In the 1990s, the NBA didn’t just teach toughness — it demanded it.
In those days, the game was all about physicality and heart. It was chaos on the court and players took pride in playing hard. Back then, you didn’t avoid contact, you went looking for it. Every drive to the hoop came with a bruise and a message. Games were slower and matchups were personal. This was how NBA basketball was played in the ‘90s.
Today’s NBA may be soft on defence and the players sit out too many games for “load management,” but there are still a few guys out there who could handle themselves in the ‘90s. We’re talking about the ones who leave it all on the court. Guys who fight their own battles instead of crying to the refs, and aren’t scared to take a hit and get right back up.
If we dropped today’s NBA players into the ‘90s, these are the ones who’d be just fine.
Jimmy Butler – Warriors, G
When it comes to active players with a ‘90s-era mentality, Jimmy Butler tops the list. Throughout his NBA career, Butler has made things personal on the court and never shied away from an opponent. His ability to make contested shots and thrive when the game slows down make him a perfect fit for NBA basketball in the ‘90s.
Dillon Brooks – Suns, F
Canada’s own Dillon Brooks doesn’t even need the ball to impact the game; he can do it just by getting in his opponents’ heads. If Brooks is guarding you, you’re in for a long night. He may not be the biggest or strongest, but he would be a legendary instigator on a ‘90s playoff team.
Russell Westbrook – Kings, G
If you’re looking for a player who goes hard every night, Westbrook is the prototype. To him, every possession is a test to see who wants it more. From his infectious energy to the way he crashes the boards, Russ never backs down from a fight. Basketball was a battle in the ‘90s, and Westbrook always shows up like he’s ready for one.
Paolo Banchero – Magic, F
Now in his fourth NBA season, Paolo Banchero plays with a calm confidence and it shows in his game. At 6’10” and 250 lbs, he’s a capable scorer in the mid-post and other physical areas of the floor. Even though he wasn’t even born until 2002, Banchero would have no trouble banging down low in the 1990s.
Draymond Green – Warriors, F
Draymond plays like every possession is a confrontation. It doesn’t matter who you are or what the score is, he’s going to be in your face all night long. He takes pride in setting the tone for his teammates and plays with his heart on his sleeve. In the ‘90s, Green wouldn’t just fit in, he would thrive.
Jalen Brunson – Knicks, G
With exceptional patience, tough shot-making and the ability to absorb contact, Jalen Brunson would have been an elite point guard in the ‘90s. He’s only 6’2”, but he’s capable of taking a bump and still getting to his spot or finishing at the rim. Never rattled or rushed, Brunson would be an NYC legend in any era.
LeBron James – Lakers, F
No matter which side you’re on in the GOAT debate, there’s no denying that LeBron could hang with MJ and other top players from the ‘90s. He plays with speed and strength, driving the lane like a freight train and daring defenders to step in his way. Hard fouls and heavy contact wouldn’t have slowed him down, it would have just fired him up.
DeMar DeRozan – Kings, G
Today’s game is all about three-point shooting, but there was a time when the mid-range game dominated the NBA. As one of the league’s best mid-range scorers over the past decade, DeRozan was built for the era’s half-court style of basketball and he would feel right at home playing in the ‘90s.
Marcus Smart – Lakers, G
He may not be the biggest guy on the floor, but Marcus Smart could be the toughest. The veteran guard and former DPOY is a glue guy who knows how to get under your skin. Smart plays with an edge and turned passion and intensity into his basketball identity. He’d be just fine as an NBA point guard in the ‘90s.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Bucks, F
Giannis would have been a nightmare to defend in the ‘90s, back when power lived in the paint and most of the action took place near the basket. The Greek superstar is a physical specimen and would have been able to use his massive frame to bully opponents and dominate down low. Giannis isn’t just built for that era; he embodies it.