http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_3478505
With a fiery temper and game to match, Ron Artest might be the best player . . .
The Salt Lake Tribune
Sacramento swingman Ron Artest
is Jerry Sloan's type of player.
No kidding.
After 17 years on the job, Sloan knows plenty about veteran players in the NBA, and his feelings about Artest might surprise those who think they can gauge the demanding, old-school coach of the Utah Jazz.
"Ron Artest is a tremendous basketball player," Sloan said. "He plays inside. He plays outside. He's just a wonderful player."
Fearless.
Willing to battle near the basket, where most games are won or lost - like football's line of scrimmage.
That's where Artest is at his best.
"Anybody who can play post-up basketball has a little toughness," Sloan said. "He's everything a basketball player should be, on the court."
On the court.
For Artest, that's been the biggest roadblock to acceptance as an NBA star.
While opponents can't say enough positive things about his basketball ability, behavioral issues have plagued him throughout his career.
In the last 6 1/2 years, Artest has been suspended nine times by the league or his team.
In that span, Artest was fined five times, losing a total of $42,500.
That amount does not include the $4.99 million in salary he forfeited as a result of his 73-game suspension for his part in last season's infamous brawl during a Pacers-Pistons game in Detroit.
Three years ago, Artest was suspended for
three games and fined $35,000 for smashing video equipment in a hallway outside the locker rooms at Madison Square Garden.
"I was right in front of him for that one," said Kings center Brad Miller, a Pacers teammate at that time. "That's the main thing with Ron. If he can keep it in the court, you're essentially getting a guy that's one of the best defenders in the league. And his offense is coming along."
After last year's suspension, Artest was reinstated by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2005-06 preseason.
On Dec. 10, however, Artest made headlines again.
He also punched his ticket out of Indiana.
Explaining that he was unhappy with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle's offense, he asked to be traded.
"I just needed a change," Artest said. "I think it was best for me and best for the team. . . . That's what is good about the NBA. You have a chance to get out of situations. The NBA will make trades; you can make it better."
Indiana management, including CEO Donnie Walsh and president of basketball operations Larry Bird, were angry about Artest's trade demand.
Because the Pacers had always stood behind him during 3 1/2 years of trials and tribulations in Indiana, Bird felt "betrayed."
Said Walsh: "My way has always been to try and support players. If anything, I've probably gone too far with Ronnie because I felt like we has going to learn how to do things."
After Artest's trade demand, the Pacers put him on the inactive list and started entertaining offers.
Despite Artest's often-troubling behavior, there was plenty of interest in him.
Among the teams that called were the Los Angeles Lakers, the L.A. Clippers, Minnesota, Denver, Golden State and Sacramento.
"It was so amazing -- wow -- because all the best players on every team were calling me," Artest said. "I got a call from [Kevin] Garnett. I was like, 'Garnett wants to play with me. Wow. Then I'm going to Minnesota.'
"I got a call from Kobe [Bryant]. 'Oh my goodness. Kobe wants me to play with him.' And then I'm going to the Lakers. Then I get a call from Elton [Brand]. Then I'm going to the Clippers. . . . I didn't think I was that good."
Indiana did not jump at the first few offers for Artest.
"It was cool," Artest said. "I wasn't worried about anything. just followed the rules and waited to get on another team so I could hopefully make the best out of it."
Two weeks ago, the Pacers pulled the trigger. They sent Artest to Sacramento for veteran sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic.
"I feel like it's a fresh start -- a blessing that I've gotten a chance to play again," Artest said.
The Kings, who were willing to part with Stojakovic because he becomes a free agent this summer, know Artest's past adds great risk to the trade.
"I don't know how it's going to work out," Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said. "I don't. I don't want to predict the future. All I know is we got a fantastic player who . . . brings it every night. He's strong."
Since acquiring Artest, the Kings are 1-3. They lost in Utah on Friday, 89-79, and play the Jazz again today in Sacramento.
Still, Artest has infused energy into a team that is struggling to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff race.
"It's good," said new teammate Kevin Martin. "It's just the way he plays, the way he approaches the game. It's something we need."
Shareef Abdur-Rahim said: "You hope he wants to be here and he goes out and plays the way he was when we've played against him. When he's rolling, he's one of the top 10 players in the league."
Artest had 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists in Utah.
"It's going real, real good," he said before Friday's game. "So far, I'm very happy here."
So far.
With a fiery temper and game to match, Ron Artest might be the best player . . .
The Salt Lake Tribune
Sacramento swingman Ron Artest
is Jerry Sloan's type of player.
No kidding.
After 17 years on the job, Sloan knows plenty about veteran players in the NBA, and his feelings about Artest might surprise those who think they can gauge the demanding, old-school coach of the Utah Jazz.
"Ron Artest is a tremendous basketball player," Sloan said. "He plays inside. He plays outside. He's just a wonderful player."
Fearless.
Willing to battle near the basket, where most games are won or lost - like football's line of scrimmage.
That's where Artest is at his best.
"Anybody who can play post-up basketball has a little toughness," Sloan said. "He's everything a basketball player should be, on the court."
On the court.
For Artest, that's been the biggest roadblock to acceptance as an NBA star.
While opponents can't say enough positive things about his basketball ability, behavioral issues have plagued him throughout his career.
In the last 6 1/2 years, Artest has been suspended nine times by the league or his team.
In that span, Artest was fined five times, losing a total of $42,500.
That amount does not include the $4.99 million in salary he forfeited as a result of his 73-game suspension for his part in last season's infamous brawl during a Pacers-Pistons game in Detroit.
Three years ago, Artest was suspended for
three games and fined $35,000 for smashing video equipment in a hallway outside the locker rooms at Madison Square Garden.
"I was right in front of him for that one," said Kings center Brad Miller, a Pacers teammate at that time. "That's the main thing with Ron. If he can keep it in the court, you're essentially getting a guy that's one of the best defenders in the league. And his offense is coming along."
After last year's suspension, Artest was reinstated by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2005-06 preseason.
On Dec. 10, however, Artest made headlines again.
He also punched his ticket out of Indiana.
Explaining that he was unhappy with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle's offense, he asked to be traded.
"I just needed a change," Artest said. "I think it was best for me and best for the team. . . . That's what is good about the NBA. You have a chance to get out of situations. The NBA will make trades; you can make it better."
Indiana management, including CEO Donnie Walsh and president of basketball operations Larry Bird, were angry about Artest's trade demand.
Because the Pacers had always stood behind him during 3 1/2 years of trials and tribulations in Indiana, Bird felt "betrayed."
Said Walsh: "My way has always been to try and support players. If anything, I've probably gone too far with Ronnie because I felt like we has going to learn how to do things."
After Artest's trade demand, the Pacers put him on the inactive list and started entertaining offers.
Despite Artest's often-troubling behavior, there was plenty of interest in him.
Among the teams that called were the Los Angeles Lakers, the L.A. Clippers, Minnesota, Denver, Golden State and Sacramento.
"It was so amazing -- wow -- because all the best players on every team were calling me," Artest said. "I got a call from [Kevin] Garnett. I was like, 'Garnett wants to play with me. Wow. Then I'm going to Minnesota.'
"I got a call from Kobe [Bryant]. 'Oh my goodness. Kobe wants me to play with him.' And then I'm going to the Lakers. Then I get a call from Elton [Brand]. Then I'm going to the Clippers. . . . I didn't think I was that good."
Indiana did not jump at the first few offers for Artest.
"It was cool," Artest said. "I wasn't worried about anything. just followed the rules and waited to get on another team so I could hopefully make the best out of it."
Two weeks ago, the Pacers pulled the trigger. They sent Artest to Sacramento for veteran sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic.
"I feel like it's a fresh start -- a blessing that I've gotten a chance to play again," Artest said.
The Kings, who were willing to part with Stojakovic because he becomes a free agent this summer, know Artest's past adds great risk to the trade.
"I don't know how it's going to work out," Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said. "I don't. I don't want to predict the future. All I know is we got a fantastic player who . . . brings it every night. He's strong."
Since acquiring Artest, the Kings are 1-3. They lost in Utah on Friday, 89-79, and play the Jazz again today in Sacramento.
Still, Artest has infused energy into a team that is struggling to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff race.
"It's good," said new teammate Kevin Martin. "It's just the way he plays, the way he approaches the game. It's something we need."
Shareef Abdur-Rahim said: "You hope he wants to be here and he goes out and plays the way he was when we've played against him. When he's rolling, he's one of the top 10 players in the league."
Artest had 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists in Utah.
"It's going real, real good," he said before Friday's game. "So far, I'm very happy here."
So far.
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