Young fans missunderstand the increase in talent over the years, in my opinion. The assumption is that good players back then wouldnt be as good because there are more players on that level today.

Not true. Generational talent and elite greats are that regardless of era.

The reality is that there is more talent DEPTH, not higher quality talent.

If Magic, Bird, MJ, Hakeem, Chuck, Malone are all 9/10s in their era, they are 9/10s in this era.

The REAL difference, imo, is that there are A LOT more 7s and 8s today than there were then.

Magic is is a top 5 player all time, guys. The best offensive initiator ever. A perineal miss match on a game to game basis. A top 5 all time player in Magic, in his prime, is the best player in the world today.

He puts up something like 23/8/12 on 54/35/80, with solid defense and 1.7 steals.

Not ridiculous box score numbers, but he will dominate advanced metrics and probably lead his team, whatever team it is, to a top 5 offense in the league.

He'd be a taller Luka, with a slightly worse 3 point shot, better defense and a top 3 post game in the league as the best passer in the league.

Take the peak of any of these guys: MJ, Bird, Magic, Shaq, Hakeem and they're the best player in the world today.