I've been thinking about this since the Rockets acquired Artest. He can give the Rockets more offensively than Battier (although not as efficient), and he can play the primary perimeter defender role Battier currently does for Houston. Possible opening day starting lineups: Alston-McGrady-Artest-Scola-Yao Alston-McGrady-Battier-Artest-Yao Alston-McGrady-Battier-Scola Yao Right now I see those as the 3 scenarios for the Rockets on opening night. Either Battier, Artest, or Scola will be the odd man out of the starting lineup. There are pros and cons for any of those lineups, but which lineup gives the Rockets the best chance at winning next season?
If he comes off the bench, he'd be the main scorer along with the second unit, and that will give him more freedom. Especially if T-Mac is in the game demanding attention on the top of the key, while Artest is free to post up on smaller defenders, which he does so well. If he starts, he can focus more on the defensive, while being a very reliable scorer if need be. But then the second unit will have a hard time scoring. However, I think he'll start, but to me it doesn't really matter who starts. I see the Rockets shuffling in players in and out all year during games, but the one constant is that one of the big three will always be on the court with whoever is out there.
I think he should start. You want Artest on the floor when the teams best scorer is on the floor, which the best scorer usually comes in on the starting unit. I think it will also give Artest satisfaction, because he clearly is starter quality, and wants to guard his off against Lebron James, not the Ira Newbles lol.
Hey, I watch the Lakers and I know that Artest won't be guarding no Ira Newbles....Ira needs to get off the bench before that could happen
lol well, he did play with the Cavs last year for 41 games of the season for 16 mpg. It's just that the Lakers have more depth. Odom, Ariza, Vujacic, Kobe, and Radman all can play the 3 spot. But intsead of Ira Newble, we could say that Pavlovic guy, or Devin Brown.
Do you think there's enough touches for everyone on the court if Artest starts? Battier takes a measly 7 to 8 shots a game, and also led the team last year in 3-point FG% If Artest starts he'll certainly look to shoot more and if he's shooting more than either TMac or Yao will likely be the ones to have less FGAs per game. Artest has averaged 13.4 FGAs on his career. Maybe Adelman plans to push the tempo more this season with three capable 20 point scorers on the court?
I don't believe Artest will accept coming off the bench. He views himself as one of the best players in the league
You're probably right, but one of the very first things he said after the trade is he'd be perfectly happy coming off the bench. Talk is cheap, but I think at least initially he's going to do whatever is asked of him. Personally, I see the benefits of bringing him off the bench. He'll have more freedom to be an offensive weapon with the ball on the second unit. But I think the allure of 3 big weapons in the starting lineup will be too much, and Adelman will start him.
He's got to start. 13.4 FGA/game isn't that big a number. If TMac takes 20 and Yao 20 and Artest 13, that's 53 out of ~85 or more FGA per game.
Gregg Popovich likes his energy off the bench and he knows Ginobili won't go on a killing spree if he's the sixth man.
I think you answered your own question. Here's what Alston had to say about the addition of Artest and some interjection from TrueHoop.com Source: In Houston 1+4 = ?
I was thinking the same thing when people mentioned he would be a nice scoring punch off the bench. I think it would be better to have 3 scoring threats on the court at the same time which would benefit Scola, and Rafer the most. The good thing is Adelman is not scared to mix and match lineups. He might even experiment new lineups in the playoffs.
