James Worthy shares what the problem is with today's NBA: 'It's a bit soft, and I am not saying the players are soft'

The NBA has always been a reflection of its era—a league shaped by the cultural and competitive atmosphere of the time.

Over the decades, it has evolved from its rough-and-tumble origins in the '70s through the '90s into the global spectacle we see today. But with every change comes criticism, particularly from legends of the game who played under different circumstances.

Softer game today

The league was a battlefield when James Worthy entered the NBA in 1982. Players prided themselves on their toughness, and the rules allowed for far more physicality than what is permissible today.

During the 1984 NBA Finals, Worthy's Los Angeles Lakers faced their bitter rivals, the Boston Celtics. That series, defined by gritty defense and outright brawls on the court, epitomized the no-nonsense basketball of the time.

In Game 4 on June 6, 1984, Kevin McHale's infamous clothesline foul on Kurt Rambis was a moment that showcased the sheer intensity and borderline brutality of that era.

Worthy thrived in this environment. His smooth post moves and lethal mid-range jumper allowed him to carve out space in an era where defenders had free rein to use their hands, elbows, and bodies to disrupt offensive players.

But more than just surviving the physicality, "Big Game James" excelled under it, becoming a three-time NBA champion and Finals MVP in 1988. The Hall of Famer has noted the stark contrast between his era and today's NBA in recent years.

"It's a different game," Worthy said. "I don't want to say softer because I don't want to put that on it, but it's a little soft. It's a little bit soft, and I'm not saying that the players are soft; it's not what I'm saying; there are some tough players. I'm not saying [it's soft]. I remember when they took away the handbook. Why, all of a sudden, because you don't have guys that are staying three, four years in college anymore."

Beyond the changes in the on-court rule, Worthy has also highlighted a more profound issue: the shift in how players develop before entering the league; during his college days at North Carolina under Dean Smith, the forward spent three years honing his craft before declaring for the draft. This extended time in college refined his skills and prepared him mentally and physically for the rigors of the NBA.

Today, however, the rise of one-and-done players—those who spend just a single year in college before entering the draft—has drastically altered this developmental pathway.

Stars like Zion Williamson, Anthony Edwards, and Paolo Banchero have all followed this trajectory. While undeniably talented, many young players enter the league without the same level of polish or maturity that players of Worthy's generation possessed.

Evolving but divisive game

James admitted that he doesn't dismiss today's players as "soft." He's quick to acknowledge their toughness and incredible athleticism. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo embody the grit and determination that the Lakers legend values.

His critique is less about the players themselves and more about the system they operate within, which has shifted towards entertainment and marketability, sometimes at the expense of the sport's foundational principles. As the game evolves, these questions will remain central to its identity.