By now, we've heard all about the supposed locker room drama between these two. But has that shaky relationship affected Artest's play on the court? Or are they just a bad fit playing together? Does Artest play better without Tmac? Artest is shooting .39 from the field this season, down from .44 and .453 in the past two years and a career average of .42. However, he has played 12 games this year without Tmac in the lineup, and here are his stats: FGM FGA Pct 6.5 15.8 .411 3M 3A Pct 2.5 5.5 .455 20.0 PTS 5.2 REB 4.1 AST 1.4 STL 0.6 BLK 2.3 TO Not bad if you ask me. What's particularly impressive is the 3pt shooting. He takes 5.5 a game and makes them at a scorching .455 rate. His fg% still isn't great, but it's close to his career average. Overall, I think having two "ball stoppers" playing together hurt both of them. With Tmac out for the year, Ron fits our team much better now. We are ready for our playoff push and Artest is more than capable of being an essential cog in the Rocket machine.
I think the "locker room drama" has nothing to do with it. Their play styles don't work well together. BTW, this has been documented and posted on here many, many times.
your offense can afford to have one ball stopper......not two. Artest and Tmac hurt eachother's games.
That's why i said trade Tmac...he's hurting the entire team because all he does is taking jumpshot after jumpshot and if it ain't falling, he's looking to pass. But he doen't attack the basket at all...or hardly. He can pretty much take jump shot all game long because nobody is going to double team him anyway. And there is no need for him to pass the ball...because nobody is doubling him like they double Yao.
Its playing styles along with mentality of both. If they were both professionals they'd both adapt. Artest imposed his will on the situation bull in the china shop style. And nothing no one could do about it really. McGrady wasnt good enough & healthy enough to have influence anymore so he's the one that wilted. Thing is McGrady shoulda been happy to play 3rd/4th fiddle facilitator. He'da received the same darn credit he'da always received if Rockets advanced...anyways enough of that. Artest also's had to adapt to coming off the bench and deal with his own injuries. Some of its just him getting used to playing with injury and gettin used to the team philosophy I think. Okay and not having McGrady around as distraction so he has free reign to do what he wants on the court.
Granted, the team play suffered which was evident when T-Mac was on the court. You don't make this trade a year early because of the fans. Next year, his $22/23 mill will be more than it's worth. Yes it's a hefty salary especially considering he'll be earning it where most of watch the Rockets, at home, but the expected return they'll get via trade will more than make up for it. Until then, there is closure for us and management that he'll be out due to the surgery (good luck T-Mac, wish you well) and now the offense rests on how far AB, Ron, and Yao take us through the playoffs. Go Rockets!!!
I love artest, the tenacity he brings to the court is truly INTANGIBLE, this team brings great excitement with him on the floor. And anyone else notice how he doesn't take stupid shots when tmac is not there? Quite simple actually, when tmac is there, tmac holds the ball and forces everyone else to turn into a spot up shooter as the shotclock runs down. Artest doesn't fit that rule too well.
I agree with Shroopy. The problem is the mentality of the players...The funny thing is... Both players should have accepted that Yao was our first option... Yet Yao was so willing to defer to these two... That was the main problem with our big 3. It's like as if Tim Duncan started to defer Parker and Manu...all while Manu and Parker fight to be the first option. Now that Tmac is out, it's understood what Ron has to do and Yao has to do, and Adelman doesn't have to worry about who to play in the 4th just to satisfy someone.
I agree, it pretty much was the egos of the players that brought us problems this season. I still think there still might be a problem as we keep blowing leads late in the game.
I'm just waiting to read haterz_suk's reaction to it all. That guy is so insightful and he definitely had a well adjusted upbringing with lots of disposable income.
Man I really hope that we re-sign this guy and then trade McGrady at the trade deadline next year when his contract will be worth gold. Artest is a Warrior, As for McGrady I'm not sure what he is anymore.
Ron has taken on more responsibility there is no doubt about that. Whether it is a direct result of T-Macs injury Im not sure but if I was a betting man I'd say it was. Hes an experienced pro with a will to win and a lot to give our young players. I was one of the people who was excited when we got him and I still havent lost my enthusiams that he can do great things with this team. He offers the young players advice whilst forcing his will to win on the court.
When he was traded to the Kings for Peja, they went like 24-12 (or something like this. and it was the 4th best record in the NBA for the 2nd half of the season) for the remainder of the season and took the Spurs to 6 games. He can really do positive things for a team and I hope the Rockets resign him and trade McGrady for a useful piece. This team is still not far from championship Bibby was useless in that series, shooting like 35% and averaging like 10 points Bonzi stepped up too, though. But Artest led the charge.
kaocsaephan I agree with you 100%. Ron is not a miracle worker for the Rockets problems but he is a tough competitor who leads by example and gives the team a toughness that has been missing. Im not sure how much I'd be willing to pay for his services in the post season but lets take advantage of him whilst hes here.
I think thats a bit harsh. Not only has he struggled with his ankle but he was intent on showing respect to what he perceived was T-Macs team and he he possibly over compensated this by stepping back and accepting a lesser role. I dont think you can argue with his performances since T-Mac ruled himself out.
Didnt artest say he wouldnt mind coming off the bench? Everyone deals with injuries. Will anyone say Tmac has been 100% healthy this season.....NO. So why should that be an excuse for Artest?
All fair points and indeed Ron did say he was happy with his place on the bench. However he has since established himself in the locker room and since T-Mac has been injured and also the loss of Rafer he has stepped forward to take more responsibility. I have to say that I appear to be Rons biggest fan but this has been far from the truth. I was as disappointed as everyone with his play but I am slowly changing my mind. Sure he hasnt offered the defence that we all hoped for and he somtimes appears bloody minded on offense but I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt now that the chips are down and we really need him.
