It is kind of amusing that so many young people think that athletes of 30,40, and 50 years ago were inferior. I once read that Russell was a top 5 high jumper in the world. The article said that Russ and the top jumper, again in the world, were competing against each other for fun. Both cleared a certain height, I believe it was 6'9" but I am may be off. Anyway, the top jumper wanted to call it a tie but Russ wanted both to try 7 feet. The top jumper in the world missed badly and Russ cleared it but on the way down caught his foot barely on the bar.
Athletic enough to compete in today's NBA? Now, that is funny!