competition is a good thing

The one thing that perplexes me about this generation of players is their lack of competitiveness. Whether its half ass playing pick-up games or two experienced friends teaming up versus the kids in the gym who've never played before, whats the point? How does this make sense? Why is this so common?

I believe the evolution of the NBA we love so much has played a significant role in shifting this competitive culture. For example, when NBA guys are quick to team up with their buddies, young players see that as the "way to play". When they see players sit out of games willingly and uninjured, they think it's cool. Perhaps it's just my old school mentality unwilling to adapt to today's game ORRRR maybe the players today lack the fire we once had that made events like the NBA All-Star game fun to watch. 

Regardless of what we believe the root of the issues may be I'm sure we can agree that something is different and hopefully 'competitiveness' is the missing ingredient to this basketball gumbo.