Honestly, I think what's driving the improved skills are the salaries. I think they're so flipping high, that it's allowing guys without the motivation to "fake it" because they can afford a team of trainers, therapists, nutritionists, etc... and they don't have to do it on their own as much. While I'd agree there's no place for an Oakley the way he played, if he could have slimmed down and been more mobile, he might have made one of the smaller 5s who protects the rim, rebounds, and screens. I think it's allowed so many more guys to find ways to contribute, because it's not just about having beef inside. Guys like Duncan Robinson, Desmond Bane, Tyler Herro, even Steph, etc... I'm not sure those guys get a look in the NBA of 10+ years ago.