Using AI produce a combination of todays players on 80s NBA teams
More or less rings than the original team??
More or less rings than the original team??
Time Machine - NBA - How would this go!
- Thread starter geechiedan
- Start date
Teleporting prime Steph Curry onto the 1981-82 Los Angeles Lakers would essentially break the timeline of basketball evolution. You are dropping the greatest shooter in history onto a team that was already on the verge of dynastic dominance, right at the dawn of the "Showtime" era.
Here is how that experiment would likely unfold, from the on-court mechanics to the league-wide fallout.
Here is how that experiment would likely unfold, from the on-court mechanics to the league-wide fallout.
1. The Offensive Fit: "Showtime" on Steroids
The 1982 Lakers were defined by their fast break, led by 22-year-old Magic Johnson. Adding Curry to this mix creates an impossible dilemma for defenses of that era.- The Transition Nightmare: The '82 Lakers relied on Magic grabbing rebounds and pushing the pace. In reality, wings like Jamaal Wilkes or Michael Cooper filled the lanes for layups. With Curry, Magic now has a trail option. If defenses collapse to stop the Magic layup, he kicks it back to Curry for an open 3. If they stay on Curry, the lane is wide open for Magic or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
- The Inside-Out Game: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then 34) was still an MVP-level force. In 1982, teams dealt with the Skyhook by packing the paint. If you put Curry on the perimeter, you cannot double-team Kareem without giving up a 50% shot to Curry. The geometry of the court changes instantly.
- Norm Nixon's Role: The awkward reality is that Curry takes the spot of Norm Nixon, the incumbent All-Star point guard who averaged 17.6 points and 8.0 assists that season. While Nixon was excellent, Curry provides the one thing the Lakers lacked: spacing.
2. The Cultural Clash: The 3-Point Anomaly
In the 1981-82 season, the 3-point line was still seen as a gimmick.- League Context: The league leader in 3-pointers made that season was Don Buse with 73 total (less than 1 per game). Curry makes 300+ in his sleep.
- The "Bad Shot" Stigma: Early on, coaches (even possibly Pat Riley) might have viewed Curry’s 30-foot pull-ups as "bad shots." However, the Lakers' efficiency would spike so drastically that the math would be undeniable. The league would be forced to adopt the modern 3-point heavy style 30 years ahead of schedule.
3. The Physicality & Defense Question
The common argument against modern players in the 80s is the physical defense, but Curry is uniquely equipped to survive it.- Hand-Checking: Yes, defenders like Maurice Cheeks or Dennis Johnson would be allowed to hand-check and hold Curry. However, Curry is used to being grabbed off-ball in the modern NBA. His cardiovascular endurance means he would simply run 80s defenders into the ground. They weren't used to chasing a player through three screens on every possession.
- The "Jordan Rules": Teams like the Celtics or Sixers would likely try to physically punish Curry (hard fouls, clotheslines) to deter him.
- Defensive Switch: On defense, Curry would struggle with the physicality of larger 80s guards, but the Lakers have the perfect solution: Magic Johnson. Magic (6'9") could guard the shooting guards, while Curry chases the point guards. Additionally, Michael Cooper (Defensive Player of the Year caliber) could take the toughest perimeter assignment, hiding Curry effectively.
4. The Result: A More Dominant Dynasty
The 1982 Lakers actually won the championship in real life, beating the 76ers in 6 games. With Curry:- Regular Season: They likely win 65+ games (up from 57).
- Playoffs: They sweep the Sixers. The spacing provided by Curry makes the Lakers' offense unguardable. Dr. J and the Sixers simply wouldn't have the tactical knowledge to defend the 3-point line because it wasn't a threat yet.
- Dynasty Extension: The most significant change is the rivalry with the Boston Celtics. Larry Bird’s Celtics relied on smart team defense and packing the paint. Curry breaks that scheme. The Lakers likely win more titles in the mid-80s, potentially preventing the Celtics from winning their 1984 or 1986 rings.
Summary
Steph Curry on the 1982 Lakers turns a Hall of Fame team into the greatest team ever assembled. He creates space for Kareem, a transition partner for Magic, and forces the entire NBA to modernize its defensive schemes decades early.
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