NBA Players Who Would’ve Been Great in Any Era

by Jeremy Block - 12/16/2025

NBA players who would have been great in any era Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets

Let’s be honest: the NBA has seen its fair share of players who would’ve thrived in any era. Whether it was the physicality of the '90s, the uptempo pace of the early 2000s, or today’s 3-point shooting barrage, some players were just built to last.

You know the type. The ones who could rip apart any defense, trade blows in the paint, or let it rain from long range, no matter the decade. So, sit back, because here are five NBA players who could’ve fit into any era and made it look effortless.

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LeBron James

It shouldn’t surprise anyone to see LeBron James at the top of this list. Just picture him playing in the 80s, when defenders were allowed to get hands on you, and the game was more physical. Would he still be able to do what he does today? Absolutely. Standing at 6'9" and 250 pounds, with insane athleticism and a basketball IQ that most coaches would envy, James would’ve torn apart defenses back then just like he did in the 2010s.

What separates James from the rest is his ability to combine power with finesse. Very few players can do it all like he can—and with the kind of longevity he’s shown. With career averages of 27 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, and still playing at a high level into his 40s, James would’ve been a dominant force in any era. Whether it’s the physicality of the '90s or the current pace-and-space game, James would’ve been a problem no matter the style of play.

Larry Bird

Before the 3-point shot became the end-all-be-all of modern basketball, there was Larry Bird. Let’s be real: Bird would’ve been just as lethal if he’d stepped into today’s game. His shooting range was insane, even by today's standards, but that wasn’t even the whole story. His vision and playmaking ability? Just as deadly. Standing at 6'9", Bird shot 49% from the floor and 37% from deep, and could pass like a point guard, averaging 6.3 assists per game. In today's game, Bird would’ve absolutely shredded defenses, considering how the modern game emphasizes shooting.

Bird’s basketball IQ was a perfect match for today’s spacing and pace. With his ability to read the floor and make the right passes, he would’ve thrived in the modern pick-and-roll or transition-heavy offenses, where his vision would’ve carved up defenses and created open looks for everyone, including himself.

Michael Jordan

If you know basketball, you know Michael Jordan could step into any era and drop 30+ points a night. His combination of athleticism, footwork, and relentless mentality would’ve made him a nightmare in any generation. But what really sets MJ apart isn’t just his ability to score; it’s how efficiently he did it. His mid-range jumper was pure butter, his first step was a blur, and his knack for drawing fouls made him nearly impossible to stop. Factor in how soft the game has become in the 2020s, and Jordan would’ve scored 25 points a night just off free throws.

Let’s not forget the numbers: 30.1 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 49% shooting from the field. Those numbers are insane even by today’s standards, but in the '80s and '90s—when defenses were tougher and more physical, and he still got his.

If he could dominate in that era, there’s no doubt Jordan would have crushed it in any other. The game has become a lot softer, and that would’ve worked in Jordan's favor. With less contact allowed, he’d be living at the free-throw line, racking up points and drawing fouls left and right.

Nikola Jokic

If you're looking for a player who can do it all as a big man in any era of basketball, Nikola Jokic is your guy. A 7-foot playmaker who can pass, rebound, score in the post, and even knock down threes when given space? Sounds like a problem, right? But what really gives Jokic the edge in any era is his ability to run an offense from the center position.

On top of averaging insane numbers during the most athletic period in basketball history—22 points, 11 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game—it’s clear that the Serbian big man is unlike anything we've seen before. His versatility would have allowed him to carve up defenses in any era, especially when you consider how limited big men were in past generations. In an era when most centers were either stuck in the post or focused on rebounding, Jokic would’ve run circles around them, leaving defenses scrambling all over the place.

Kobe Bryant

Some players are just built for the moment, and Kobe Bryant was one of them. Bryant is often compared to Michael Jordan, and for good reason. His ability to score, defend, and rise to the occasion looked like it was cut straight from MJ’s cloth. But outside of the comparisons, it was Bryant’s mentality that would’ve allowed him to take over in any era. He could’ve scored from anywhere on the court, break down defenses with his footwork, draw fouls whenever he wanted, and had a killer instinct that made him a nightmare in crunch time.

Unlike a few players on this list, Bryant managed to thrive through three different eras of basketball—the ‘90s, 2000s, and 2010s—and in each one, he found a way to get his points and have an impact. And you’re telling me he wouldn’t crush it in today’s game? Get real. With career averages of 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, those numbers alone are impressive. But it’s the 81-point game, the 60-point farewell, and his consistent ability to win in the most high-pressure situations that really set him apart. Whether it was the physicality of the past or the modern soft foul calls and constant bad shot selection, Kobe Bryant would’ve found a way to dominate.

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Start:	December 16, 2025 @ 9:05 PM
Expert:	Raphael Esparza (VSI)
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NBA Players Who Would’ve Been Great in Any Era

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