Definitely ....... defenses during MJ's time was a lot tougher compared to what we see now e.g. hand-checks, etc.
Steph Curry will go down as one of the greats, but MJ is simply the GOAT.
I don't agree that defense was tougher in MJ's time. More physical maybe, but not better than defenses today,
The outlawing of handchecks made it easier for guys like Nash/Curry. But the old illegal defense rules made it easier for ISO players such as MJ and post players such as Hakeem/Shaq.
Getting rid of handchecks may have freed up the offense, but the changes in the illegal defense rules made defensive schemes even more sophisticated.
Even if you look at defensive rating (estimate of points allowed per 100 possessions), last year's top defense (Warriors,
101.86) fare better than the 1995-96 Bulls (
102.51). The Pistons bad boys of 88-89 doesn't fare as well (
105.05, #3 in defense in 88-89), only good for 10th in defense in 2014-15.
I do agree that MJ is better than Curry. I'm just happy that Curry's in the discussion at all.