It’s a good thing the NBA doesn’t have an entrance exam.

It could ask questions about what the player hopes to achieve by being in the league — long-term goals and such (besides the obvious selection of “making boatloads of cash”).

It could inquire how the player normally acts after a loss, and a question regarding the meaning of sportsmanship could be included as well.

It could even take a brain scan to see if Player X is really competent to perform in the public spotlight.

Ron Artest needs that brain scan, because he sure isn’t handling his life too well these days.

The guy can defend like Norton AntiVirus, but it’s obvious he’s messed up in the head.

The New York Post reported Wednesday that the Pacers forward grabbed a framed picture and slammed it against a wall, prompting head coach Isiah Thomas to tell Artest he might as well stay home for the next game against Boston.

It’s not known how long the suspension will last, but, for the world’s sake, let’s hope it lasts a while.

Maybe then he can get that brain scan.

Or a couple of them.

If you think I’m overreacting, you probably haven’t heard about Artest’s earlier mess-ups.

The dude flung a television monitor and smashed a TV camera after a loss to New York in January.

He was fined $35,000. Not enough, I say.

Later that month he jawed with Heat coach Pat Riley during a game and gave the Miami faithful two thumbs up — but he used his middle fingers instead.

He was suspended four games without pay for the gesture and the jabbering.

I wonder where Artest got all of his anger? The Pacers are a very respectable team in the East, and with former Iowa Stater Jamaal Tinsley at the point, Indiana could make a strong run in the playoffs this season.

He’s making tons of dough and I’m sure his garage doesn’t have a Dodge Intrepid in it like mine would — if I had a garage.

It’s been said money doesn’t buy happiness, and the more I think about it, the more I think it might just contribute to stupidity.

Artest did spend a few seasons with the Bulls, who haven’t been the same since present coach and former player Bill Cartwright was looping in those shots with his funky-looking form.

There is a good excuse, if Artest wants one.

Maybe it was different before my time, but I remember learning about sportsmanship when I was a little tyke after my first game of hoops.

We were told to shake hands, whether we lost by 50 or won by 50.

And we were specifically told not to throw any video cameras, OR to yell at the opposing coach, especially if that coach is a legend like Riley.

Artest must have missed that memo — in kindergarten and at St. Johns.

Speaking of the Red Storm, that type of behavior wouldn’t have set to well with head coach Mike Jarvis. I wonder what he’s thinking now about his former phenom?

Artest averages 15 points and five rebounds for the Pacers. On his personal profile at www.espn.com, it says he’s a league leader in steals, ranking fifth at over two per game. Three inches away you see the stat he’s probably most proud of — 11 technical fouls, good enough for seventh in the NBA.

Now, since I’m not 6 feet tall unless I stand on my tip-toes, and Artest is a 6-foot-7, 246-pound guy from a town near New York and could probably make the top of my head touch my butt, I’ll stop ragging on the guy.

But get that brain scan, buddy. Do it for the kids.

Jeff Raasch is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Odebolt. He is the assignment sports editor and senior sports writer for the Daily.