<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He needed a fresh start in the worst way, an opportunity to shake off his frustration with an offensive system he didn't think suited his strengths and an escape from the growing discontent of fans and media. Ron Artest? Yes. But also Peja Stojakovic, who will start tonight against Washington when he makes his debut with the Indiana Pacers. Stojakovic's seven-plus seasons in Sacramento weren't nearly as turbulent as Artest's four years in Indianapolis, but the subjects of last week's swap share common ground. Moving to new territory has pleased them both. That's why Stojakovic was smiling Monday as his mantra of the past few days kept spilling off his tongue. "Fresh start. Fresh start." Stojakovic's first six seasons in Sacramento were idyllic. He was a rising star with a competitive team playing before feverishly faithful fans. The 2003-04 season, in which he averaged a career-high 24.2 points, ended awkwardly after a second-round playoff loss to Minnesota. Chris Webber called out unnamed teammates for not rising to the occasion, and the widespread assumption was that he was referring to Stojakovic more than anyone. Stojakovic aired a trade request through his agent that summer, but everything seemed calm again after Webber was traded to Philadelphia before last season's trading deadline.</div> Source
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting superman32:</div><div class="quote_post">indy got jipped</div> how funny.. there are Kings fans that are saying the exact same thing.
They should have included more players to make it seem like a huge blockbuster. I don't see Artest doing well in Sacramento. Indy isn't even sure if they can resign Peja this year. Same thing with Artest in about two years. I think both teams will lose them both to free agency and get ripped off.
How did Indy get "jipped"? Tell me, aside from Maggette (who had medical concerns), who else better could the Pacers have received? I dont think people realize how many teams were afraid to take on a responsibility like Artest...
