It's official... the 2020's are the strongest NBA era since the ABA merger

[AussieSteve]

Strongest 10 seasons post ABA / NBA merger

1. 2019-20
2. 2020-21
3. 2018-19
4. 2016-17
5. 2017-18
6. 2015-16
7. 2014-15
8. 2013-14
9. 2012-13
10. 2010-11

Weakest 10 seasons post ABA / NBA merger

45. 1989-90
44. 1990-91
43. 1995-96
42. 1991-92
41. 1996-97
40. 1997-98
39. 1992-93
38. 1976-77
37. 1980-81
36. 1977-78

Methodology: The number of NBA minutes played by USA born and / or raised players w.r.t the USA population, benchmarked vs the first post merger season (1976-77)

The one assumption is that on average overseas raised players each play the same number of minutes as US born / raised player.

Examples:
- In 1976-77 there were 22 teams, with 99.3% of players being USA born / raised, and the USA had a population of 217m. League strength is 1.00
- In 1995-96 there were 29 teams, with 93.7% of players being USA born / raised, and the USA had a population of 265m. League strength is 0.98
- In 2019-20 there were 30 teams, with 77.1% of players being USA born / raised, and the USA had a population of 330m. League strength is 1.44

Full methodology on request if anyone cares.