“I’m not a scorer. I’m not averaging 20-something points a game. I’m not expected to come out and get those type of numbers. It’s just not that type of team. I could have no points the whole game and if we win, I’m cool with that”, Artest proclaimed recently.
As I said earlier, there have been certain points in the season where Laker fans have wanted to see good ole “Psycho Ron Ron” unleash his fury against the opposition. We did get a glimpse when the Lakers stole a victory at Boston when he was jostling with Paul Pierce even before the tip.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve wanted Ron to just go bananas on somebody, but when you really think about it, it would achieve nothing and in the end, his doubters, haters, and critics would all win.
I think Artest has discovered his true niche as an NBA player, albeit late in his career and with what will hopefully be his final team. The man wants to win a championship and he wants to win it alongside his good friends, Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant. In my mind, the dedication that he has shown to contributing towards a 16th Larry O’Brien trophy for one of the NBA’s most legendary franchises has been more than any of us probably ever wished for.
Playing good defense is purely based upon your will and desire to shine on that side of the ball. Nearly every baller in the world, whatever their skill level, is infatuated with scoring points. Even if your role on the team is to get rebounds and block shots, you’re still going to want at least a couple buckets for the highlight reel – it’s only natural.
I’m not saying that you don’t need athleticism, talent, and basketball IQ to be a great defender because those are definitely necessities, but every player in the NBA, for the most part, has all those qualities. Not all of them have the desire though. Ron Ron has declared to the world that he does have that will to lock anyone down and subdue them into playing the kind of game that he will ultimately dictate.
Running 45 minutes before and after practice, forcing himself into a diet of chicken, fish, and veggies, staying out of trouble, and putting his game where his mouth is – I don’t know what else we can expect or demand of number 37. I just hope the rest of the team will soon follow suit.
NEXT: Beyond the numbers
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