re: Watch this video, and tell me NBA superstars didn't have it easier in the '90's

There are rules as to how far off your man you can be in any given situation. Offensive players knew that. (For example.. if an offensive player is above the 3-point line, the defensive player can sag no lower than the free throw line. Even if that offensive player is a terrible shooter who will never shoot a 3. They still have to follow him out past the free throw line).

Offensive players knew when they were "safe" because they knew that a particular player could not cheat over and defend unless he was going to double hard.

This causes "pockets" of space in the defense that just aren't available today.

Those pockets of space close much quicker today because the defenders can cheat over enough to be in better position to help in time. Back then, the help came slower due to the illegal defense rules, and these pockets of space stayed open slightly longer... enough time to get off an uncontested shot or catch the big man too deep under the basket.

It only takes a fraction of a second between the big man being caught too deep under the basket on a rotation and meeting the offensive player outside of the paint. The rules now allowing players to cheat off their man more is the difference between getting caught under the rim and contesting a shot on the block.