<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">New York Post columnist Peter Vecsey: " In fact, every trade report (Knicks, Heat and one or two others) that has surfaced re Artest is fictitious. The only legit offer Indiana has received for its suspended All-Star since he performed 'handstands' at The Palace was from Memphis (rising free agent Bonzi Wells) and it was summarily rejected..."</div> Source I never pictured Artest in a Grizzlies uniform, but I think the Grizzlies have enough talent to intice a deal. James Posey is unhappy with his minutes and role, and the Grizzlies always seem to be shopping Jason Williams around. The Pacers could use a backup to Tinsley and getting Posey or Wells to replace Artest wouldn't be, too much of a loss. The Pacers need to find minutes for their young players like Bender and James eventually. Adding Posey or Wells and Williams gives them a lot of depth and flexibility in the lineup and they rid themselves of Artest's antics. If anyone can get through to Artest, I would think Jerry West could. He handled Dennis Rodman when he was a Laker, and with hustle players like Battier and the Custodian surrounding Artest, I think it could work out. PG - Watson SG - Artest SF - Battier PF - Gasol C - Swift
I would have pulled the trigger on this trade in second after our horrific start. I was looking forward to the future then; a possible lottery pick and a year of added experience to all our young players. However, now that we're in playoff position I would hate to see West make this move. Yes, we've very deep, but we're not deep enough to lose a player of Bonzi's caliber for the entire season; I don't think there are any teams that deep. We'd be risking way too much. I'm also surprised that the Pacers rejected this trade though. In my opinion, Bonzi Wells is not too much worse than Artest. His defense is worse but not too much worse, and his offense is probably even better than Artest's. I have a feeling that too many General Managers have some idea in their head that every time Jerry West wants to make a trade with them they're going to be screwed.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">Bonzi Wells is not too much worse than Artest. His defense is worse but not too much worse</div>It's not like Artest is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, or anything... I like Bonzi, and I know his stats are lower than they could be because of his situation as a Grizzlie, but he's not Ron Artest. Not even close.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Ezra:</div><div class="quote_post">It's not like Artest is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, or anything... I like Bonzi, and I know his stats are lower than they could be because of his situation as a Grizzlie, but he's not Ron Artest. Not even close.</div> Yeah, but stats and talent aren't even the issue. The issue would be being one player short going into the home stretch of the season and possibly the playoffs.
This would not be a very good trade for the Grizzlies. The only reason for this is because they're trading an active player for an inactive one. It might be good in the long run, but right now, it's not working for them. They need Bonzi, as he's been a big part of the rotation since coming to Memphis. And it's like what Voodoo said. By doing this, it takes a man out of their rotation, and that could hurt them coming down the stretch and in the playoffs.
