During a recent appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, LeBron James made a bold statement, joking, “You trynna tell me Giannis wouldn’t be able to play in an NBA game in the 70s? Giannis Antetokounmpo would have 250 points in a game in the 70s. 250!”
LeBron, known for his deep appreciation of basketball history, was clearly having some fun with this comment. However, beneath the humor, his point was clear: Giannis’ extraordinary combination of size, speed, and agility would have made him a dominant force even in the 1970s, a time when the game was still evolving. Back then, 7-footers weren’t running the floor as quickly as today’s players, so Giannis’ rare mix of strength and finesse would have been almost impossible for defenders to handle.
Despite the playful nature of LeBron’s statement, he clearly holds a deep respect for the 1970s NBA. That era was known for its toughness, physicality, and intense competition, providing the foundation for the modern game. The ’70s were dominated by legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Oscar Robertson, who laid the groundwork for the future of the sport.
Although the game in the ’70s lacked the high-paced, three-point-heavy style we see today, it was filled with pivotal moments and fierce competition that shaped the NBA’s development. While the slower tempo and more methodical play of the time may seem primitive in comparison to today’s fast-paced action, the 1970s remains a crucial chapter in basketball history.
While 250 points may be an exaggeration, LeBron’s underlying point stands: it’s hard to imagine Giannis not being a dominant presence in any era of basketball.
