Could adding controlled physicality revive the NBA’s slipping ratings? Sounds extreme, but let’s be honest: there’s a significant number of fans who feel today’s league just doesn’t hit the same. Fans of the’80s–’90s ‘Bad Boys’ era long for the elbow‐to‐elbow combat that defined Detroit‐Indiana showdowns. And it’s not just about nostalgia—there’s a real sense among some fans that the heart-pounding edge has been dulled. Yet Carmelo Anthony warns these aren’t hockey fights.

During a recent episode of 7 PM in Brooklyn, the cast brought up the fiery clash between Jimmy Butler and Dillon Brooks. For those who missed it, here’s what happened during the recent Rockets vs Warriors game: After trading some choice words during Tari Eason’s free throws, Butler didn’t just let the moment pass. He went right at Brooks with a hard foul from behind, cutting off a potential fast-break dunk. Butler’s clothesline foul on Brooks rekindled debates on whether NBA rules stifle raw competition. The Kid Mero raised the question of whether it’s time for the NBA and NFL to allow players to fight like the NHL does.

“Is it time for the NBA and the NFL to adopt the NHL mentality… NBA, NFL athletes should be able to fight similar to NHL players,” Mero said. The guest on the show, New York Giants superstar Malik Naber, seemed to be in support of the idea, saying NFL athletes should be able to take the helmet off, get around 10 seconds to scuffle. The scuffle ends when one fighter crumples.

But let’s not forget—fighting in the NHL isn’t just about throwing punches for fun. It’s regulated. Players involved are, at times, hit with five-minute major penalties, and if things get too heated, the league doesn’t hesitate to hand down stiffer punishments. Still, Melo doesn’t think basketball is built for that kind of solution.

“Baseball, I ain’t mad at. It’s certain sports I ain’t mad at… Baseball, hockey, Lacrosse… Basketball is like, it ain’t gonna be too many fights if you let fight… Ain’t gonna be too many fights if you know you can fight,” Melo explained on 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast.

That said, Carmelo Anthony wouldn’t mind seeing a little fire allowed at the college level, where rivalries are often deeper and more personal. As for NBA commissioner Adam Silver giving his nod for this, it seems a far-fetched ambition considering the league has witnessed an infamous incident like Malice at the Palace.

A closer look at the infamous incident that somewhat changed the NBA forever

At first glance, it felt like any other regular-season matchup. The Indiana Pacers were in town to battle the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2004. Fans packed the arena expecting hard-nosed basketball, maybe even a few heated moments. But what unfolded was something no one in that building, or watching at home, could’ve possibly predicted.

It all kicked off with a shove. Ron Artest (now known as Metta World Peace) and Ben Wallace got tangled up, and emotions boiled over. What followed wasn’t just another on-court scuffle—it was chaos. Fans hurled punches at players, players fought back, and even chairs went flying. In a matter of minutes, the Palace of Auburn Hills transformed into a battleground. The moment would soon earn a name: the Malice at the Palace.

And this wasn’t just a wild night—it was a turning point. The NBA had to confront a tough truth: its reputation had taken a hit. In response, the NBA handed down the harshest suspensions in its history: Artest received 86 games (including playoffs), Jackson 30 games, and O’Neal 15 games, with other participants also sidelined for multiple games, totaling 146 games suspended and about $11 million in lost salaries.

From that day forward, the league clamped down hard on physical confrontations. So, what did that mean for those who cherished the gritty, bruising style of the ’80s Pistons? Simply put, those days were gone. Now, even one punch thrown could mean a suspension. Landing one? That might cost you 15 games. No wonder Carmelo Anthony doesn’t see the incorporation of fighting in the league as any possible help to the league, even if his reasons are different.

Curbing basketball’s competitive edge once cleaned up its image; restoring it risks alienating fans and fracturing team tactics. As Melo notes, basketball’s essence lies in fluid offense and strategic defense, not gloves-off melee. For Adam Silver, the challenge is evident: innovate for modern audiences without sacrificing the sport’s core rhythm.