<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Ron Artest's attempt to make amends with the Pacers has failed. Donnie Walsh, Indiana's CEO, has insisted the Pacers will not take Artest off the inactive list as they attempt to trade him. The Timberwolves' Wally Szczerbiak ended his shooting slump a month ago. He has played his best basketball in the four years since his All-Star appearance. If there was ever a chance for Szczerbiak to be coveted by a team such as the Pacers, now would be the time. Andrew Hjelmeland Sr. of Plymouth was in the stands 45 minutes before Wednesday's tipoff against New Orleans. Would you make the deal -- Szczerbiak, 28, and offensively talented, for Artest, 26, and among the best two-way players in the world? "Not in this town," Hjelmeland said. "We have enough jerks in this town already." Andrew Jr., a 30-something fan, said: "It's not a question of skill with Artest, but how could you touch that attitude? And how could you get rid of Wally? He's a great guy and he's playing very well." Jim Waters of Bloomington was in Target Center with his wife and two young children. "Of course, I'd make that trade," Waters said. "Artest might get thrown out of the league, but we're trading Wally, so who cares? Wally's OK, until you want him to guard somebody, and then he has two left feet." Liz Heim, in her 20s from Wayzata, was wearing a Kevin Garnett jersey. Wally for Artest? "No," said Heim, with enthusiasm. "I like Wally as a player, but it's more what I don't like about Ron Artest." The Timberwolves have been extra bold only once in the 11 seasons that Kevin McHale has run the basketball operation for owner Glen Taylor. That was before the 2003-04 season, when they needed an incentive for ticket sales and for Kevin Garnett to sign a contract extension. They brought in Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell, talented, controversial veterans, and reached the Western Conference finals. This was followed by a season of chaos -- so much so Taylor would declare the Cassell-Sprewell acquisitions to have been a "failed experiment." It's now a season later, Cassell and Sprewell are gone, and the Wolves are more of a team than in 2004-05. Yet, it's a very limited bunch, and there is no excitement among the ticket-buying public. Szczerbiak is giving everything he has, and it's not enough to get the Wolves hovering much above the .500 mark. Artest is beyond erratic as a personality, but he's also one of the 10 best all-around players in the NBA. Put him with Garnett and that would give the Wolves two of the top 10. Garnett and Artest would play off one another brilliantly. They would create the possibility of a playoff run next spring in a much-weakened Western Conference.</div> Source
Man, that would be great for Twolves but they will really mess up there chemistry with artest on there team
Imagine how good the wolves Defense would be with Artest. Their offense would be just as good if not better too. Wally makes way too much money anyways. You cant question the effort of Wally, but Artest is no question a better player and the wolves will never go far with Wally as the #2 talent on the team. If KG and Casey approve of Artest, McHale needs to make a move to make this happen. What does he have to lose? After all the bad moves McHale has made at least if this becomes one of them they get rid of a way overpaid player and make room for some younger talent. I think Artest is a better man after being suspended last year and he has a different attitude. There is no question the man wants to be in the NBA and he wont screw it up. But KG isnt in a contract year so McHale will continue to make bonehead moves like drafting Ebi and letting Billups go.
What do you think of this trade scenario? Incoming - Artest, Croshere, Tinsley Outgoing - Kandi, Hassell, McCants, Wally
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">What do you think of this trade scenario? Incoming - Artest, Croshere, Tinsley Outgoing - Kandi, Hassell, McCants, Wally</div> We currently have 3 PG's. Jaric has the height and size to probably play the 2, but he seems to fit the PG (mainly due to the fact that he isn't noticed as much and can help with steals) and I would love Tinsley. I respect Artest and would love the fact that he can score and defend, but he is light in the trust department and I could see him saying something to the fact of "I'm not happy with such-and-such, I'm gonna tank". I would think that he and KG's relationship is the "X" factor. I would think KG would love his ability and desire. But, if Ron started with the pity party or tanking, KG might "Take it to the street" if you know what I mean. KG has an appreciation for the game and for honest intent, and if you don't show either, your not gonna be on the same page. I have a little of a nudge, feeling this may be giving up too much. We still need post scoring when the shots aren't dropping.
