In the late 70s and early 80s, the NBA as a league was dead and almost collapsed. There was very little media coverage of the NBA, no social media, no casual fans, no ESPN, no 24-7 coverage BUT people were still killing Dr.J for not being able to win the ring until he finally won. DR.J himself was the hardest on himself for not winning.
Winning a ring is necessary when it comes to cementing your legacy as a goat.
No one is expecting Jeremy Lin to win a ring and no one is killing him for not winning.
Great players are required to win.
Its not just media or fans and not just the NBA. The feeling is already that the Phillies signing Bryce Harper was a mistake if they dont win a world series in the next 3-4 years.
So yea winning was always important.
i have a rebuttal, but i dont wanna continue this here
if ya'll find the thread or start one, @ me