness. Eventually we will get players who work hard and it will be as glorious as the 1980s and 90s again for basketball.

[go2guy]

Toni is right on the spot. That's why Team USA had a hard time beating euro teams since most nba players depend more on speed, talent and strength to muscle, and out maneuver their opponents, instead of running basic plays and having someone finish an unguarded play.

Main stream media is playing a big part on why they play like this - they are just trying to market their image.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by go2guy

Main stream media is playing a big part on why they play like this - they are just trying to market their image.

That's it exactly. Kobe, Shaq and guys like that are the stars of the league, but who's the best? Duncan, easily.