Are we forced to trade peja now?

[Stojakovic]

If Doug Christie, who was a fraction of the player that Artest is, could infuse the whole team with defense, so could Artest.

You really think that Doug Christie, while in his best years with Sacramento was only a fraction of Artest's caliber ?

I think that's an insane overestimation of Artest's skill.

 

[VF21]

If there is ever a time, or a team, where taking a risk on Artest is an appropriate option, this is it.

So very little to lose at this point.

So very little to lose, except that last modicum of respect.

I cannot even begin to imagine the arse-kissing that will be occuring tomorrow, and the spin they'll put on it.

 

[GoGoGadget]

So very little to lose, except that last modicum of respect.

Depends on the individual, I suppose. After everything that's happened over the last couple of years, acquiring an insanely talented player who happens to be as nutty as a fruitcake is going to do very little to diminish whatever respect I've got left for the organization.

As a matter of fact, when I initially heard of the trade while at lunch, the PTB's willingness to make such a risky move actually inspired a little bump in my level of respect.

Of course, a lot of things have happened since lunch, but...

I cannot even begin to imagine the arse-kissing that will be occuring tomorrow, and the spin they'll put on it.

Well, that goes without saying. Regardless of the eventual outcome, the spin is going to be outrageous. From all parties involved.

 

[VF21]

I guess I'm just old-fashioned. I actually seem to feel I should have some respect for an organization that I do so much business with, even if most of it is indirect.

"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...and I must be a Kings fan."

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

You really think that Doug Christie, while in his best years with Sacramento was only a fraction of Artest's caliber ?

Absoultely. Christie may have been a better passer, but that's it.

Which isn't to say that he was necessarily a small fraction; when Christie was in his prime, he was probably half of what Artest brings on the court. Maybe even two-thirds.

 

[ImaKingsFan]

Absoultely. Christie may have been a better passer, but that's it.

Which isn't to say that he was necessarily a small fraction; when Christie was in his prime, he was probably half of what Artest brings on the court. Maybe even two-thirds.

As to what Artest brings on the court are you counting the voices in his head?

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Sure.

 

[Stojakovic]

Absoultely. Christie may have been a better passer, but that's it.

Which isn't to say that he was necessarily a small fraction; when Christie was in his prime, he was probably half of what Artest brings on the court. Maybe even two-thirds.

That's ridiculous.

You are telling me that Artest is capable of averaging 35 PPG, 10RPG, 8APG and about 5 SPG ? Artest may be more capable offensively than Doug Christie ever was, but I would say that Christie in his prime is comparable to Artest (at this point, yet to reach his prime I would assume). Maybe slightly worse, but certainly not 1/2 the player. Christie was a very, very good player in this league. Never voted defensive player of the year, but he was right up there with the best.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

...


You're quite literal, aren't you?

 

[Stojakovic]

...


You're quite literal, aren't you?

You went on to give me Artest's superiority in fractions, how could I not be ?

 

[Bricklayer]

That's ridiculous.

You are telling me that Artest is capable of averaging 35 PPG, 10RPG, 8APG and about 5 SPG ? Artest may be more capable offensively than Doug Christie ever was, but I would say that Christie in his prime is comparable to Artest (at this point, yet to reach his prime I would assume). Maybe slightly worse, but certainly not 1/2 the player. Christie was a very, very good player in this league. Never voted defensive player of the year, but he was right up there with the best.

Not even close to Artest really.

He was a great defender -- his best trait, and yet still not the defender Artest is. He was a good passer for an OG, but otherwise offensively a large ?.

The collosal issues Artest has had have caused people to miss the interesting development with Artest -- he is now a 20ppg scorer AND tremendous defender. In fact if you just let him do his thing without too much concern for system or whatnot, I would not be terribly surprised if he could get up around 25ppg. To get that with defense attached is a ridiculous package. And leaves Doug far in the dust. Doug was a good player who filled his role admirably. He wasn't ever close to being an All-Star or Top 20 player, both of which Artest has been.

 

[ParniValjak]

he is not going to demand anything - I don't think

however - if he is not traded - he will walk and so would I and everyone else with a little bit pride left

Exactly right.

Pedja won't demand anything now. He will go where ever he is sent and if he is not traded he will play out the year here and just walk out.

Any other human being with a bit of pride would do the same. The damage done cannot be fixed. For the sake of this franchise, its time to trade Pedja and at least try to show him some respect. I think he has earned that much in his time with us.

 

[ParniValjak]

A lot can happen. Who really knows? The story in the Bee indicates that he wants to stay. If the team can convince him that we really DO want him here then maybe things will work out. It helps that it was the KINGS who called off the trade, not the Pacers.

The actions of today are hardly going to convince him anything other than that he is NOT wanted here anymore.

 

[swisshh]

Wait, people aren't acting like it's a surprise that there was a Artest-Peja deal in talks are they? it's only been rumored for two freaking years. The Kings should have been the first to notify Peja, but it's really Artest and his agent who messed things up.

 

[Rowdyone]

Yes, we must trade Peja...still. But the only way to get value for him now is if we do a 3 team deal. Therefore;

Peja to Indy for Artest
Artest to Denver for Nene and Watson

In my mind this actually plugs more holes in our team.