Here's how they might stack up in a fantasy matchup:
Dog's current top 12:
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Steph Curry
Anthony Davis
James Harden
Kawhi Leonard
Paul George
Joel Embiid
Nikola Jokic
Klay Thompson
Kyrie Irving/ Russell Westbrook/ Chris Paul/ Luka Doncic
Summary: I'd take that starting 5 against anybody. The length, speed, and 3-point shooting is on another level. Pretty incredible depth 6-12 too. Bit of a drop off talent-wise when it comes to the next tier of players, so maybe you have a point. Though the JV squad would still be really good with excellent point guard options, Jimmy Butler, and your Victor Oladipo's of the world.
2000- 2010 Top 12
LeBron James
Kobe Bryant
Shaquille O'neal
Tim Duncan
Kevin Garnett
Dirk Nowitzki
Steve Nash
Dwyane Wade
Kevin Durant (lite)
Jason Kidd
Paul Pierce
Yao Ming/ Ben Wallace/ Tracy McGrady/ Allen Iverson
Summary: It would be one hell of a matchup amongst the top tiers of new and old. Upon inspection, I would probably take tier-2 from last decade over the current one. You've got those prime Spurs and Pistons guys, then Chris Paul, Pau Gasol, Camelo, Vince, Superman Dwight, and Ray Allen.
Conclusion: The top 12 is really a toss up. I'm taking the current stars, but that's just me. 13-24 leans towards the past.
If you look at players 25-100, I prefer the current crop of players over last decade. But too much recency bias is involved to make a great case one way or the other.
Thanks for the provocative post at 3:28 in the morning
@King Stannis.