A Note To NBA Players: This Is Not Bowling

Every time I watch an interview with an NBA player, I think two things: a) I have too much time on my hands and b) what are these guys, oblivious?

The answer to both questions is yes.

Outside of a select few, NBA players fail to realize that basketball is a TEAM game and in order to 'get myself a ring', you have to work in concert with 11 other players for 80 regular-season games and four rounds of post-season games.

Of course, you must win the required amount of those games to be awarded that 'ring'.

This fact seems to fall short on the players who have wonderful individual statistics but have not been graced with winning a championship.

May I remind them that this is not an amateur bowling league where everyone goes home with a trophy at the awards dinner.  The reality is  - somebody's gotta lose.

That reminds of the adage about playing poker - "if you can't spot the sucker at the table...it's you".

Perhaps that is why Ron Artest decided to join the Lakers this week. Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. He claims he never had the chance to 'get a ring' and this will be his best chance.

Really? I tend to agree with ESPN's Jackie MacMullan. Artest had plenty of chances to get his vaunted 'ring'.  Does he think everyone forgot that he was at the center of the league's biggest brawl in 2004 (in Detroit) that led to multiple suspensions, literally ending his team's season before it started?

And what about the flagrant foul on Manu Ginobili which sunk his Sacramento team in 2006 playoffs? 

Plus he quit basketball one year to make a rap album. Whaaaat?

So, now he wants a ring. He's a good player, no doubt, but they just don't give these out.

You have to earn them.