<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">MINNEAPOLIS - Ron Artest's first NBA sanctioned game in eight months drew an estimated crowd of only 300 yesterday at the Target Center. The cynical fan could argue that attendance was low because Artest still poses a threat to public safety. In fact, the turnout said less about Artest and more about the Twin Cities ambivalence toward summer league basketball. "I heard the public wasn't allowed to come to the game," Artest said after scoring 23 points for the Indiana Pacers in a 72-64 loss to the Houston Rockets. Tickets were available, but mostly coaches and scouts showed up for the return of one of the league's all-time most notorious players. Artest, the talented forward from Queensbridge, was suspended for the remainder of the 2004-05 season for attacking a fan in Detroit during the final seconds of a Nov. 19 game against the Pistons. Once NBA commissioner David Stern announced the suspension, Artest spent his days in Indiana working on his game and counting the minutes until he could play again. "I admire the kid, not for what he did but for how he's come back," said Pacers president Larry Bird. Artest again blamed the incident on a momentary lapse of judgment combined with fans who don't respect the game. The brawl started when a Pistons fan hit Artest in the face with a cup. Next season, Artest's every move will be heavily scrutinized. He will be a constant target in visiting arenas which is nothing new for Artest, who says that fans "know my history, they know my personality, they know my character so they are always trying to find ways to get under my skin."</div> Source
Yeah I think Artest is going to have a great season next year. I think he will be motivated from all that has happened and push the Pacers closer to a championship.
