It's Official: Artest is a Rocket

HOUSTON, TX -- During a teleconference this evening, the Houston Rockets welcomed the newest player of the team to the media.

Ron Artest.

The deal was announced (leaked to the media) last month; but, due to applicable NBA rules, the trade couldn't be formally announced until today.

The Rockets acquired forward / guard Ron Artest, forward Patrick Ewing, Jr and guard Sean Singletary from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donté Greene and Houston’s 2009 first-round draft pick.

Over the last month, Artest has made comments (bizarre as well as straightforward) ranging from him looking forward to being a teammate of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to wondering why Yao Ming had to bring up his past troubles (re: the "Brawl at Auburn Hills in 2004 between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons).

Artest's basketball skills are vast and so are his moods; however, as Rockets' team owner Les Alexander said this evening: "From hearing Ron's recent statements, it's obvious that he has an immense desire to win."

Training camp begins in October.