To end games we could have Tracy at the point, Battier and RonRon on the wings, Scolandry at the 4 and Yao in the post.... HOLY CRAP...
when I heard this on the radio I though for sure Battier was involved. Even IF he was involved I would have been happy, WOW. Artest is OUR legit 3rd scoring option, he's the EDGE this team is lacking. HALELUAH!
Ron Ron a Rocket: Rockets pick up Artest So you wanted something to chew on? How about this: Ron Artest? Not good enough? How about Ron Artest in exchange for Bobby Jackson, a first-round pick, a pile of Leslie Alexander cash and probably Donte' Greene, whom the Rockets did not expect to contribute next season, anyway? At least next season, that's Artest for an inconsistent backup point guard that the Rockets had hoped would get supplanted by Aaron Brooks. If nothing else, it sure is a lot better than chatting endlessly about what did not happen with Carl Landry today. If it works — which means if Artest can keep his mind on the game for a season — it could work big time. In some ways, Shane Battier is a better all-around defender. But when it comes to one-on-one, lock down the other guy, Artest might be the best in the league. He is almost without question the most versatile individual defender, capable of bullying big men or sliding with the quick ones. Tracy McGrady, who seems about to get the same shots against the best of defenders, never looked as well defended as when lined up last season against Artest. He also has the shooting range (catch-and-shoot or off the dribble) to provide spacing for McGrady and Yao Ming when Battier is not on the floor. He also can finish games with Battier, with McGrady moving over the point or Artest sliding over to the four. And how good will that defense be, with Battier to run things and Artest able to just lock in on one assignment? There is of course also the flip (out) side. Even assuming he stays on the correct side of the law and on the court, he can ignore game plans and go off on his own while teammates stand around, watch and fume. This did not play well that first season in Sacramento, when the holdovers from those great Rick Adelman offenses liked to actually run the offense. But Artest can run the Adelman offense. He was able to be an effective passer in the double-elbow set that Adelman likes so much. He can also be on the receiving, with an ability to cut, catch and finish that should fit very well with McGrady. For the Rockets, even the short-term of Artest's contract (with one season worth $7.4 million left before he becomes a free agent) is a good thing. You would not want to give up too much for a guy that will be a free agent next summer and the Rockets will not, but you also would not want to trust that he can keep things going clear of trouble for too long. The Rockets, however, were willing to gamble. When he's right, he's special. Maybe, finally, they will be again, too. http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2008/07/ron_ron_a_rocket_rockets_picku.html
You guys that are predicting a Battier trade to clear space at that position need to stop and think for a sec. Aint no way Battier complains about coming off the bench for a championship contender...he just isnt that kind of guy. Also, as often as teams like to go small, I can see real uses for having McGrady, Battier and Artest on the floor at the same time...Artest can most definitely handle small 4 duty. Put Scola or Dorsey or even Chuck if you need all defense at the end of games. Who is gonna score on that unit? And again....I end my post praying that Ron ARtest takes advantage of the opportunity here to show that he isnt clinically insane. That is my only worry here.
exactly. That's the beauty of NOT having to deal Battier away. Unless we do another blockbuster (like for AI or whatever), having Battier as our 6th man is something great to have.
I fully agree. Another important aspect is that Battier is one of the guys who will keep Artest's craziness in check a little bit...steadying veteran influence in the locker room. Plus, to have BOTH of them defending the perimeter is just a CRAZY thought!
We're gonna see Bobby Jackson hold it up, cuz it caught him off guard and its not quite to his approval...he'll voice displeasure of loving a good situation behind and wishes he'd remain cuz things were just getting started...Then he'll want a tour of the Kings facilities to see if they value him as the key component of the franchise, to feel the the love so to speak. Basically putting a snag in the deal Then the fans will unmercifully turn on him, enemies we knew never existed would want to to show him the door. And talk negatively about his over-dribbling and questionable shot selection
omfgggggg, we keep the crazyness in check and its over!!!! hell i'll go buy one of his almubs!!! TRU WARRIOR PARTY AT MY HOUSE!!!!!
shane battier is be relived that he doesnt have to guard kobe the entire game anymore, and the other guys. 3rd scorer and elite defender like WHAT???
I HAVE WANTED THIS FOR YEARS AND CARLOS LEE JUST HIT A GRAND SLAM TOO MUCH HAPPINESS AT ONE MOMENT WOWWWWWWWWWWWWZ
