Gilbert Arenas uses Kobe Bryant to make ring culture point, claims nobody respects ‘passengers’

Arenas feels no one gets respect besides the number one option on championship teams

Gilbert Arenas is no stranger to discussions about ring culture. This includes the time he said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would surpass Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook if he wins this year. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander reaching great heights, choosing him over Durant and Westbrook is still debatable.

Discussions about rings and championships can be a slippery slope. Legacy immediately becomes a subject, as championships play a significant role in careers. However, that could harm the discourse, as players deserve more credit beyond their impact on championships.

“When you talk about a team award, something that needs structure to win. That does not set you apart from individual accomplishments.

“When you use Kobe, it’s frowned upon that LeBron said. I would disagree with that,” Arenas said on First Take.

“At the time, Kobe had three rings. No one was treating him like a three-ring player. You’re treating him like a sidekick. He was considered a sidekick, a Robin, the next Pippen in 2002 with three rings.”

“If you have three rings, and you’re still being compared to someone who doesn’t have rings, what do you think happened? I need individual accomplishments… You only respect the driver of the car; no one respects the passenger of the rings.”

Basketball is more than just championship rings

Magic Johnson surprised people when he talked about Michael Jordan’s defining traits. He did not discuss the six championships he won, as Magic talked about the superstar aura. It was significant enough to talk about because Jordan was already a mega star before the titles.

Ring culture leads to some players becoming forgotten by the NBA community. Some people know Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, and Reggie Miller are all-time greats. However, their legacies lack a championship—an accomplishment that James Harden is still pursuing.

Winning is the ultimate goal, but it should not lead to people discrediting other players. It is a shame for some players because they deserve recognition. With the Indiana Pacers playing in a Game 7 in the NBA Finals, that could be a sign that ring culture can change.

A cohesive team without a true mega star could win the championship. Tyrese Haliburton might be the Pacers’ star, but his supporting cast is similarly impactful. It is a team accomplishment and everyone deserves respect.