I guess I could stick this up in the general NBA forum, but since I only really care about the Celtics, I'm asking it here: would you guys flip out of if the Celtics traded for Ron Artest? I admit, I'm not a big Ron Artest fan, but who am I kidding? You put on the green and white and I'll root for you. And keep in mind, this is the same franchise who once traded for Kermit Washington after he nearly killed Rudy T so anything is possible. Today Bill Simmons (sidebar: how is this guy not writing for the Globe? He's local and he's one of the best basketball writers in the country. Springer is fine, but May goes too far to the sky-is-falling, whatever-Danny-does-automatically-fails side of things) proposed something along the lines of: Jiri and Yogi for Artest. Maybe ask the Pacers to throw in a pick for a little crazy/flipout/retirement insurance. Pros: Artest is one of the better peremiter defenders in the league, obviously has a passion for the game (even if it is misguided sometimes) and since he always seems to kill us, no harm in making an enemy a teammate. Cons: I think that PP has too much of a history with Artest, Jiri is coming along nicely and I wouldn't give up on him yet, Artest is just nuts enough that I wouldn't want him hanging around with Jefferson, Banks, West, Perkins and Allen (who in a couple years could be Artest minus the crazy, anyways), and not to mention I think he and Ricky would come to blows in less than 20 practices. Me, I think about it for a really long time, but say no. Thats one man's opinion, whats yours?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CeltsMan54:</div><div class="quote_post">I guess I could stick this up in the general NBA forum, but since I only really care about the Celtics, I'm asking it here: would you guys flip out of if the Celtics traded for Ron Artest? I admit, I'm not a big Ron Artest fan, but who am I kidding? You put on the green and white and I'll root for you. And keep in mind, this is the same franchise who once traded for Kermit Washington after he nearly killed Rudy T so anything is possible. Today Bill Simmons (sidebar: how is this guy not writing for the Globe? He's local and he's one of the best basketball writers in the country. Springer is fine, but May goes too far to the sky-is-falling, whatever-Danny-does-automatically-fails side of things) proposed something along the lines of: Jiri and Yogi for Artest. Maybe ask the Pacers to throw in a pick for a little crazy/flipout/retirement insurance. Pros: Artest is one of the better peremiter defenders in the league, obviously has a passion for the game (even if it is misguided sometimes) and since he always seems to kill us, no harm in making an enemy a teammate. Cons: I think that PP has too much of a history with Artest, Jiri is coming along nicely and I wouldn't give up on him yet, Artest is just nuts enough that I wouldn't want him hanging around with Jefferson, Banks, West, Perkins and Allen (who in a couple years could be Artest minus the crazy, anyways), and not to mention I think he and Ricky would come to blows in less than 20 practices. Me, I think about it for a really long time, but say no. Thats one man's opinion, whats yours?</div> Many teams would take Artest of they didn't have to give up much. Ron Artest is too much of a risk to give away some of your best players for him.
No, Simply put. I stated weeks ago when Artest's suggested time off because of his rap album situation that anyone who's willing to put a such a project ahead of their team and their profession, ultimately isn't a true team player. I pointed to the Ricky Williams incident for reference, and even suggested Indiana should trade Artest before he brought them down. Certainly you can't build a championship team around such an unstable player, but Indiana gave it a try and failed just as Miami did placing so much responsibility on Ricky Williams's shoulders. Now look at Indiana, without their second best player and certainly without a chance of matching their success from just a year ago. You play with fire and you'll get burned, it's just that simple...
i wouldnt trade a towel guy for jiri and yogi........certainly not the best defender, mr. intensity, who's offence looked to be greatly improved. He's what every team needs.
I think Artest might need a change of scenery and he could become under control, but then again he might just be messed up in the head. I think any team would welcome Artest with open arms because he can score and he is argueably the best defensive player in the league. He could really help out the Celts I think, but I dunno if they would be interested with him.
If the Magic or the Heat wanted him, I would support that decision in a heartbeat. As long as he is under control and taking anger management classes, he can be a highly effective player.
Well, I saw an interview with him saying he refused to take the medication that was given to him. As long as that's the case then let someone else deal with him. I don't see a need to take a chance with a guy like that. Especially with our mostly young impressionable roster.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting trenchteam:</div><div class="quote_post">He's a hell of a player. I would take him.</div> Even if he doesn't take medications that would keep him under control and has to be given more attention than other players? I wouldn't risk taking him.
I never contributed to this thread when it was made because I think there was a similar thread that I commented to. Just to reitterate my thoughts, which haven't changed and have only been strengthened by recent happenings: Artest's basketball skills have never been in contention in my mind. I liked him as a player at SJU and He's proved to be a quality player in the NBA, after a sort of slow start. However, the knock on Artest has never been his playing, but his mental state and despite a streak of good behavior, he went right back to the things that detract from his NBA legacy during the brawl in Detriot and to a lesser extent, when he asked Pacer management for a few months off so he could plug his CD release. We got rid of Vinny, who's mental health was undoubtedly questionable and I see no reason to bring in an even bigger pariah in Ron Artest. You just don't know when Artest is going to go nuts on you and become a detriment to the club. Artest still hasn't proven that he can put the team before himself and he still has trouble with talking before he thinks things through. Neither are palatable attributes that I want for the Celtics franchise. Have a good holiday everyone.
I wouldnt trade for the guy either, because of all the reasons listed above. Too bad, he's such a great player with a very reasonable contract. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting CeltsMan54:</div><div class="quote_post">Today Bill Simmons (sidebar: how is this guy not writing for the Globe? He's local and he's one of the best basketball writers in the country. Springer is fine, but May goes too far to the sky-is-falling, whatever-Danny-does-automatically-fails side of things) </div> By the way, Simmons, while he grew up in Boston, is not living in LA and is a Clippers season ticket holder.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting celtfan:</div><div class="quote_post">By the way, Simmons, while he grew up in Boston, is not living in LA and is a Clippers season ticket holder.</div> I know, but you would think that the Globe could pay him enough to entice him back east. I mean, their basketball coverage is BRUTAL.
Simmons is too much of a schitck guy to ever work for the Globe on a regular basis. I think it would ruin his columns anyways, not being able to deliver his thoughts in the manner he's accustomed to.
