Stupid comments by a fantastic player, a player that, from what I've seen of him, is one of the hardest workers on the court in the league. I'll take Artest in a heartbeat, baggage or no baggage.
I can't make up my mind...it would be hard to cheer for the guy, but on the other hand, I think he is THAT good...definitely insane, but at least, he hasn't choked a coach (yet). Perhaps... Houston trades: Jimmy Jackson (No games yet played in 2004/05) PF Juwan Howard (9.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.3 apg in 21.2 minutes) Houston receives: SF James Jones (4.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.7 apg in 16.0 minutes) SF Ron Artest (24.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.3 apg in 38.0 minutes) Change in team outlook: +19.4 ppg, +5.6 rpg, and +2.7 apg. Indiana trades: SF James Jones (4.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.7 apg in 16.0 minutes) SF Ron Artest (24.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.3 apg in 38.0 minutes) Indiana receives: Jimmy Jackson (No games yet played in 2004/05) PF Juwan Howard (9.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.3 apg in 21.2 minutes) Change in team outlook: -19.4 ppg, -5.6 rpg, and -2.7 apg. TRADE ACCEPTED Due to Houston and Indiana being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Houston and Indiana had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
