All these “attitude problems” are, as you allude to, typical behavior for someone who should be a sophomore in college. Freaking out about it (as some national commentators do saying he’s a “headcase”) is an inappropriate response- we should just accept he’s gonna grow over the next few years.

Artest is from Queensbridge, and that is not an easy place for anyone to grow up, much less a person with a meal ticket surrounded by justifiably envious young people. The difficulties that he must have faced as a young person are far greater than that which I’ve faced, and as I’ve said, despite growing up in a relatively tranquil socioeconomic circumstance, there are still numerous external stresses and pressures that cause anger and frustration in my own life — and I’m just a grad student whose largest concerns are making sure I can afford my textbooks and keeping my romantic life from sinking like the Giants’ playoff hopes this season. I’m not an athlete whose future earning potential is meted from adolescence onward. Couple that, as the magnificent Hoop Dreams has shown us, with the difficulties that many young-and-rising basketball players face, and you’re looking at a very difficult psychological ride.

I’m not sure how my statement was misconstrued, but Artest is a shining example of how self-awareness has led to, in his words, a happier experience through therapy. Many times we speculate about players’ work ethic, character, commitment, etc. I don’t think I’m presuming too much to say that Cousins has a problem, and he, like many 20-year-olds, is not strong or wise or informed enough to accept that he may need additional help in overcoming these “character” issues he’s worn since he became a national figure. He’s got a few years to figure out whether he wants to be the max player he could be or another Eddy Curry, eating himself out of the league before 30.

And if I’m signing the checks, that’s a pretty reasonable anxiety to have.

The $100,000 or whatever you spend would absolutely be worth it. As someone who’s worked in kitchens, a good enough chef can make something healthy taste like it’s not.

The Honorable Cock Jowles: I remember seeing after a Wizards practice, I believe, DeShawn Stevenson eating a sandwich cooked by a team chef with what looked like Wonderbread and mayo. I’m no expert, but bleached white bread and pure, creamy fat isn’t exactly the best for muscular recovery after a strenuous workout. I guess I’m arguing for staff that is available to all players, and paid for by the team as “professional development.”  

Let DeShawn Stevenson enjoy his wish sandwiches in peace!

daJudge: Thank you Z-Man. HCJ–”I can imagine why people like Ron Artest have anger issues that need to be resolved through therapy”.Who are people like Ron Artest? Who do you think you are?Someone impervious from anger issues? Sorry, but what an arrogant and absurd comment.  

Really? That’s what you got out of that quote?

I’ve disagreed with THCJ in the past re: Melo etc., but in this case he’s right on the money. I’m pretty sure all he’s trying to say is that teams should employ chefs for the players because they accomplish the same things as personal trainers do, even moreso in some cases (see Curry, Eddy). And in the same vein, why not have a personal therapist for the team as well so that they at least have someone to go to within the organization. If they employ doctors, and trainers, why not a psychiatrist?

Makes sense to me.

Yeah but it’s up the the players to take care of themselves. Steve Nash’s diet and exercise factor in to why he’s still playing at this level at his age.

If a player refused to work with the strength and conditioning coach, it’ll eventually effect his way of performing. When there is a change in the level of performance and stats, playing time might be increased or reduced.

Not everyone is going to have the same work ethic, it’s just not realistic. For the most part, you’d want a Celtics/Spurs like crew that has an overall high work ethic.