20 Reasons Why the NBA Was Better in the '90s

Who didn't wanna be like Mike?

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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This probably comes to a shock to you young fans but there was a time—before press conference fashion shows, Twitter groupies, and flopping big men—when the NBA was about basketball. There was no “search for the next Michael Jordan” because homie was rattling backboards on the nightly. The Heat’s “Big Three” was Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning, and "Thunder" Dan Majerle. And we didn’t have to talk shit because our And1 T-shirts did it for us. So, grab a pencil and take notes young’n as we school you on 20 Reasons the NBA Was Better in the 90’s.

RELATED: The Most Badass NBA Jerseys of the '90s

The League Had Real Centers

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The Players Were More Mature Players

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There Was Less Crying About Fouls

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Bald Heads and Black Sneakers During the Playoffs

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The League Allowed Hard Fouls, Instead of Calling Flagrants at Every Chance

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The Level of Elite Talent in the NBA was Higher at that Point Than It Is Today

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The Fan Experience Was Better

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The Flop

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The Lost Art of the Mid-Range Game

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NBA on NBC > Any Network's NBA Coverage Today

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The Rivalries Were More Intense

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Fewer Tatoos = Fewer Bad Tattoos

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Sports Were About Sports

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Courtside Celebs Were Fans, Now They're Kardashians

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There Were More Lunatics in the '90s

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Coaches Were Legends, Today They're Suits

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The Dunk Contest Was Much More Entertaining

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The Playoffs Weren't as Drawn Out

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Analysis Wasn't as Insufferable

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Michael Jordan

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