Solid breakdown of Artest in isolation, but I can live with him isolating on average 3 times a game. It would have been nice if the author actually for us.
The good thing about the Lakers, and why this Artest experiment could work out very well for them, is that they have a lot of options in their half-court set. A few isolations by Artest each game won't kill them. On a lesser offensive team where Artest is forced into a bigger role, then it becomes a problem.
Very true. My one concern though is when Gasol returns to the lineup. With Bynum, Gasol, and sometimes Kobe on the block posting up it's going to leave Artest open for a lot of 3 point looks. He hasn't been connecting early on and there's going to be less space to drive with two 7 footers in the post. Should be interesting to see how that works and what adjustments he'll have to make.
I guess if you have to find something to complain about. Im pretty sure that everyone knew before the season started that Artest isnt a very good "creator" on offense. It would actually be a problem if he was stagnating the offense, but he doesnt. Everyone has a couple moments in every game where they stray from their most efficient, you have to just to keep defenses honest. I have been happier with Ron than I thought i would be.
Artest is a good spot up 3-point shooter, though sometimes streaky. If he's getting open looks all season, he should shoot around 38% for you.
I could live with 38%, but I'd want him to be in the 40% territory if he is going to get consistent wide open looks. In the playoffs Ariza shot 47.6% from behind the arc getting the same looks as Artest.
