A Game I'd Like to See Played in the NBA

[observer]

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Sometimes I get to watch re-runs of old NBA games from the 60s or 70s on BTV...just to lull myself to sleep...and it makes you wonder why they don't move as fast or jump as high as the NBA players of today. My suspicion is, it has to do with the shoes. Back in those days, they all wear these thin-soled, zero cushioned, high-top shoes...similar to those Converse Chuck Taylors. If you try switching from those whiz-bang, space-age Nikes to those classic Chuck Taylors, I'm sure you'll instantly notice the difference. It would be like running on the latest pillowy-cushioned, supportive shoes to suddenly running barefoot.

I think it would be interesting to see how NBA stars of today would perform if they all wear the old Chuck Taylors in an All Star game....better yet, if they wear the exact same shoes Bill Russell and Bob Cousy wore. Would we still see all those highlight reel dunks? I think the NBA should try that experiment, just so we can have a fair comparison between the stars of today and those of yester-years. I think they should do that in the PBA as well.

What do you guys think?

[ick]

Athletic ability has nothing to do with shoes. If only you actually played basketball then you could have started a better thread than this.

[observer]

I agree with your statement except the part on having played basketball. I used to play basketball a lot, growing up. But as with all human life, there's this thing called ageing...and of course, more important priorities.

Athletic ability has nothing to do with shoes. Yes, but try executing those "killer crossovers" or those acrobatic layups while barefoot or on Chuck Taylors. You will feel a significant difference. The well-placed cushioning of modern shoes give athletes better spring and traction for those explosive movements (although injury prevention is a different thing altogether). Without them, we tend to be more careful with our steps. Get my point?

Anyway, I agree this is a pathetic thread. I just had one of those musings while I experimented with barefoot running. It was fun but I know I wouldn't run barefoot in the same way I'd run with my Asics. I have to ask the question: Could stars like Lebron or D-Wade do those high-flying dunks and killer crossovers while wearing Bob Cousy shoes? My guess is, they'd be more careful with their steps. Imagine an All Star game, but instead of throwback jerseys they'd be on throwback shoes.

Yeah, stupid topic, I know. But it would still be interesting to find out, wouldn't it? I mean, people talk and debate about the "greatest of all time", and comparisons would be more compelling if we hold one variable constant: THE SHOES.

[nilbud]

mao gyud hehehehe.......

[EntrePinoy]

yep the shoe help alot. modern shoe equalls to less injuries

[groogie75]

PLS. close this thread