Gary Payton II believes players like Kyrie Irving and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are a big reason behind the NBA’s move to deprioritize defense.
There is a lot of debate these days about the level of play in the NBA today compared to the 1980s and 1990s.
Many critics of the modern generation claim that it is easier than ever to be an offensive player today due to the lax defensive rules.
On the other hand, people with the opposing viewpoint push back aggressively. They argue that players today have taken offense to heights never seen before in previous years.
But there are some modern players who lament the lack of stringent defense in the league. One of them happens to be Gary Payton II, who seemingly pointed at two modern superstars as an example of the problem.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty ImagesGary Payton II claims Kyrie Irving and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are reason for soft NBA defense
Speaking during an appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, Gary Payton II spoke about modern NBA defenses.
He believes the softer defense of today is because fans gravitate to strong offensive players like Kyrie Irving and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Making defense more controlled allows offensive players to thrive.
“No, I feel like it definitely has gotten softer since the ’80s and the ’90s. Like, Bad Boys Detroit Pistons, there were some teams in there…
“You come in the lane, you’re going to get a forearm. Back to [Shaquille O’Neal] era, early ’90s. And nowadays, they want to clean it up.
“They want the fans to see more like just play. So, I feel that’s why they’re calling more fouls, guys going to the line more.
“Kind of slowing the game down, but still trying to keep it interesting. I think they’re just more offensive-minded because that’s what the fan wants to see.
“They want to see all the tricks and what Kyrie [Irving] do and what Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] do and all that.
“That’s what they want to see, and that’s how you get more revenue. So, I feel they’re just going in that trend and just trying to slow the game down and protect us.
“But I feel like you’ve got to let us play. This is what we’re here [for]. We come out to compete, just let us go.”
Modern NBA defense doesn’t rely on physicality, but ingenuity instead
This argument has become quite a lightning rod for controversy among NBA fans. And at this point, it’s hard not to get frustrated if you’re a player in the modern NBA.
Yes, there are some physical limitations to the new NBA defensive rules. Most notably, guarding players cannot hand-check their opponents.
But complaining about the physical limitations while playing defense just means players have a narrow understanding of defense.
It is very possible for players to use their instincts, smarts, and savvy to get the better of offensive players.
Physicality was never the only tool for a defender. So to argue that defense is non-existent without physicality is a weak argument.