I don't know how anyone could root for A.I..
If you lament the loss of the players you listed, Imagine having seen the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
I went to see dozens of games at the Garden in the '70's. There is just no comparison in the level of intensity and competition. Imagine sitting there watching Lucas, DeBushere (sp), Frazier, Monroe, Reid, and Bradley. All on ONE team. Of course the Celts weren't exactly stiffs, either. Cowens, Havlicek, Sanders, Nelson, White, and Chaney.
Those were very great games. Most of which were won by the Knicks. But every minute of the game was intense. Like the best of playoff games are now.
Even watching teams like The Suns, Pistons, Bulls, Sonics, Kings, and of course, the Sixers
were ALLWAYS very entertaining. Every play of every minute. I think this is a lot of what A700 misses. It just does not exist anymore. Add to that, Zone defenses are allowed, walking is allowed, low post play has been de-emphasized (sp), and the dilution of talent,
well, the game is just not what it was 30-40 years ago.
I respect that people like J_E enjoy the game now. But if you had been around "Back in the Day", you'd likely be in agreement with me.
Just my $.02.