The NBA has changed dramatically throughout the years. This is because basketball is simply an evolving sport. Back in the days, basketball placed premium on back-to-the-basket bigs, athleticism, and etc. But ever since 2014 until today, the NBA is now a league that puts emphasis on three-point shooting, pace, and ball movement.

Unfortunately, not all players in the league got to play in the modern era. There are some players who failed to thrive in their respective eras back in the days. However, their careers would’ve been more fruitful had they played in the today's NBA.

Different NBA Careers? 

Andray Blatche

For the most part of his NBA career, Andray Blatche has been pretty much a laughing stock especially in his early years. As part of the Wizards’ dysfunctional crew and his failed triple double attempt, Blatche earned a negative reputation around the league.

However, Blatche did show glimpses of his potential. His nine-year NBA career saw him average a respectable 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Furthermore, his ball-handling and scoring were impressive for his size.

Unfortunately, Blatche wouldn’t last long in the league. After two seasons with Brooklyn, he would go on to play in China after the 2013-2014 season and would never return to the league.

Blatche is a skilled center who can handle the ball like a guard and create opportunities to score. Furthermore, he also loved to operate in the perimeter which is more acceptable in today’s game. In fact, top centers today Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid boast of a similar inside-and-outside game. Because of this, sans the antics, there’s no doubt Blatche might’ve thrived in the league if he played in the modern NBA.

Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom had a relatively successful career in the league. He won two NBA championships and was crowned the Sixth Man of the Year in 2011. However, there’s no question there was still a lot of unfulfilled potential.

Odom showcased his versatility during the earlier stages of his career. In fact, he was arguably the third-best player during the Kobe-led Laker squads. In seven seasons with the Lakers, Odom averaged 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.7 dimes per outing.

However after winning Sixth Man of the Year, Odom’s NBA career would decline from there. He would battle off-court struggles such as drug addiction and divorce. Furthermore, these off-court struggles affected Odom's production in-games which ended his career.

Odom’s combination of size, skill, and athleticism would’ve allowed him to thrive had he played in today’s game. With position-less basketball at its peak, Odom easily fits the bill of a modern-day forward. Equipped with all-around skills, Odom can inject more versatility and playmaking which are critical ingredients to winning in the modern NBA. Although Odom still had a decent career, taking aside the off-court issues, he might’ve had a more decorated career had he played in this era.

A player that could mirror Odom in the modern era is Draymond Green. Green has found a lot of success in his career that includes three NBA championships, three All-Star selections, and a Defensive Player of the Year Award. In fact, Odom expressed how he saw himself in the Warriors star.

In an interview, Odom said “I like his style of play. I like his intensity. Playing against a player like that will bring out the best in you and in some ways I’m looking at the mirror when I watch his game, and I think about my game right now.”

Darko Milcic

Drafted as the second overall pick in the loaded 2003 NBA Draft, Darko Milicic looked like the next Dirk Nowitzki. Unfortunately, things didn't turn out as expected for the Pistons.

Although Milicic won a championship during his rookie year, which made him the first in his class to win one, Milicic was a non-factor. Playing behind Ben Wallace and Mehmet Okur, Milicic had little room to shine.

Aside from a loaded front court, one of the reasons for Milicic’s failure could be that he was in the wrong era. In his time, the post-up game was pretty much at its peak. Unfortunately, Milicic’s post-up game wasn't his strength.

According to the scouting report, he was more of a versatile big man who can put the ball on the floor. Furthermore, it also stated that Milcic had a high basketball IQ that allowed him to be a solid playmaker. He also had range, which allowed him to shoot the ball from 20 feet to rainbow country. If we're to base the strengths on his scouting report, Milicic somehow resembled reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.

The modern NBA has veered away from traditional centers that operate only in the post. Nowadays centers need to acquire more versatile skills in order for them to make an impact. Although this doesn’t guarantee that Milicic will be a star in today’s game, it only means that Milicic’s game is more fit for our current era. Furthermore with an influx of European players in the league today, his adjustment would’ve been less difficult.

Andrea Bargnani

With Dirk Nowitzki making waves in the league at that time, especially after leading the Mavs to the Finals, Andrea Bargnani emerged as a top prospect from Europe. The Raptors drafted him as the top overall pick in 2006.

In 10 seasons, Bargnani averaged 14.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Although his numbers were decent, they don’t scream first overall pick. The Italian center was simply underwhelming when it came to rebounding and defense.

But despite his shortcomings, Bargnani might’ve had a better career had he played in the modern era. With more floor spacing, Bargnani will be more useful for teams as a stretch big. Shooting has been Bargnani’s strongest arsenal which is a valuable commodity in today’s game. Over the course of his 10 year career, Bargnani shot the ball at a respectable 35% clip from beyond the arc.

It’ll still be a long shot for Bargnani to live up to the top overall pick hype even in the modern era, given his lack of effort in the defensive end. However, if guys like Kelly Olynyk or Meyers Leonard can make an impact for contenders, surely Bargnani would’ve had a place in this league today.

Rudy Fernandez

Rudy Fernandez had the tools to succeed in the NBA. With a polished offensive game combined with a high IQ, Fernandez had all the potential to become one of the best players to come from Europe. In four seasons, Fernandez averaged 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.

Unfortunately, Fernandez wasn’t happy in the NBA. Fernandez felt like he wasn’t being utilized enough to showcase his talent. In addition to this, a season-ending back injury would encourage him to return to Europe.

According to CNN, Fernandez said “Here probably I’m a better player, I can do everything – not like my years in the NBA.”

There’s a good chance Fernandez would’ve been more impactful if he played in today’s NBA. With more spacing, Fernandez can have a field day against the competition. Moving without the ball is one of Fernandez’s key strengths. With today’s game putting emphasis on ball movement, Fernandez can easily shine by constantly running off screens and cutting through the weak side.

Aside from this, Fernandez can easily get buckets. Whether it’s shooting from deep or attacking the paint, he can do it all on the offensive end. In fact, we've seen a glimpse of this in his brief stay in the league.

With bench scoring a valuable asset for contenders today like Jordan Clarkson or Lou Williams, pretty sure Fernandez could’ve easily filled that role well.