People tend to glorify the past. It’s just the way it goes. NBA fans are no exception.It was always better “in your day”. People are tougher. Smarter.

It was a simpler time and a better time. Plenty of older fans long for the older days. In particular, they’ll claim that NBA defense is not what it used to be. 

That’s true. It just doesn’t mean that it’s worse. Without hand-checking, defenses have to be more versatile.

Just look at how the Toronto Raptors have filled their roster with long, multi-positional wing defenders. 

At the same time, you won’t go far without an offensive superstar.

Here’s a deal that has the Raptors landing one by acquiring Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks this summer.