Mad Max or Starks?Their defense versus todays best SG defenders?

Yep.

But, it was necessary to remove hand-checking.

In the 80's defense started being taught as a main skill. Why?
Not everyone had a Bird/Magic/Dr. J.

Thus, defense was improved/taught.

Then, when the 90's hit, players didn't have the necessary fundaments
and were coming out of HS and college early.

The only way to improve the offense (make it more exciting for the fans),
they had to make defense harder to play, and offensive easier.

It's really a NBA cultural problem, rather than a lack of players with potential.

If T-Mac had gone to four years of college (Duke, NC, UC, etc...) it wouldn't
matter if you hand-checked him. He'd be at the same level of the players
before him (an elite player).

But, yes. Today, the NBA is pacifying the young players.

The good part is that HS players might be able to stay in the league
longer than ever before.

I mean, Kobe is 24/25. But it's his 6/7th YEAR!!!

 

I wouldn't say that they'd be nowhere, but they wouldn't be as effective against players who liked to slash and drive. Both would still play tenacious D, but I don't think Max could've stopped Jordan with the new rules.

A part of Max's defensive game was using his strength into directing you to a shot where you didn't neccessarily want to take.

 

Max,

I've stated in a earlier threads about MJ being scared of Max. MJ thought Max would whip him in a fight. I was at the game in Chi., when Max went after MJ. Another Rox win. I yearned for Bulls-Rox Finals because of this matchup!

 

Max was a good defender on Jordan, but let's not forget Dream was waiting in the paint. That allowed Max to D up close on MJ. The combo was tough on Jordan where Max without Dream would obviously be less effective.

 

Nikos,

I responded to you earlier. Guess it didn't go through. MJ & Max got into a tussle in Chi. Oakley had to step in for MJ. Max either pushed him or slapped him. Old Rox fans remember the game. We interviewed Max before the game. I told him that this was his house! MJ was use to players just layin down for him. MJ would praise Dumars and Harper. Max would rather die than let MJ dominate him!

 

Nikos,

It may have not been Oak, I'm thinking during Bulls first run '91 or '92. Someone came to MJ's defense or Max was going KO him. They had been going at it like it was a Playoff Game. The game was in Chi. Max was not the first name that MJ mentioned. It was Dumars, Harper, etc., Max. Check into it and let me know. Nba.com.

 

Nikos,

You were right. Oak was not on the team. He was in NY. One of the Bulls stepped in for MJ. He didn't want to physically challenge Max. Max first year with Rox was '89 and that was Oaks last with the Bulls.

 

When mad max was at philly he played point guard, Rookie Stackhouse was the one that got torched

 

As for the Starks vs. Mad Max comparison, Mad Max's DB speed gives him the edge. No one can put a blanket on somebody like he can. Jordan may still get his 30 against him but Max would make him work for every point and force MJ to shot a poor percentage. As for someone today, I like Hawkins.

 

Man..I stinking loved MadMax...can you tell??? I just appreciate hustle, even if the guy isn't as skilled as others on the court. Any guy who sells out on defense is a friend of mine!