a different take on ron (ie bird is evil)
- Thread starter ikon_zero
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I will agree with Bayless that Ron is the most overvillified player in the league. People rate Ron an 11; he deserves an 8. I don't buy much of Bayless' claims otherwise. I think, like he does, that O'Neal was oddly exonerated for the brawl. But I don't think Bird "set Ron up". If you have to insult Bird, just point out that Artest is a better father than Bird. (I loved Ron's comeback aimed at Magic Johnson--there's a guy who gets a free pass.)
I do think the Pacers overreacted to Ron's "trade demand". People should know that his words come out awkwardly. For me, he seemed to say that a trade would give him a chance to start over; he was being contrite. His claim that he didn't like to play for Coach Carlisle because he was not used enough in the offense, which was a shame because he's "unstoppable," was sarcastic; it reminded me of the time he talked about flexing in front of the crowd.
People are so ready now to assert their moral superiority over Artest that no writer has written about his trade demand in contrast to previous player behavior. It would be interesting to compare Ron's interview with Jason Kidd's various criticisms of places he's played, or comparing Ron's interview with Karl Malone's infamous "I've played my last game for the Utah Jazz." It would give people a sense of how Ron is treated and how other players are and have been treated by the public.
I do think the Pacers overreacted to Ron's "trade demand". People should know that his words come out awkwardly. For me, he seemed to say that a trade would give him a chance to start over; he was being contrite. His claim that he didn't like to play for Coach Carlisle because he was not used enough in the offense, which was a shame because he's "unstoppable," was sarcastic; it reminded me of the time he talked about flexing in front of the crowd.
People are so ready now to assert their moral superiority over Artest that no writer has written about his trade demand in contrast to previous player behavior. It would be interesting to compare Ron's interview with Jason Kidd's various criticisms of places he's played, or comparing Ron's interview with Karl Malone's infamous "I've played my last game for the Utah Jazz." It would give people a sense of how Ron is treated and how other players are and have been treated by the public.
Basically, KMSD, none of that matters.
Ron Artest is now a Sacramento King. And to most of us he's been given another chance. None of us can possibly know all the truth about everything that's gone on in the past.
We welcomed Webber and gave him a chance. We welcomed Jason Williams when it was considered insane to do so. Doug Christie was a question-mark, as was Bobby J. Jim Jackson was considered poison. The list goes on and on...
Ron Artest will be treated as a Sacramento King. I think that's about as much as he could possibly hope for...
Ron Artest is now a Sacramento King. And to most of us he's been given another chance. None of us can possibly know all the truth about everything that's gone on in the past.
We welcomed Webber and gave him a chance. We welcomed Jason Williams when it was considered insane to do so. Doug Christie was a question-mark, as was Bobby J. Jim Jackson was considered poison. The list goes on and on...
Ron Artest will be treated as a Sacramento King. I think that's about as much as he could possibly hope for...
I find it ironic that Skip Bayless is chiding others for telling half-truths, when he is one of the most vicious at using them to attack teams in his columns.
That said, I agree partly with his point. Artest has a bad reputation for a reason, but he was definately made a scapegoat by King Stern for the incident last year. Like VF21 said though, that is all done with now. Hopefully everyone can move on. If his first game against the Celtics was any indicator, he will be a solid contributor like Bonzi.
That said, I agree partly with his point. Artest has a bad reputation for a reason, but he was definately made a scapegoat by King Stern for the incident last year. Like VF21 said though, that is all done with now. Hopefully everyone can move on. If his first game against the Celtics was any indicator, he will be a solid contributor like Bonzi.
