Adelman is a class act, and would never trash talk an opponent. Artest being gracious? That scares me. He must think the series is already in the bag.
Ron's been that way all year. He got into a little trash talking with Kobe earlier in the year, but there was nothing hostile to it. Really, the only incident that might have bothered some Rockets fans is he called out McGrady's poor defense publicly. But he's gone out of his way to encourage the young players on the team, mostly been very respectful towards the vets, and he's been gracious with the opponents.
That trash talking with Kobe was hillarious. Ron Ron: "You're not ready Kobe" (after Kobe had like 31 points in the 2nd half against them) Kobe: "I'm not ready for you? (LOL) Oh, you're a stand up comedian now?" Ron Ron: "I'm sorry Kobe. I was only kidding. Can we still be friends?" Well, at least that's what I THINK Ron Ron said at the end.
Friend of mine ran into Artest downtown yesterday, and only had nice things to say about their exchange.
Artest loves playing for Adelman and I think he's finally grown up a little (maybe?). It's nice to see someone figure it out, mature and turn their career around from the shambles he made of it at the Palace those years ago. Anybody up for a free agent signing this off-season?
I'd take Artest in a heartbeat if he would have the same respect for Nate than he does for Adelman. Take away all the other off-the-court crap about him, and I love his game. And it'd eliminate the one guy that seemingly has Roy's number.
Artest and Rick work because Rick treats him different and just lets him do this thing. I don't think Nate would do that, so my guess is, it wouldn't work.
Artest would be amazing for this team. Every great team has one guy who is a little crazy. I think Portland has strong enough personalities now that he wouldn't poison the team. No way they get him, though.
Why wouldn't Nate work well with Artest? Seems like Artest has respect for what we're doing here or else is just not trying to say the wrong thing there.
I don't think we'd get him either, but it'd be sweet though. And KP always said that when we've built a good enough culture that we'd be able to take on a 'questionable' personality. Artest would fit that pretty well.
To be honest, I wouldn't mind Portland getting Shane and Artest if only so they never guard Brandon again.
