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[ESPN] Artest factors in title chances

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by SpiffyRifi, Jul 1, 2009.

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SpiffyRifi Member

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The bolded parts seem contrary to what Artest and his agent said before.

HOUSTON -- If LeBron James or Kobe Bryant are looking for a little help, Ron Artest is talking calls.

The Rockets star forward, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team's chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he'll bring his skills next season, his agent says.

Artest

David Bauman said Wednesday that his client would like to return to Houston, but Artest would also think about signing with a contending team -- and that might rule out the Rockets if Yao Ming's broken left foot keeps him out for the season.

Bauman wouldn't say which teams have contacted him about Artest. But he said he would expect Artest to talk to James and Bryant if the Cavaliers or Lakers teams were interested in him.

"All the superstars are very savvy and great recruiters," Bauman said. "The superstars are sometimes even better recruiters than the general managers or their staffs. Between Kobe and Ron or LeBron and Ron, there are always conversations that occur. I think I'll just leave it at that at this point."

Artest earned more than $7 million last season. Houston general manager Daryl Morey said he has contacted Bauman, but Artest's agent would not comment on the progress so far.

"Obviously, we'd love to do a deal with the Rockets," Bauman said. "At this point, I think it's premature. We really have to figure out what all the options are and what's the best place for Ron, both financially and from a playing perspective."

Cleveland would be an intriguing option, where Artest could round out a formidable trio with James and Shaquille O'Neal.

Cavs coach Mike Brown was an assistant at Indiana when Artest was there in 2003-04. The two developed a good relationship, and it was Brown who chased Artest into the seats when the sometimes volatile forward went after a Detroit fan in Auburn Hills, Mich., during the infamous brawl there in '04.

The Cavaliers could use a tough, physical defender like Artest after struggling to guard Orlando's perimeter shooters in the Eastern Conference finals last season. James has said that Artest gives him as much trouble as any defender he faces.

Another enticing possibility is the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA champs may lose free-agent swingman Trevor Ariza.

All of this could deepen the misery for the Rockets, who already expect to be missing Tracy McGrady for the first half of next season as he tries to come back from microfracture surgery on his left knee. The team is waiting for more medical opinions on Yao's fractured left foot, which a team doctor said this week could threaten his career.

Bauman would not say how much the injuries might impact Artest's decision, saying only that his client will definitely size up a team's chances of winning a championship before signing anywhere.

"We will give that very strong consideration," Bauman said.
Click to expand...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4300950

#1 SpiffyRifi, Jul 1, 2009

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oh no..

#2 Egghead, Jul 1, 2009
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blame it on tracy

#3 R0cketC1ty123, Jul 1, 2009
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15m or a championship and a ring worth chump change?

DD

#4 Dei, Jul 1, 2009
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nooo, don't go to the dark side!!! who else feels like artest would be a traitor if he went to go play for the lakers?

#5 tinywang, Jul 1, 2009
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there was another news previously saying that Yao's injury won't affect their decision.

Who's doing do BS there....

#6 Prince, Jul 1, 2009
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As I said it before and I'll say it hopefully one last time. Morey, let him walk! What is he going to bring us? Perhaps a one and done in the playoffs? And tie money into the cap for another 3 years when your other 2 superstars are 1. injured and 2. no guarentee to be back. Not worth it, IMO.

#7 J.R., Jul 1, 2009

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Bad news, Artest camp is starting to send messages about him changing directions.

Truth is you can´t blame him.

He is gone for sure!

#8 fryjol, Jul 1, 2009
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Didn't really expect him to stay. I love me some RonRon, but without Yao... I don't really see the point.

#9 mic, Jul 1, 2009
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Rockets just dodged a bullet.......

#10 redao, Jul 1, 2009
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hsf09 said:

As I said it before and I'll say it hopefully one last time. Morey, let him walk! What is he going to bring us? Perhaps a one and done in the playoffs? And tie money into the cap for another 3 years when your other 2 superstars are 1. injured and 2. no guarentee to be back. Not worth it, IMO.
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Heart. Having a pit bull on a team is always a plus. But having two? Watching Artest and Scola last season scared me! I wonder what it does to the other guys?

#11 TMacAttack, Jul 1, 2009
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"All the superstars are very savvy and great recruiters," Bauman said. "The superstars are sometimes even better recruiters than the general managers or their staffs. Between Kobe and Ron or LeBron and Ron, there are always conversations that occur. I think I'll just leave it at that at this point."
Click to expand...

Translated.

Hey guys, put pressure on your GM to overpay my client.

Pleeeeeeease.

#12 Raven, Jul 1, 2009
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Just read on another message board that if Ron goes to Cleveland it may be in a sign and trade deal involving Ron for Anderson Varejao. Sounded like speculation and I hope it remains that.

#13 Shaud, Jul 1, 2009

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artest doesn't factor anything but money.

#14 roxstarz, Jul 1, 2009
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Rockets are in position to have cap space next year as well. No way will they do any other team a favor in a sign-and-trade unless that team is prepared to give up some younger talent we can build with. Guess what, Cleveland has none except for Lebron.

I'm one of those that believes Ron will not sign for the MLE and he certainly doesn't want a one-year deal so teams can still maintain cap space for next year.

#15 rocketteen, Jul 1, 2009
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Shaud said:

Just read on another message board that if Ron goes to Cleveland it may be in a sign and trade deal involving Ron for Anderson Varejao. Sounded like speculation and I hope it remains that.
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Varejao's not a bad player, but he isn't worth a lot. I don't think Morey is going to agree to that.

#16 saleem, Jul 1, 2009
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I am ready to say goodbye to Ron.

#17 Jeff Who, Jul 1, 2009
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Jeff Who said:

I am ready to say goodbye to Ron.
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I already have.

The more I think about it, it's clear that Morey will be focused on that 2010 draft class more than ever and that means no big ticket contracts. I just don't see the Rockets making a big move unless they get some young talent or expiring contracts or draft picks in return.

#18 Raven, Jul 1, 2009

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Bye bye, Testy. Thanks for the memories (like running into the stands and taking a seat).

#19 northeastfan, Jul 1, 2009
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On Artest's twitter:
THANKS ALOT HOUSTON. I HAD ALOT OF FUN

This can mean two things. He thanks houston for giving him a contract, or thanks houston for last season.....cause he aint gonna be he anymore.
The fact that he used "had alot of fun" makes me think he is signing elsewhere.

#20 milkoholic17, Jul 1, 2009

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