We just don't have the right collection of talents, plus we overpay all the nearly useless guys who only play one side of the court.
I don't think so on either count. First of all, I think the only thing that's becoming more likely as this saga drags on is that Walsh is going to wait until the trade deadline to make a deal. The Pacers haven't imploded, in fact it's probably becoming progessively easier for them to deal with everything since they're getting used to it. Secondly, I think the Warriors have the most pieces to offer the Pacers of any team still in the running. They've got plenty of guys on rookie contracts and several future draft picks. If a deal isn't done soon, Walsh is just going to wait it out and hope some team gets desparate at the deadline.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think so on either count. First of all, I think the only thing that's becoming more likely as this saga drags on is that Walsh is going to wait until the trade deadline to make a deal. The Pacers haven't imploded, in fact it's probably becoming progessively easier for them to deal with everything since they're getting used to it. Secondly, I think the Warriors have the most pieces to offer the Pacers of any team still in the running. They've got plenty of guys on rookie contracts and several future draft picks. If a deal isn't done soon, Walsh is just going to wait it out and hope some team gets desparate at the deadline.</div> I agree. Walsh and Bird have been hinting at holding Artest as long as possible until the best deal comes and I think that's a bluff. Artest must be traded by the deadline. Every year there is one disgruntled superstar or a firesale by a team and someone becomes available. If Artest is held until the offseason or next year's deadline it would be suicide. Nobody is going to up the ante on someone crazy who hasn't played basketball in one year when you have another superstar available on the market. At this rate we won't lose Biedrins or Ike and are in the driver's seat.
I agree with wtwalker77, Bird & Walsh don't feel they need to get a deal done, for the sake of getting a deal done. They hold all the cards, because this team can win without Ron Artest, and both recognize he's a top talent in the league. Danny Granger is quickly erasing the memories of Ron Artest, and is becoming a solid two-way player for the Pacers. Right now all the additional playing time to these players will pay dividends in the post season. The Pacers goal right now is staying in striking distance for that 4th seed in the East. The Pistons are out of reach, but they can make some noise if they wrap up homecourt advantage. In the second round your record determines homecourt advantage, so it's possible for Indy to have homecourt advantage up until the ECF v. Detroit.
Yeah, Indiana don't need to hurry. It's not like Artest's value goes down if they wait a month. His value will be where it is right now, and they can drag as much as they can. Also, Pietrus, who will definitely be a part of the deal, is still injured, so even if the deal is done, it can't be finalized. Pacers can just wait until Pietrus comes back healthy. That has been said, it needs to be done asap for the sake for Warriors. Some players seem to be rattled by this ongoing trade rumor...
If Artest wasn't such a questionable personality, I'd love to take him on. But at this point I'd rather have Pietrus when he gets back. But I guess the premature re-signing of Dunleavy Jr. makes it so the Warriors have to worry about staying under budget for guys like Ike Diogu, Andris Biedrins. Those guys are probably more important to the team than guards or wings. I guess we can offer future first round picks, but I just think we really lack the things that teams want like expiring contracts. We can offer our rookies, but considering the flaws on our team, we really need those rookies. It should start with defense and guys who can create their own offense and set other people. Foyle, Murphy, guys like those I don't think teams would take.
Why do you guys want Artest he's just gonna complain. Ron Artest is a good player but come on we don't need this guy besides who are we gonna give to get him.
