Chuck fires back at Anthony Edwards for saying MJ only had skill in the old days: 'I'd love to see him chase Reggie Miller around'

"Ant" also reflected on the awe surrounding players like Kobe Bryant in the early 2000s, pointing out that Bryant's skills stood out in contrast to what many considered a less diverse talent pool. He claimed that such individual dominance would be less likely in the current NBA, where nearly every player is highly skilled.

But his comments sparked swift criticism from NBA legends, particularly Charles Barkley, a former MVP and Hall of Famer, who took issue with the 23-year-old's portrayal of the past.

"I'd love to see Anthony Edwards chase Mark Jackson off 22 picks or Reggie Miller, Rip Hamilton, Ray Allen, some of the greatest movers without the basketball… Anthony Edwards is a really good player, but I'd love to see him chase Reggie Miller around all those picks and get hit by a serious pick," Barkley said.

Physically stronger

The skill set wasn't the only opinion the 23-year-old shooting guard discussed. He also stated that modern players bring athleticism and technical ability that surpasses previous generations, commenting on how today's athletes are "bigger, faster, and stronger."

"These guys, they don't want that physicality, they don't want that. Every time we played the Detroit Pistons, I used to call my family and say, 'Hey, if I never see y'all again, I love y'all. Them boys out there trying to hurt people," Barkley said.

The Detroit Pistons, particularly during their "Bad Boys" era, embody the Hall of Famer's point about the physicality of past decades. Known for their relentless, borderline brutal playstyle, the Pistons built their identity on pushing the boundaries of what was permissible on the court. They didn't just play basketball – they imposed their will, often intimidating opponents into submission.

During the 1988 NBA Finals, the Pistons faced the Los Angeles Lakers in a series that became notorious for its bruising battles. In Game 6, Bill Laimbeer was called for a famous "phantom foul" on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Laimbeer's reputation as a bruiser was so ingrained in officials' minds that he was penalized even when he didn't make contact. That foul ultimately contributed to the Lakers securing a victory, denying Detroit their first title until the following year.

The physicality extended beyond fouls. Pistons players like Rick Mahorn and Dennis Rodman developed a reputation for punishing opponents in the paint. Their defensive schemes often bordered on violence to wear down opponents mentally and physically.

These moments underscore the disparity in styles between eras. While today's NBA prioritizes speed, finesse, and perimeter shooting, the league of the past demanded grit, endurance, and the ability to endure relentless physical punishment.