Part 5/11:
Another critical aspect affecting the league is the evolution of youth basketball competition. Players today are often engaged in showcase games filled with elite talent from a young age, which fosters a culture of individualism rather than the traditional team-first mentality characteristic of past generations. Instead of forging rivalries and honing skills through high-stakes team competitions, young players showcase their talents in environments that prioritize individual performance. Consequently, by the time these prospects reach college or the NBA, they lack the competitive fire that once defined previous generations of athletes.