NBA News: Ex-Bucks Bruiser Feels Game Today Caters More To Offense

With the NBA hitting the 50-game mark, teams are now gearing up for more bruising battles as the race to the playoffs heats up.

One thing to expect is that physicality will be taken to another level although that still depends on how games are officiated.

Appearing on the Sports For All PH podcast, former NBA player Paul Mokeski weighed in on the changes he has seen in today’s games, particularly when it comes to defense and physicality.

“A foul in my time would be a Flagrant Foul 3 in today’s basketball. Back then, especially in the playoffs, no layups. I don’t care who it was. Isaiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan… I didn’t care. I’m not gonna let you get the layup. I’ll try to take the charge or block the shot. If I’m gonna foul you, I’m gonna foul you hard,” Mokeski recalled.

The 62-year-old former center of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors continues to keep tabs on the current generation.

But for him, the offense has been the focus nowadays over the defense.

“In today’s game, guys just drive in the lane and everyone just stands there. No one even puts a hand up because they are afraid of fouling because every time you touch someone, it’s a foul,” the retired NBA player stressed.

Moreover, Mokeski shared an interesting observation, explaining how defense takes a backseat to offense at this stage.

“Remember early in the NBA season, they were letting more [things] go. Now after 50 games, they are back to where they used to be. It always happens,” he explained.