The evolution of the NBA has sparked plenty of conversations over the years, with players, fans, and analysts debating whether the game has moved too far from its competitive roots. One person who has recently voiced his concern is five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher, who compared today’s NBA to a form of entertainment rather than the hard-fought battles of the past. In a candid discussion on “Byron Scott’s Fast Break,” Fisher shared his thoughts on how the league’s focus has shifted, drawing parallels between the NBA and WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
Derek Fisher’s Bold Comparison: NBA or WWE?
During the discussion, Fisher, a former LA Lakers point guard, reminisced about his days in the league, contrasting the modern NBA to when he played alongside legends like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. While reflecting on these changes, Fisher made a startling comparison, stating that today’s NBA feels more like WWE.
“When I kind of tap into more of [being] a basketball fan when I watch the NBA today, I sometimes compare it to … [when] WWE was WWF, World Wrestling Federation, and then it shifted to World Wrestling Entertainment,” Fisher said. “Again, not right or wrong because one could argue that the WWE is a more impactful sport than the WWF was, depending on what side of the conversation you’re on.”
This analogy highlights how Fisher views the NBA’s current landscape—more about entertainment value than sheer competition. Much like WWE’s transformation from a gritty, raw brand of wrestling to a more polished, entertainment-focused product, Fisher believes the NBA has similarly evolved.
NBA’s Shift to Entertainment: What Does It Mean?
For longtime fans of the game, Fisher’s comments hit home. The NBA has undeniably changed, and those who remember the physicality of the 90s and early 2000s often question whether the modern game has lost its edge. Fisher isn’t the only one raising these concerns, but he brings a unique perspective as a former player who competed at the highest level.
Fisher noted that it’s not just the NBA that has made this shift. He pointed out that all major sports leagues, including the NFL, have adjusted their approach to cater to fans.
“I feel like all pro sports, to some degree — not just the NBA. Even in the NFL — you listen to guys that have played before and coached before, it’s a different game, and it’s not a negative thing,” Fisher explained. “It’s just it is built more for the entertainment value than the competitive value.”
Fisher’s comments reflect a larger trend where sports leagues are working to attract a global audience, often at the expense of traditional gameplay. This shift, while understandable from a business standpoint, has left some wondering if the competitive essence of the NBA is being overshadowed by its desire to entertain.
Gladiator Days: Fisher Reflects on the Past
Though Fisher is critical of certain aspects of the modern NBA, he was careful not to come across as dismissive of today’s players. In fact, he acknowledged that athletes in the current era are still highly competitive but in a different way.
“Back in the day, playing in the NBA was like going to battle, almost like being a gladiator,” Fisher recalled. “But I don’t think the players today are soft. They just compete in a different way.”
This notion of “gladiator battles” evokes memories of the physicality that defined the game during Fisher’s prime. Players like Shaquille O’Neal, Fisher’s former teammate, were known for dominating opponents through sheer strength. However, Fisher’s respect for modern players suggests that while the style has changed, the intensity remains.
Shaquille O’Neal vs. Nikola Jokic: A Tale of Two Centers
To further explain how the NBA has evolved, Fisher pointed to two of the league’s most dominant big men: Shaquille O’Neal and Nikola Jokic. Fisher played alongside O’Neal during their championship runs with the Lakers, and he couldn’t help but marvel at the way O’Neal overpowered his competition.
“People have no idea how big and strong Shaquille O’Neal was. It’s not even close to [modern-day players],” Fisher said. “As dominant as Nikola Jokic has been and deserving of MVPs, the way he dominates the game is obviously extremely different than Shaq. But the concept is the same. You have no matchup for Nikola Jokic.”
The contrast between O’Neal’s brute force and Jokic’s finesse illustrates the broader shift in NBA playstyles. While Shaq dominated with power and physicality, Jokic, a three-time MVP and one-time NBA champion, relies on his versatility, playmaking, and shooting ability to control the game.
No Firm Stance: Fisher’s Balanced View of NBA Eras
Despite making these comparisons, Derek Fisher didn’t take a strong stance in favor of one era over the other. Unlike many retired players who are quick to criticize today’s NBA, Fisher expressed a more balanced perspective. He didn’t argue that one style was superior to the other, but instead emphasized that both are valid in their own right.
Whether fans prefer the grit of the 90s or the fast-paced, three-point-heavy play of today, Fisher’s comments offer a thought-provoking reflection on the ever-evolving nature of the NBA. His analogy to WWE may ruffle some feathers, but it underscores an important point: the league, like all entertainment industries, is constantly adapting to capture the attention of fans worldwide.
As Derek Fisher highlighted, the NBA is no longer just about competition; it’s about entertainment, much like the WWE. The league has transformed from the gladiator-style battles of the past to a more fan-friendly spectacle, leaving some to question if the competitive essence of the sport is being sacrificed. However, as Fisher points out, today’s players still compete at the highest level, albeit in a different way.
The debate over which era of the NBA is superior will likely continue, but one thing is clear: the game is always evolving. Whether it’s Shaq’s brute force or Jokic’s finesse, the NBA will continue to captivate fans with its blend of competition and entertainment.
For better or worse, that’s the direction the league has chosen, and it’s up to fans to decide where they stand on this ongoing transformation.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.