As a longtime observer and somewhat follower of the NBA, I believe the pinnacle of the NBA is the 1980’s. Jordan worship is the start of the slide. Hanging all their flags on Jordan, move the game from the game itself to personalities. Jordan won like many DPOY awards and fouled out how many times? From my perspective, it not possible to be a defensive guru and not be sitting on the bench for being too aggressive. Referees HAD to help.
You need to have actual stars to "carry" a sport.
Tiger Woods in Golf. Caitlin Clark in Women's Basketball. Mike Tyson in basketball.
Michael Jordan had "it" factor in the NBA. LeBron James was supposed to be his successor. Clearly, James is talented. But he's an @$$hole and no one likes him.
If you're a star, you have to have charisma. You can be the best player in the whole world but if you're a ****ing jerk, fans won't buy tickets to your games.