The 1970s were a wild, funky era in the NBA—full of flashy moves, big personalities, and buckets galore. While the game has changed with more threes and more pace, some legends from the disco decade had the skill sets and swagger that would still shine in today’s NBA.
These guys didn’t just hoop—they hooped. Here are 15 stars from the 1970s who could drop into the modern game and absolutely dominate.
15. Dan Issel
Issel was a scoring machine with a smooth mid-range game and enough toughness to bang inside. In today’s pick-and-pop heavy NBA, he’d stretch the floor and feast.
14. David Thompson
Thompson had insane bounce, a silky jumper, and legit superstar vibes. Put him in today’s space-and-pace era, and he’s putting posters on everyone.
13. Sidney Wicks
Wicks could run the floor, rebound, and score in bunches, and he did it all with serious flair. He’d be a versatile forward in the modern league with switchable defense and big-game energy.
12. George McGinnis
McGinnis was built like a modern-day power wing—strong, athletic, and unafraid to bully defenders. He’d thrive in today’s positionless basketball as a do-it-all forward.
11. Elvin Hayes
The “Big E” had a nasty turnaround jumper and elite rebounding instincts. In today’s game, he’s a hybrid of a power forward and small-ball center who racks up double-doubles for fun.
10. Bill Walton (pre-injuries)
When healthy, Walton was one of the smartest and most complete big men ever. With today’s medical advances, he’d be a passing and defensive wizard in a Jokic-like role.
9. Paul Westphal
Westphal played with pace, shot the ball well, and had real craft off the dribble. He’d fit right into a modern offense as a combo guard who can score or set the table.
8. World B. Free
With a name like that, of course he’d shine today—but his game backed it up too. Free had deep range, flashy handles, and buckets for days—he’d light up modern defenses from three.
7. Wes Unseld
Undersized by traditional standards but built like a tank, Unseld would be a modern-day Draymond Green with an even nastier outlet pass. He’d anchor any small-ball lineup and start the break before you blink.
6. Bob McAdoo
McAdoo was ahead of his time as a stretch big who could shoot, run the floor, and protect the rim. He’d be a nightmare matchup in today’s game with his offensive versatility.
5. Pete Maravich
“Pistol” Pete was a one-man highlight reel and a creative genius with the ball. In the pace-and-space era, he’d be a viral sensation and a walking 25-10 guy.
4. Rick Barry
Barry had elite scoring instincts, basketball IQ, and could shoot the lights out—even if it was underhand from the line. He’d be a modern wing who lives at the free-throw line and scores at all three levels.
3. Artis Gilmore
At 7’2″ with elite strength and soft touch, Gilmore would be a dominant force in the paint even now. Add a pick-and-roll system and spacing? He’s putting up monster double-doubles every night.
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2. Julius Erving
Dr. J was doing Eurosteps and high-flying dunks before most of the league could even spell “athleticism.” He’d be a perennial MVP candidate in today’s high-tempo, highlight-happy NBA.
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1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The skyhook is still unguardable, and Kareem’s mix of size, grace, and longevity would make him a modern-day cheat code. No matter the era, he’s dominating—it’s just what Kareem does.
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