Rockets GM: We Want Ron Back Last Edited: Tuesday, 10 Mar 2009, 8:21 PM CDT Created On: Tuesday, 10 Mar 2009, 8:05 PM CDT HOUSTON - The Houston Rockets own the third best record in the NBA's Western Conference at 42-23. One big reason for the Rockets success is the play of forward Ron Artest who was inserted into the starting lineup on a permanent basis after guard Tracy McGrady underwent season-ending surgery. Artest will become a free agent after the season and will certainly attract a lot of attention. If it's up to Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey Artest will continue his career in a Houston uniform for many years to come. "We want him back," Morey said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports Tuesday. "All of the parties agreed we would address this after the season, so that it would not be a distraction, but from my point of view we would like Ron back." Artest was thrilled to hear Morey's opinion of him. "I definitly appreciate it," Artest said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. We have a lot of challenges ahead of us as far as a team, so that's not something that has been on my mind. "Being a Houston Rocket for the remainder of my career, God-willing, that's something that has been on my mind. The most important thing right now is the Laker game, but with that said my family and myself do appreciate those words from him and got to be grateful for that." Artest said his relationship with Yao Ming is one big reason why he would like to return to the Rockets. "It's great playing with a guy like Yao, a leader like Yao," Artest said. "He works just as hard as me, if not harder. I know that Yao wants it. "It's great playing with a leader that wants it." Artest's agent, David Bauman, said he and the Rockets are on the same page. "My goal since the trade has been to make this work," Bauman said. "Daryl and I have spent a lot of time meeting and speaking on the phone to make sure all lines of communication have been open. "Ron is the type of player who is a winner and needs to be on a playoff caliber team. With the core that Daryl has built and a coach like (Rick) Adelman who Ron is comfortable with and trusts, it's a great situation." Sacramento traded Arest to the Rockets in July in a multi-player deal. This season Artest is averaging 16.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals.
Excellent, now send Tracy McGrady elsewhere. Artest is likely going to be all-star next year if T-Mac doesn't play on this team anymore. Woot Ron.
If Les wants this, Les will make it happen. I am sure of it. When Les wants a player he is willing to give him the cash he deserves. Heck remember when he gave JVG that 1 year extension out of nowhere just because he was happy with the Dallas series. Les is a great owner and I love him because he has always brought guys in because he wants to win. I have no doubts that if he wants Ron back, then Ron will be back with the Houston Rockets. I want Ron back. I doubt we snab anyone in 2010 free agency anyways, so I rather have Ron back. I love Ron.
Thank you for posting this, I freaking love to hear that from Ron. The good thing about Ron, his attitude and demeanor will help him be an effective player in this league for many more years. Sign him for 5 years, get rid of Tracy's contract and pick up a young up and coming talent, and of course get Yao to resign. This team may not have to rebuild after all. Aaron Brooks has the potential to be a player(allstar) in this league.
Use about 8 million of Macs salary to give our core raises and spend 15 or so in 2010. Les might have to dip into the tax area, but we could have a VERY solid team for 3-4 years if we play our cards right.
Very good point. One can hope that a short term deal that doesn't break the bank and still leaves us money for a 14-15M guy to replace McGrady works out. I'm no capologist so I hope that other guys can give us more information about future scenarios concerning free agency.
We can just replace McGrady with Artest as far as i'm concerned. Steps to building a franchise... 1.)Resign Artest 2.) LET TMAC's CONTRACT EXPIRE! This way we can go after a guy like Joe Johnson...and who knows if we have a good season 09/10...and the Heat are still 5-8 seed playoff team...maybe we can convince a Dwade to come here. 3.) Championship.
If the rockets can pass the 1st round this year, Artest will be re-signed. Otherwise, they will go after another star.
If Artest stays then we wont be able to land another top 2/3 player because there are not enuf minutes for them. Bosh?
didn't Morey just about trade him a few weeks back????? Hmmmmm, I doubt he's gonna say, NO we don't want him back......I don't get why people put so much stock in what GM's say to the media.....
No, Battier is regressing. If we got a Wade or J.Johnson they can play the two, Artest will play the three and i'm positive Battier will have no problem coming off the bench. Also yeah I do think Wade is a possibility. He wants to win, and if the Heat are still a 5-8 team in the East next season, he will test his option. If we have a good season next year it's going to be hard for any FA to turn down playing with the talent we are stacking. But anyone we get will help more than Tmac has. Bosh? Idk, Scola has been playing great lately. I think we need a go to guy playing SG Joe Johnson with Artest.
To do list: 1. Re-sign Artest. 2. Sign Dwayne Wade. 3. Get back-up center. Championship next 5 years.
Also we should just let Tmac's contract expire. Whose to say he doesn't come back and actually help out next season? If he's still the same old Tmac oh well, we get 21 million off the cap to spend on anyone we want to.
