<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">anyone would take him. Hes one of the best players in the league.</div> I disagree with the first part. I would have to assume that there are plenty of teams that would pass on Artest without second thought. Anyone who thinks that they can control Ron Artest is living in a fantasy world. The man is a loose cannon that can't even control himself, puts himself in front of the team needs, etc. His talent isn't to be disputed, when he's not serving a suspension, he's one of the best overall players in the game. Too bad he's a nut job who's likely to lose it at any time, which is reason enough for plenty of teams to stay clear of the potential negative influence he can have on a team and the franchise.
I somewhat disagree. I think every team in the league would take Artest as long as they didn't have to give up equal value. For example, The Celts wouldn't give up Pierce, but they would trade Jiri Welsch for him. As long as he was coming in as an addition to a team, and not a replacement for a star, I think any team would take him. The problem is that I don't think Larry Legend is ready to part with him yet, only to recieve less in return.
I can see what you're saying, but I think it would have to be for a MUCH LESSER VALUE in trade and even then I think some teams just don't want the headache of Artest negatively influencing young players and giving a black eye to the franchise with his antics. While I'm sure there are GM's out there who think they can control him( ) the only way alot teams would likely take a chance on Artest right now is if it came at little-to-no cost to them. Since we're on the topic: Detriot Police today announced that players Artest, Jackson, Harrison, O'neal, Johnson and 5 fans will all face criminal charges stemming from the brawl.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hagrid:</div><div class="quote_post">Detriot Police today announced that players Artest, Jackson, Harrison, O'neal, Johnson and 5 fans will all face criminal charges stemming from the brawl.</div> I guess the police are just trying to be fair, only charging 5 fans because that's how many players were charged . Please, that is seriously sickening. Unless of course, all those others fans are being punished, just not criminally. If they really expect us to believe that only 5 fans were involved my intelligence is seriously insulted. Sorry to get off topic Hagrid, but I had to say that. Back on topic now.
Good points are always welcome. I opened the segway, so it's not a problem. And you're not alone. Only charging 5 fans in that brawl is an insult.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jurassic:</div><div class="quote_post">I guess the police are just trying to be fair, only charging 5 fans because that's how many players were charged . Please, that is seriously sickening. Unless of course, all those others fans are being punished, just not criminally. If they really expect us to believe that only 5 fans were involved my intelligence is seriously insulted.</div> Associated Press<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> PONTIAC, Mich. -- Five Indiana Pacers and seven fans were charged Wednesday in the melee that broke out at the end of a nationally televised game against the Detroit Pistons last month, one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history.</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Five fans were charged with misdemeanor assault and battery</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">In addition, two men were charged for walking onto the court at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Police said other fans could be charged, too.</div> Link I know that doesn't make it any better, but at least it's a start.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hagrid:</div><div class="quote_post">I can see what you're saying, but I think it would have to be for a MUCH LESSER VALUE in trade and even then I think some teams just don't want the headache of Artest negatively influencing young players and giving a black eye to the franchise with his antics. While I'm sure there are GM's out there who think they can control him( ) the only way alot teams would likely take a chance on Artest right now is if it came at little-to-no cost to them.</div> I can't remember if I said it here or in the Pacer forum, but I still think that Larry has to move him if he is serious about contending for a championship. Even if its one of those trades that seems like 30 cents on the dollar, he's got to go. The road through the east is going to have a stop in detroit for the forseeable future and Ron Artest can never go back there without someone bringing up the brawl. It will be a major distraction and you can't have those if you want to seriously contend for a title. Artest needs, like Rodman, to be paired with a very strong personality who can keep him in check and I just don't think JO is that kind of guy. Be it the Lakers with Kobe or the Knicks with Isiah, Artest needs to be somewhere where he knows that if he steps outta line, this guy will knock him back in.