Payton was still easily considered a top 10 PG no matter how much you try toit and Parker was 8 years away from his prime.
You don't understand how the NBA works, it's a cycle. It takes the average NBA player around 7 years to peak. Once they peak their bodies start to gradually break down, however they see a reduced role and learn new skills as they get older, Manu/TD/TP have changed over the years and especially their roles. The vets have a huge advantage in playing professional NBA ball for 10+ years over the younger players who are still developing their games and filling out.
Look at Lebron, Durant, Melo etc. just a few years ago they ruled the league, now they're getting outplayed by guys like Leonard, Butler, George, Giannis etc. Take away these new, much better crop of SF's and Bron' would still be ringing in MIA dropping monster games. All it took was a few years for the newer generation to catch up.

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it and Parker was 8 years away from his prime.


