I'm hearing all these rockets fans piss and moan about Artest's "problems" (which I think are blown out of proportion)....so I thought I'd list some reasons as to why he'll do just fine A.) He's been on good behavior the past couple of seasons B.) He's played with Adleman in the past, and LOVES him as a coach C.) He and Rafer are boys from childhood....they both grew up in Queens D.) He won't have other egos in the locker room to clash with (Tmac might be soft but he doesn't stir up a lot of controversy in the locker room) E.) This is a contract season, and he wouldn't want to mess up the chance of getting a big contract coming into next offseason F.) He realizes why he's here, and that is to ultimately win a title...... Ron will be fine, and so will our rockets!
I think you're right. Another thing is that this is his first year here. Players with shaky pasts tend to be on their best behavior in their first year with a new team. This is pretty much an ideal situation for him to change a lot of people's opinions. And there aren't any other "bad apples" on the team either. The Rockets are a team full of nice, character guys. If Artest combusts, it will be on him.
All that may come true....but Ive never heard a fan of a team that just brought in a malcontent say, "Hes talented, but I expect him to tear the team apart with his attitude"....fans give players the benefit of the doubt, despite their past, but few leaopards change their spots....I will believe it when I see it...
I have mixed emotions about this trade, and it doesn't have to do with Artest's controversial past. Essentially, Artest is exactly like Battier but with much better offense? Are we better? yes, but by how much? Battier and Artest may need to split minutes which would limit the potential of both players.
Artest is better than Shane on both sides of the ball, which is a hell of a compliment. He is a true third option that can take over a game and get his own BUT THE ROCKETS SHOULD NOT TRADE SHANE and considering everything, I see Ron as becoming the heart and vocal leader of this team. The biggest concern is if he comes looking for an extension right off the bat Can you really imagine somebody not getting along with Yao
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (moeinhouston @ Jul 31 2008, 12:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Artest is better than Shane on both sides of the ball, which is a hell of a compliment. He is a true third option that can take over a game and get his own BUT THE ROCKETS SHOULD NOT TRADE SHANE and considering everything, I see Ron as becoming the heart and vocal leader of this team. The biggest concern is if he comes looking for an extension right off the bat Can you really imagine somebody not getting along with Yao</div> shaq? LOL
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kobe23 @ Jul 31 2008, 05:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (moeinhouston @ Jul 31 2008, 12:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Artest is better than Shane on both sides of the ball, which is a hell of a compliment. He is a true third option that can take over a game and get his own BUT THE ROCKETS SHOULD NOT TRADE SHANE and considering everything, I see Ron as becoming the heart and vocal leader of this team. The biggest concern is if he comes looking for an extension right off the bat Can you really imagine somebody not getting along with Yao</div> shaq? LOL </div> Jealousy
Artest is better than Battier defensively, at least on an one-on-one aspect. Battier is great at rotating on defense and taking the charge but Artest is a better individual defender, and with his strength and speed, he can conceivably guard any position on the court. Offensively, while Battier is a spot-up shooter and occasionally posts up, Artest can create for himself and bull his way around in the post, something that we have always clamored for on this team. As long as team chemistry remains good and key players stay healthy, the sky's the limit for this team.
