The analysis of rings boils down to discussion about the GOAT lists and how you rank them.
Rings matter in that discussion, especially amongst QBs and top NBA players.
However, the problem with what you are saying is that you are implying you need to rest to win a title. That’s bs. 10 times MJ played 80 or more games.
The best ability is availability and if you don’t make yourself available for 20-25% of the season because you are a baby who needs some rest, that’s pathetic...especially at the money they are making and the prices tickets cost.
Now, if you want to take pay cuts or take these guys out of the discussions as GOaTs, be my guest. Kwahi is a guy who doesn’t care about that and that’s fine. But stop with the MJ comparisons and while I think he is the best player in the world, he’s not the guy I’m taking to start a team if he feels he needs to sit out for that many games.
There is no justification for this. Load management 7 games into the season? Wtf?
I certainly did not imply that you need to rest to win a title. I do think it can help depending on the player, though. Everyone is different and is dealing with different issues. What makes sense for one doesn't for another.
MJ is also an interesting example to bring up for two reasons. First, load management wasn't a thing then so players and teams weren't at a disadvantage when they played stars every game for 40ish minutes. Second, MJ did benefit greatly from rest, you know a whole season and another two- thirds of a season off after he was exhausted from the 3-peat.
Anyway, of course one should factor in how much someone plays in a conversation of best player or especially most valuable.
