The athletic and skill level is much higher now than in 1985 or 1965. I am not talking about the players in their time and in their circumstances (team) then. Bill Russells will to win and concentration are mythic. But when he showed up he played most of his career in 8-9-10 team leagues, and almost all those guys couldn't make a roster today. C's had a fast breaking, high shot frequency team, and Russell was what they needed. He had Red too. Stick him on Ft Wayne or one of those moribund franchises - give me the title count if so? His skill set in his prime is not the equal of Tatum or KG. Much of that due to the much higher level of athletic ability. Russells heart and die on the hill mentality Tatum seems to have no idea of, but KG shure grew into that. Tatum too busy with his brand Managers.
Bob Cousy would have a hard time making a D2 college team today at his size and skill set. Skill wise Hakeem in his prime tops Russell too, but its an era thing - Russell would be a different guy and player in Hakeems time or now.
Get some tape of Jerry Lucas, look at the rebound stats, the shooting, the HOF. His game doesn't translate at all. Now if you say you can't compare guys across eras, well then say that.
Tiny was a fun guy to watch and I was on the floor against him a few times at BCH, but I didn't cover him since I was a Center, and was working on his 3's. Duerod and was it "Conner" were there too. He could have a niche in todays NBA.
One of my goals is to get the entire 1981 ECF on DVD, my favorite of all time. Cowens teams of the early-mid 70's another favorite, but the '08 C's would have left them for roadkill. Not a sign of disrespect, just observation and objectivity. And no I don't like the way the 3 has taken over the game and how the Centers of '85-'95 had so much more skill in the paint. Like McHale/Hakeem, nobody like that now.