All of the factors you've listed can contribute to the challenge of making a fair comparison between a current NBA star and an NBA star from the 1990s.
Let's break down each factor:
Rule Changes: The NBA has undergone several rule changes over the years, affecting gameplay, strategies, and player roles. Rules related to defensive schemes, hand-checking, zone defense, and the three-point line have all evolved, potentially leading to different playing styles and statistics between eras.
Athletic Conditioning and Training: Modern athletes have access to advanced training techniques, sports science, and nutrition, which can lead to differences in physical conditioning and performance. Players today might have a slight advantage due to improved training methods and medical knowledge.
Skill Development and Coaching: The evolution of coaching methods, basketball IQ, and skill development has contributed to changes in playing styles and strategies. This can affect how players are utilized on the court and how they execute their skills.
Technological Advancements: The use of technology in sports analytics, video analysis, and player tracking has grown significantly. This can impact how players' performances are evaluated and compared between eras.
Competition and Expansion: The level of competition in the NBA has changed over time due to factors like league expansion, global talent influx, and changes in player demographics. This can influence the level of competition faced by players and impact their statistics.
Media and Exposure: The media landscape and exposure for NBA players have transformed with the advent of the internet, social media, and global broadcasting. Players from different eras have varying levels of exposure and public scrutiny, which can affect their perceived greatness.
Cultural and Societal Changes: Societal changes can impact players' mindsets, motivations, and even the way the game is played. Different eras might have different cultural contexts that influence how players approach the game.
Nostalgia and Bias: Fans' nostalgia for a particular era and biases towards players they grew up watching can influence their perceptions of players' abilities. This can make objective comparisons challenging.
Sample Size and Era Length: Comparing players across eras also involves looking at different sample sizes and era lengths. Different eras had different numbers of teams, games played, and overall playing conditions.
Subjectivity of "Greatness": Determining greatness is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences and criteria. What makes a player "great" might differ between eras due to changing basketball philosophies and cultural norms.
Considering all these factors, it's important to approach cross-era comparisons with a healthy dose of caution and humility. While statistical analyses and debates can be fascinating, there is no definitive answer to who would be better in a different era, as the game itself has evolved significantly over time.