My opinion is the 80's era was best by far, like you I am child of 80's so didnt get to watch Wilt or Coozy or any of those guys. In the 80's the guys were competive and had heart, fun to watch them play, todays players might be stronger and better conditioned. I would eat chalk and take 80's -10, just to pull for them. 80's also had some good characters and nicknames
Michael "AIR" Jordan
Ervin "MAGIC" Johnson
Dennis "THE WORM" Rodman
Reggie "SKELETOR" Miller - this might have been just local?
Carl "THE MAILMAN" Malone