Ron Artest traded to Rockets

Thug · 07-29-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

In what had been a quiet offseason, the Rockets are about to make a lot of noise.

In a stunning move designed to push the Rockets from solid playoff team toward legitimate NBA contenders, the Rockets reached agreement Tuesday with the Sacramento Kings to acquire gifted but controversial forward Ron Artest, according to an NBA executive with knowledge of the deal.

The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick next season and another player that the individual with knowledge of the trade could not name. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey could not be immediately reached for comment.

Because of contract considerations, the trade will not be announced until Aug. 14, though that would indicate the deal could include Rockets’ first round draft pick Donte’ Greene. Greene is not permitted to be traded until then, one month from when he signed with the Rockets.

There could also be other players involved to make the money match but none that the Rockets would plan to keep. The Rockets will also send the Kings cash in excess of $1 million.

Artest, 28, is considered one of the NBA’s most unpredictable characters and was the central figure in a 2004-05 brawl with fans in Auburn Hills, Mich. He is also considered among the league’s toughest lock-down defenders and sometimes, an unstoppable offensive force.

The 39 points he scored against the Rockets in 2006-07 season are his career high.

A 6-7, 248 pound forward, he had publicly lamented his decision last month not to opt out of the last season of his contract to become a free agent, renewing the Kings’ efforts to move him.

Artest played 40 games for Rockets coach Rick Adelman after he was traded by the Indiana Pacers to the Kings in the 2005-06 season, averaging 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and a career-high 4.2 assists. He was also a first-team NBA All-Defensive team selection. He offered to donate his salary if the Kings were willing to retain Adelman after that season.

In nine NBA seasons out of St. John’s, where he was a third-team All-American, Artest has averaged 16 points and 5.1 rebounds. He was the 2003-04 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 20.5 points per game last season.

Artest, however, has been unable to stay clear from trouble. He was arrested in March 2007 and charged with domestic abuse and eventually sentenced to 20 days in jail and community service. That sentence was reduced to 10 days in a work release program. He had also been charged with animal neglect, though charges were not filed and Artest has since worked with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on several campaigns.

In addition to his 73-game suspension after going into the stands in the Nov. 19, 2004 brawl (the longest suspension in NBA history other than for drug policy violations or gambling), he has been suspended for destroying a television camera in New York, for an altercation with then Heat coach Pat Riley in Miami and for numerous flagrant fouls.

Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1999, he was traded in 2002 to the Pacers, having some of his best seasons, including his one All Star season in 2003-04. Prior to the fight in 2004, he was suspended for two games for asking for a month off to promote an R&B album by a group on his production label.

After his return to the Pacers the season after the fight, he asked for a trade and was placed on the inactive roster.

Though Artest has been best used as a small forward, Rockets forward Shane Battier is also considered among the league’s best players at defending small forwards and shooting guards. But because Artest can defend players from small guards to power forwards, the Rockets could finish games with Artest and Battier on the court together, either with Tracy McGrady sliding over to point guard or with Artest matching up with power forwards.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5914062.html

The MVP of West Hollywood · 07-29-2008, 08:41 PM

Wow

The Rockets should be UNBELIEVABLE defensively now. If TMac still doesn't get out of the 1st round...

I actually like it for the Kings if they get Donte Green back or dump Kenny Thomas's contract. If you traded him for JHo, you'll just be mediocore again next year. Now they can embrace bottom 5-ness for the next couple years. Udrih/Martin/Hawes/Thompson/Green/probable high lottery picks from now on is a nice core to build around too...

I think Miller will be traded soon too, no use for him.

**Ball Don't Lie** · 07-29-2008, 09:20 PM

What the fuck? Theyre like the greatest defensive team of all time now. Way to hand the Rockets the West, dumbasses. Thats if they stay healthy.

I think a "LETS TRADE FOR BATTIER" is in order on the Raptors main forum.

**Belsius** · 07-29-2008, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thriller92

I think a "LETS TRADE FOR BATTIER" is in order on the Raptors main forum.

I would sign for that anyday.

Kirby · 07-29-2008, 09:39 PM

Why not? I was just thinking of that ;D

Torontosaurus · 07-29-2008, 09:53 PM

Bargs for Battier

Ya, I said it

Kirby · 07-29-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torontosaurus

Bargs for Battier

Ya, I said it

Add some Landry ;D
No..We'd be incredibly thin up front and we could get better with Bargs.

**'trane** · 07-29-2008, 11:09 PM

wow. did not see this coming at all. if ron-ron can keep his head together for 100+ games these guys will be very, very dangerous.

still a big if.

Miniwheats · 07-30-2008, 01:53 AM

wo this team will be quite scary this year i must say
they will have an unbelievable starting lineup and i think its a horrible deal for SAC

as for Bargs for battier i think that we could get battier for a little less than bargs. Also if we made the deal we would have 3 eligable to start small forwads and oonly one formible center and on startable PF. so i would trade jamario moon 2010 first round pick and nathan Jawai. let me know what ya think

Ugo Ferst · 07-30-2008, 02:32 AM

Im a closet T-Mac fan, so im happy for this deal, i think they are a legit contender now as long as Yao can stay healthy. Hell i thought they were a contender last year.

**Claudius** · 07-30-2008, 09:01 AM

Short term Houston wins this deal hands down as its a now or never move for them. They still have too many question marks and it'll be interesting to see how Rafer and Artest get along due to their personalities.

However, Sacramento wins this deal long term. Greene is a player and as long as he stays focussed and motivated his career won't mimic that of Stromile Swift. Plus, Artest just never seemed to fit on that team, now you move Garcia into that starting role and even though they will lose their games they'll be a tough opponent night in and night out with Beno, Martin and Garcia.

Dr. J. Naismith · 07-30-2008, 09:02 AM

Great move by the Rockets. And like some of you already mentioned, injuries aside this team has to potential to make alot of noise next year. Not to mention McGrady might finally actually make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs for a change.

**Adequate Swag** · 07-30-2008, 09:42 AM

This move is OK, but Shane Battier is basically Ron Artest with a little less offense and a lot more general intelligence.

What's their lineup now? Do they play both these guys at the same time at the 2 and 3 with McGrady running the point? Does one of them play the 4 with Scola coming off the bench? Does one of Battier or Artest come off the bench?

And to anyone thinking this makes the Rockets the favourites, consider that they are still trying to pass Rafer Alston off as a NBA caliber starting point guard. And consider this team has still never made it out of the first round.

And Sacto didn't get a raw deal here. Artest wasn't a particularly valuable trading piece, and they essentially got 2 first round picks for him.

Major · 07-30-2008, 10:01 AM

Wow they are really in win-now mode aren't they? First they trade Rudy Gay's rights for Shane Battier in an effort to shore up the D, now they trade both this years and next years pick for a guy who should pretty much fill that same role.

Will they start both Artest and Battier at forward, or start Scola and bring Battier off the bench?

I would seriously consider starting Artest and Battier, having 4 3pt shooters on the floor would open things up for Yao.

**Claudius** · 07-30-2008, 10:09 AM

The more I think about this deal, the more I don't like it. Personally, I think they should've made a play for TJ Ford as he's a better PG than Rafer is. Adding Artest does seem redundant and really, his mental stability should come in question.

Still, Houston will have to beat one of LA or San Antonio and I still don't think they can do it.

**Adequate Swag** · 07-30-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudius

The more I think about this deal, the more I don't like it. Personally, I think they should've made a play for TJ Ford as he's a better PG than Rafer is. Adding Artest does seem redundant and really, his mental stability should come in question.

Still, Houston will have to beat one of LA or San Antonio and I still don't think they can do it.

And don't forget New Orleans and Utah too.

Wing defenders can only do so much against Chris Paul and Deron Williams, who may well be the two biggest individual threats in the West not named Kobe.

If I had to make a prediction, I would say that this team is still in the bottom half of the West playoff picture and doesn't make it out of the first round.

**Claudius** · 07-30-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adequate Swag

And don't forget New Orleans and Utah too.

Wing defenders can only do so much against Chris Paul and Deron Williams, who may well be the two biggest individual threats in the West not named Kobe.

If I had to make a prediction, I would say that this team is still in the bottom half of the West playoff picture and doesn't make it out of the first round.

Completely forgot about those two teams.

I think if they face Utah they have a chance of defeating them in the first round with a fully healthy team. However, after that there's nothing that screams out: "Wow!"

As you pointed out, wing defenders can only do so much, espescially when the league today is Point Guard driven.

Snooch · 07-30-2008, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudius

Completely forgot about those two teams.

I think if they face Utah they have a chance of defeating them in the first round with a fully healthy team. However, after that there's nothing that screams out: "Wow!"

As you pointed out, wing defenders can only do so much, espescially when the league today is Point Guard driven.

I think if the Rockets are healthy they can definately defeat Utah as there is no way Utah can even contain Yao, if Huston goes with battier at the 4 spot then Utah is screwed, but Williams will score alot of points.

Major · 07-30-2008, 10:39 AM

You know a conference is so friggin stacked when the ranks #1-#8 are 7 wins away.

I mean, it's not even fair. I feel bad for good teams like Denver who notched 50 wins this year but barely clinched a playoff spot. The y would be so good in the East.

All I'm saying is thank god Toronto is not in the West.

King Shake · 07-30-2008, 10:42 AM

Houston with probably the second best move of the off-season after Philly. Ron Artest with T-Mac and Yao is gonna be like a lesser KG-Truth-Jesus, but with more offense. However, I think Artest is gonna play his ass off this year. For the first time in awhile he's on a good team with a legit chance to get to the playoffs and now Finals.

The only problem is Yao's health, but the Rockets did go on a 22 game win streak without him, so I mean, they can still win, but it's hard. I just can't wait to see T-Mac and Artest play together, should be fun to watch.

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07-29-2008, 08:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
The MVP of West Hollywood is the only guy who thinks Terrence Ross will be an all-star Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,126 Representing:	Wow The Rockets should be UNBELIEVABLE defensively now. If TMac still doesn't get out of the 1st round... I actually like it for the Kings if they get Donte Green back or dump Kenny Thomas's contract. If you traded him for JHo, you'll just be mediocore again next year. Now they can embrace bottom 5-ness for the next couple years. Udrih/Martin/Hawes/Thompson/Green/probable high lottery picks from now on is a nice core to build around too... I think Miller will be traded soon too, no use for him.

07-29-2008, 09:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ball Don't Lie is praying Drummond doesnt haunt us forever. Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,874 Representing:	What the fuck? Theyre like the greatest defensive team of all time now. Way to hand the Rockets the West, dumbasses. Thats if they stay healthy. I think a "LETS TRADE FOR BATTIER" is in order on the Raptors main forum.

07-29-2008, 09:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
Kirby is don't lurk me bro. Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 5,408 Representing:	Why not? I was just thinking of that ;D

07-29-2008, 09:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
Torontosaurus is waiting for the Masai-a on ihateus Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Victoria, home of the Nash-ites Posts: 3,343 Representing:	Bargs for Battier Ya, I said it

07-29-2008, 11:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
'trane is on a monk trip. giant steps Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 15,273 Representing:	wow. did not see this coming at all. if ron-ron can keep his head together for 100+ games these guys will be very, very dangerous. still a big if.

07-30-2008, 01:53 AM	#9 (permalink)
Miniwheats is all hustle no muscle Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 137 Representing:	wo this team will be quite scary this year i must say they will have an unbelievable starting lineup and i think its a horrible deal for SAC as for Bargs for battier i think that we could get battier for a little less than bargs. Also if we made the deal we would have 3 eligable to start small forwads and oonly one formible center and on startable PF. so i would trade jamario moon 2010 first round pick and nathan Jawai. let me know what ya think

07-30-2008, 02:32 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ugo Ferst is pounding the rock! Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4,312 Representing:	Im a closet T-Mac fan, so im happy for this deal, i think they are a legit contender now as long as Yao can stay healthy. Hell i thought they were a contender last year.

07-30-2008, 09:01 AM	#11 (permalink)
Claudius is contemplating The Killing Joke Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Burkina Faso, Disputed Zone Posts: 9,603 Representing:	Short term Houston wins this deal hands down as its a now or never move for them. They still have too many question marks and it'll be interesting to see how Rafer and Artest get along due to their personalities. However, Sacramento wins this deal long term. Greene is a player and as long as he stays focussed and motivated his career won't mimic that of Stromile Swift. Plus, Artest just never seemed to fit on that team, now you move Garcia into that starting role and even though they will lose their games they'll be a tough opponent night in and night out with Beno, Martin and Garcia.

07-30-2008, 09:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
Dr. J. Naismith is convinced that Raptors fans are only happy when they're unhappy. Retired Administrator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Almonte Posts: 10,251 Representing:	Great move by the Rockets. And like some of you already mentioned, injuries aside this team has to potential to make alot of noise next year. Not to mention McGrady might finally actually make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs for a change.

07-30-2008, 09:42 AM	#13 (permalink)
Adequate Swag is pounding the rock! RF Affiliate Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 513 Representing:	This move is OK, but Shane Battier is basically Ron Artest with a little less offense and a lot more general intelligence. What's their lineup now? Do they play both these guys at the same time at the 2 and 3 with McGrady running the point? Does one of them play the 4 with Scola coming off the bench? Does one of Battier or Artest come off the bench? And to anyone thinking this makes the Rockets the favourites, consider that they are still trying to pass Rafer Alston off as a NBA caliber starting point guard. And consider this team has still never made it out of the first round. And Sacto didn't get a raw deal here. Artest wasn't a particularly valuable trading piece, and they essentially got 2 first round picks for him.

07-30-2008, 10:01 AM	#14 (permalink)
Major is pounding the rock! Senior Member, Eh? Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,606 Representing:	Wow they are really in win-now mode aren't they? First they trade Rudy Gay's rights for Shane Battier in an effort to shore up the D, now they trade both this years and next years pick for a guy who should pretty much fill that same role. Will they start both Artest and Battier at forward, or start Scola and bring Battier off the bench? I would seriously consider starting Artest and Battier, having 4 3pt shooters on the floor would open things up for Yao.

07-30-2008, 10:09 AM	#15 (permalink)
Claudius is contemplating The Killing Joke Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Burkina Faso, Disputed Zone Posts: 9,603 Representing:	The more I think about this deal, the more I don't like it. Personally, I think they should've made a play for TJ Ford as he's a better PG than Rafer is. Adding Artest does seem redundant and really, his mental stability should come in question. Still, Houston will have to beat one of LA or San Antonio and I still don't think they can do it.

07-30-2008, 10:39 AM	#19 (permalink)
Major is pounding the rock! Senior Member, Eh? Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,606 Representing:	You know a conference is so friggin stacked when the ranks #1-#8 are 7 wins away. I mean, it's not even fair. I feel bad for good teams like Denver who notched 50 wins this year but barely clinched a playoff spot. The y would be so good in the East. All I'm saying is thank god Toronto is not in the West.

07-30-2008, 10:42 AM	#20 (permalink)
King Shake is pounding the rock! I Am King Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 42 Representing:	Houston with probably the second best move of the off-season after Philly. Ron Artest with T-Mac and Yao is gonna be like a lesser KG-Truth-Jesus, but with more offense. However, I think Artest is gonna play his ass off this year. For the first time in awhile he's on a good team with a legit chance to get to the playoffs and now Finals. The only problem is Yao's health, but the Rockets did go on a 22 game win streak without him, so I mean, they can still win, but it's hard. I just can't wait to see T-Mac and Artest play together, should be fun to watch.