When I say players ahead of your time. I meant you are not born yet. Or not a knowledgeable nba fan yet when that player was in his prime.
Mine is kinda a boring answer. But It is Michael Jordan for me.
I am in Mid 20s. So I did not live thru MJ’s 90’s dominance. Since I was born in late 90s.
But watching some videos, both highlights and full game. I can say, he is really a transcendent talent.
The way he was so much better than the other guards and perimeter players in the 90s was amazing. The gap between MJ and Clyde was really big when I watch them both. Eye test wise. Most top players in 90s are big men. Except him!!!
Another player in second place for me is Shaq.
I watch some videos in 2000-2002 Lakers 3 peat. He is really dominant. I feel bad for the opposing Centers.
So, yeah I have MJ and Shaq.
Magic and Larry amazed me too.
But in terms of eye test dominance. MJ and Shaq are the players ahead of my time that I can confidently say will still be dominant today.
What about yours?
If you are a little bit older than me. You can pock players in 60s or 70s like Kareem, Wilt, or Russell.
Bill Russell. I’m 100% positive people who downplay him because of relatively low scoring output have never watched a single highlight of Russell in their life.
He was one of the most athletic players we’ve ever seen, pretty much laying the blueprint for what a top tier defender is. Even on offense his game sense was incredibly notable, one of the first real pivots.
I have no idea how this got downvoted.