The league is better worse now than it was in the 90's, I don't know how anyone could reasonably argue otherwise.
1. The expansion in the 90's diluted teaming up of superstars diluted the quality level of the league, plus the lack of international talent arvydas, drazen, smits, schrempf, olujawon etc.
2. The coaching is better, especially on defensive side of the ball, defenses are far more sophisticated. coaching? we talking about coaching?
3. Shooting is better, 3 point shooting especially, also a greater understanding of the value of 3 point shooting. kerr, reggie, price