Like NBA I don't understand how guys rip their shoulders, break their ankles and knees, and 2 weeks later they come back on the court.
There is undoubtedly more doping, but also a work ethic 100 times greater. LBJ, 38, who shines in a much more physical sport while a footballer who plays at 33 becomes a feat.
Yes, basketball has way higher intensity due to small court but saying it's much more physical? Nah. Maybe in the 90s but certainly not now.
Basketball has a different type of physicality which is less dangerous in terms of injuries. You do lots of boxing out, pushing and stuff like that. They literally give fouls for touching a finger when you shot the ball or you gently touch someone when they drive to the basket.
While in football, despite the lower intensity, you could literally be kicked or have your feet stepped on all game long and opposition player could even get away without a yellow.
Like, if you take a regular yellow card foul that happens in football and have an NBA player do the same on basketball court, they'll get thrown out of the arena and then have 3 game ban + 50k$ fine.