Knicks Legend Charles Oakley Takes a Subtle Jab at Modern-Day NBA: “It Ain’t About Plays No More”

The modern NBA has often been tagged ‘softer’ by notable veteran names. Among Kevin Garnett, Ron Artest, and Rashad McCants, also joins Charles Oakley, who attests NBA isn’t as physical as it used to be. The New York Knicks legend describes the modern NBA as “a whole new ball game.” Oakley, who recently announced his retirement from broadcasting, shared his thoughts in an interview with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson. Reflecting on his illustrious career, Oakley reminisced about the physicality and strong mindsets that defined the 80s and 90s. He lamented the shift away from structured play in recent times.

However, the transition towards modern NBA is certainly not appreciated by the former power forward. “It ain’t about plays no more,” he said. While taking to ‘Scoop B’, he illustrates players were more physical and also had strong mindsets in the 80s and 90s. When he was asked what is the one thing that he wishes happened in his era, he replied, “More freedom to do stuff on the court.”

In that interview, Oakley revealed back in his era teams were more structured. Oakley is of the belief that the players during his time had a specified role and knew what duties to follow like ‘musicians in a band’ or ‘doctors in operation rooms’ did. ” we had to know every position and then you have to know what every guy do on the court,” he beautifully illustrated.

He further described that they had a playbook with 50 to 75 plays. “It’s how you control it, conduct you know the guys conduct their self with coaches go back and forth, it’s a different ball game now,” the NBA all-star describes the importance of a coach to build a strong synergy. Playing 19 seasons and earning a moniker for no-nonsense attitude, Oakley would sure know a thing or two about discipline and tough play. And obvious why this wasn’t all he had to say about modern NBA.

“It’s hard to watch,” Oakley Criticized NBA

In 2005, the Toronto Raptors celebrated Charles Oakley by distributing bobbleheads to the 5,000 fans. Oakley, who played 208 games for Toronto between 1998 and 2001, also had stints with Chicago, New York, Washington, and Houston during his career from 1985 to 2004. Despite his extensive career, Oakley had few concerns regarding the current state of the game.

In an interview taken by ESPN that day, Charles Oakley expressed his discontent with today’s NBA. Oakley said, “Who do I like watching? It’s hard to watch. I don’t know, it’s just, it’s a different game. It’s some good games and a lot of bad games. More bad games than good games these days.” Reflecting on his time as an assistant in Charlotte, Oakley observed, “The mind is not — you don’t have to be strong to play this game no more.”

It was also something Rasheed McCant had subtly pointed out later last year, blaming Adam Silver in the process. “flimsy” and the “punk version” of Stern, he called Silver, stating that he has led the league in the bad direction in terms of sensitivity. Artest on the other end had remarked, “I’m watching these young guys, and I’m like, hold on. The young guys is not soft. The rules has changed.” The list is quite long of all who believe NBA has grown softer with the ban on hand-checking becoming the centre of argument.

The game nonetheless continues. But do you agree with Charles Oakley and the rest? Let us know your thoughts on the comment section and share this article with your friends.

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