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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 24: Michael Jordan looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 on June 24, 2023, at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, TN. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 24: Michael Jordan looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 on June 24, 2023, at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, TN. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The NBA has become one of the most viewed professional sports leagues in the world today. Very different compared to its inaugural iteration, the NBA has grown constantly ever since its inception 77 years ago. With every passing decade, the league has witnessed immense growth as the style and play continues to evolve even today.
While every decade added to the NBA’s growth, one can argue that the 90s is when the league became mainstream. The rise of Michael Jordan was certainly a key factor as the league slowly evolved into the version we know today. One formidable foe of MJ recently weighed his thoughts on the debate as he berated the younger generation.
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Formidable Michael Jordan foe berates the younger generation
Karl Malone was one of the most recognizable faces during his time in the NBA. Ranked third in the all-time scoring list, the 2x MVP was a formidable foe to Michael Jordan as the two met in back-to-back NBA Finals. Similar to MJ, the mailman was a part of three separate decades as he witnessed the late 80s, the 1990s and the early 2000s.

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CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Michael Jordan (L) of the Chicago Bulls smiles while standing next to Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz 07 June in the first half of game three of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The seven game series is tied at 1-1. AFP PHOTO Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)
Having seen various versions of the NBA, the legend didn’t seem very pleased when speaking of the current generation. Discussing the young guns and their superstar statuses today, the 14x all-star stated. “There are players now that were made superstars by social media“.
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Not holding back, the former Jazz star berated the current generation as he went continued. “Back then we probably wouldn’t even be talking about (them).” Contemplating what social media could have done for his generation, the legend questioned. “If we had the social media. Really and truly,?what would the league be now?”
Malone believes that the NBA peaked in the 90s
His point on what social media could have done for the league in the 90s does bring up an interesting question. Malone still believes that the NBA peaked during his prime. Crediting his former rival Michael Jordan for the league’s unprecedented rise, the 2x All-star stated. “Michael Jordan made people want to watch to see humans fly.”
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Continuing his explanation, he said, “I was in that era when the game of basketball went to another level and Michael Jordan drove that engine“. Unlike Michael Jordan who basked in the glory, Karl Malone was more reserved. Out of the public eye post-retirement, the 60-year-old reiterated his point about the NBA peaking in his era as he stated. “I really believe the NBA peaked and could have peaked at the end of that era.”
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