Rockets to get Artest
HOUSTON, TX -- Local and national media outlets are reporting news the Houston Rockets will acquire forward Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for, reportedly, veteran guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte' Greene, a 2009 first-round draft pick and cash ($1M). Sacramento may also include second-round draft picks Sean Singletary and Patrick Ewing, Jr. in the deal.
Basketballwise this deal is a no-brainer for the Rockets.
This deal will not become official until August 14 because NBA rules stipulate Greene cannot be dealt until one-month after he signed his rookie contract.
Artest, 6'7, 240, gives the Rockets physical toughness (re: nuts) -- not necessarily mental toughness like Tracy McGrady is quoted saying -- they've lacked for years. Artest can score in the post; shoot from the perimeter; create his own shot; create for his teammates; and, be a lock down defender.
However, Artest is not the most stable individual in the world. He does bring mental baggage with him -- see his off court issues and his on-court issues (remember the brawl at the Palace in Auburn Hills in 2004?). Plus, Artest can become a free agent next summer which means there's a chance the Rockets could lose Ron-Ron next summer via free agency. (However, I truly doubt the Rockets would make this deal without being certain they would re-sign Artest next summer -- unless, of course, has a mental meltdown.)
With Artest, the Rockets should move up the ladder in the Western Conference; however, the Rockets first need to move ahead the New Orleans Hornets and the aging San Antonio Spurs as well as stay in front of the, still trying to recapture their magic, Dallas Mavericks.
Artest gives the Rockets a third legit scorer and versatility on offense and defense. With Artest starting at small forward, forward Shane Battier would move to the bench which should make the Rockets' bench a stronger unit. Artest's scoring skills will lighten the load on Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming and make Rafer Alston a fourth or fifth (behind Luis Scola) scoring option.
The Rockets are taking a risk; but, a focused Ron Artest (meaning he's on his meds) makes the potential of this deal worth the risk.
Basketballwise this deal is a no-brainer for the Rockets.
This deal will not become official until August 14 because NBA rules stipulate Greene cannot be dealt until one-month after he signed his rookie contract.
Artest, 6'7, 240, gives the Rockets physical toughness (re: nuts) -- not necessarily mental toughness like Tracy McGrady is quoted saying -- they've lacked for years. Artest can score in the post; shoot from the perimeter; create his own shot; create for his teammates; and, be a lock down defender.
However, Artest is not the most stable individual in the world. He does bring mental baggage with him -- see his off court issues and his on-court issues (remember the brawl at the Palace in Auburn Hills in 2004?). Plus, Artest can become a free agent next summer which means there's a chance the Rockets could lose Ron-Ron next summer via free agency. (However, I truly doubt the Rockets would make this deal without being certain they would re-sign Artest next summer -- unless, of course, has a mental meltdown.)
With Artest, the Rockets should move up the ladder in the Western Conference; however, the Rockets first need to move ahead the New Orleans Hornets and the aging San Antonio Spurs as well as stay in front of the, still trying to recapture their magic, Dallas Mavericks.
Artest gives the Rockets a third legit scorer and versatility on offense and defense. With Artest starting at small forward, forward Shane Battier would move to the bench which should make the Rockets' bench a stronger unit. Artest's scoring skills will lighten the load on Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming and make Rafer Alston a fourth or fifth (behind Luis Scola) scoring option.
The Rockets are taking a risk; but, a focused Ron Artest (meaning he's on his meds) makes the potential of this deal worth the risk.
posted by Kris Gardner @ 9:55 PM
1 Comments:
At July 30, 2008 12:16 AM,
SORF said…
I have no idea what to think about this trade. Ron Artest has about the same cons as he has pros...God help us...we are on the ride of our life this season.
8~0
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