Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Two things:
1) the bolded is not true. I don't believe there is a term for it (like racism or sexism for example) but there is always a prevailing bias/prejudice that the modern era is better and things were much easier in the old days. While it's certainly true that there is more information, more training, better equipment, better diets, etc, etc, at the end of the day, each player plays/lives within the limits of their own environment. Yes, things change, but it changes for everyone equally. It is neither easier nor harder today, simply different.
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I'm not saying that one era was better or worse than the other, but that the league now demands a certain level of training and self-discipline that it didn't in the past. I don't think that can legitimately be denied. It's possible hard work is a necessity of being one of the greats of all time, but the way the league is now I think hard work is a necessity for even being considered a really good player over just a few years.
Either way, phenomenal talent is the irreplaceable factor in being great across all eras. Regardless of era, any player could improve himself with the right work ethic, but not every player could become phenomenal.