Yep, better shooters and higher basketball IQ's back then. They were also alot tougher. No "flagrant" fouls or "handchecking" fouls like today.
Today's players are far more athletic but in general lack the midrange game that was so prevelant back in the day. Today you either iso to get to the hole or shoot the three.
If you're trying to say Mullin wouldn't make it today, I say you're dead wrong.