There is a prevailing myth among basketball fans that the NBA of the past featured better defense than the modern game. This myth is largely based on the perception that rule changes have favored the offense, making it easier to score, and consequently, diminishing the importance of defense. However, this perspective fails to consider the evolution of defensive strategies and tactics that have emerged in response to these rule changes and the increasing skill level of offensive players. In this post, we will explore how various rule changes brought defense out from the stone age into the modern, advanced defenses we see today, where superstars can be schemed into irrelevance. Additionally, we will examine how the elimination of illegal defense has made it harder for individual stars to carry teams and how the league has simply gotten more skilled at offense with the advent of the Steve Kerr Warriors.

1. Rule Changes and Its Impact on Defense

One of the most significant rule changes in the NBA was the elimination of illegal defense in the 2001-2002 season. Prior to this change, defenders were essentially forced to play their opponents in isolation or double-team them, as any in-between would result in an illegal defense violation. This rule change allowed for the implementation of zone defenses, which fundamentally altered defensive strategies and made it more challenging for individual stars to carry their teams. For example, imagine Kevin Durant, LeBron James, or Stephen Curry playing in a league where their defenders are forced to play them in isolation. This would significantly reduce the defensive options available to teams and make it much easier for these superstars to dominate.

2. The Advent of Advanced Defensive Schemes

In response to the rule changes and the increasing skill level of offensive players, teams have developed advanced defensive schemes designed to neutralize opposing superstars. These schemes involve intricate combinations of man-to-man and zone defenses, as well as sophisticated switching and help defense strategies. For example, the Toronto Raptors' "Box-and-One" defense, employed during the 2019 NBA Finals, was designed specifically to limit Stephen Curry's offensive impact. These advanced defensive schemes have made it possible to scheme superstars into irrelevance, despite the rules favoring the offense.

3. The Rise of Offensive Skill Level

While it is true that rule changes have favored the offense, it is also important to acknowledge the increasing skill level of offensive players. The advent of the Steve Kerr Warriors, with their emphasis on ball movement, spacing, and three-point shooting, has revolutionized the way offense is played in the NBA. Teams have had to adapt defensively to counter these offensive innovations, leading to the development of the advanced defensive schemes mentioned above.

Conclusion

While it is easy to look at the increasing offensive numbers in the NBA and conclude that defense has become less important, this perspective fails to consider the complexities of the modern game. The elimination of illegal defense, the advent of advanced defensive schemes, and the rise of offensive skill level have all contributed to the evolution of NBA defense. Rather than being less important, defense has simply evolved to meet the challenges of the modern game. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the sophistication and effectiveness of modern NBA defenses rather than dismissing them as inferior to the past.