The 1980s were a golden age of basketball, full of high-flying dunks, short shorts, and larger-than-life personalities. While the game has evolved since then, there’s no question that a handful of ‘80s legends would absolutely thrive in today’s league—possibly even dominate.
These guys had the skill, the swagger, and the basketball IQ to translate across any era. From bruising big men to silky-smooth scorers, here are 15 stars from the 1980s every fan would love to have on their team today.
15. Dennis Johnson
A gritty defender with a knack for big plays, DJ was the kind of guy you’d want guarding the other team’s best player. His leadership and clutch gene would be a coach’s dream in today’s game.
14. Alex English
Smooth as silk and criminally underrated, English was a scoring machine who made it all look effortless. In today’s pace-and-space game, he’d be pouring in 25 a night without breaking a sweat.
13. Sidney Moncrief
Before two-way players were a buzzword, Moncrief was locking dudes down and scoring at will. He had that rare mix of athleticism and basketball smarts that would shine today.
12. Kevin McHale
Post moves that could break ankles and arms that never seemed to end—McHale was a problem in the paint. He’d feast on modern defenders who never had to guard someone with his footwork.
11. Bernard King
King could drop 40 like it was nothing, and he didn’t need fancy three-point shooting to do it. He’d be a walking bucket in today’s game, especially with more space to operate.
10. James Worthy
“Big Game James” had speed, size, and the perfect touch around the rim. He’d be terrifying in transition today, especially if paired with a modern playmaker.
9. Mark Aguirre
Aguirre had the body of a power forward and the skills of a guard, which would make him a nightmare matchup today. He could easily slot into the modern NBA as a versatile scorer and strong wing.
8. Dennis Rodman
He’d drive analytics people crazy and coaches wild—with joy. Rodman’s rebounding and defensive tenacity would be just as valuable (if not more) in today’s switch-heavy, hustle-driven league.
7. Moses Malone
Moses was a one-man wrecking crew who grabbed every rebound in sight. He’d absolutely destroy small-ball lineups and dominate the paint in any era.
6. Dominique Wilkins
Highlight dunks? Check. Midrange scoring? Check. Wilkins would light up social media every night while still putting up elite numbers.
5. Isiah Thomas
One of the craftiest point guards ever, Zeke combined leadership, toughness, and killer instinct. He’d thrive in the modern era of guard-centric offense.
4. Charles Barkley
At 6’6″ on a good day, Barkley was a dominant rebounder and unstoppable force. Imagine him today with more spacing and a green light from deep—he’d be terrifying.
3. Patrick Ewing
Ewing had size, touch, and defensive presence—everything you’d want in a modern big man. He could anchor a defense and still hit a midrange jumper with ease.
2. Magic Johnson
Magic could play every position on the floor and make everyone around him better. His size and vision would break today’s game wide open.
Read More: 15 NBA Role Players from the 80s Who’d Be Stars in Today’s Game
1. Larry Bird
Bird didn’t need elite athleticism to take your soul—just a jumper, a pump fake, and a mean streak. He’d still be trash-talking his way to 30 a night in today’s league, and we’d all love it.
Read More: 15 NBA Stars From the ’80s Who Would Dominate Today
