Artest to come off bench?

[Kings113]

Ron Artest has played in an All-Star Game and been named Defensive Player of the Year. This year, it's possible he will be eligible for another honor: Sixth Man of the Year.
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle is considering bringing Artest off the bench this season. The move would balance the scoring between the first and second units, and make Artest more of an offensive focal point.

We'll look at it (in preseason games) and see how it plays out," Carlisle said Friday. "If it's the right thing to do we'll do it, and if it's not we won't."You look at San Antonio last year. (Manu) Ginobili was an All-Star who was willing to do that, and at times it really strengthened their situation."
Ginobili was the Spurs' second-leading scorer (20.8) during their playoff run to a championship but came off the bench for eight of their 23 postseason games.
Artest has no problem with the change if Carlisle goes that way.
"I can play with anybody," he said. "I'm more focused on winning. As long as we win a ring, I'm cool with it."
Artest often seems to excel most when playing with reserves, particularly those who rarely get playing time and show a particular hunger to win.
"He has an affinity for the 'everyman' type of player," Carlisle said. "He's been here the last two summers working out with summer league players. It's something he has a liking for."
Carlisle said he has no idea who would start at small forward if Artest comes off the bench.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051008/SPORTS04/510080444/1004/SPORTS

That would be quite an oppurtunity for mah boy Granger.... I don't see this happening though, Artest will be a starter.

 

[Diabeticwonder]

Someone make sure Kenny Thomas reads that article ^^^^^.

 

[VF21]

Ginobili was the Spurs' second-leading scorer (20.8) during their playoff run to a championship but came off the bench for eight of their 23 postseason games.

Artest has no problem with the change if Carlisle goes that way.

"I can play with anybody," he said. "I'm more focused on winning. As long as we win a ring, I'm cool with it."

Artest often seems to excel most when playing with reserves, particularly those who rarely get playing time and show a particular hunger to win.

If Thomas can adapt that attitude, his stock would go way up in my book.

As far as Artest goes, if he can keep his focus on the game, I think he just might have a career year this season.

 

[Bricklayer]

Douobt it will really happen, or really stick even if they try it for awhile. And if he does I have no doubt he would be a "bench" guy in the way that Thurl Bailey or Detlef Shrempf used to be -- 35 minutes off the bench as a starter in everything but name. Back in the day my brother and I used to call it an "Iavaroni start" when you started but still played less than 20 mintes (after Marc Iavaroni who "started" ahead of Thurl only to average less than half a many minutes as him -- started and played half the first and third, then Thurl ran the rest of the game).

 

[allrightythen]

I would find it difficult to believe if Artest argued about anything right now. If you're Artest right now it doesn't matter what you are asked to do you nod and smile and thank the coach for the opportunity.

 

[foretaz]

the concept is an interesting one....

granger most likely would fare better with the starters-less would be expected and he could focus on defense and rebounding, where as in the second unit he might be asked to score a bit more and initiate a bit more-whereas this way he would probably get his points off of others....

would the pacers defense suffer? possibly, though granger is thought to be a stud defender-time will tell....its thought that if indeed this would come to fruition that harrison would also start giving the pacers two big shotblockers in the post(oneal and harrison) and granger and jackson on the wings along with tinsley....those 5 would appear to be pretty solid defensively....

if this happened, artest would most likely come in at about the 5 or 6 minute mark of the first and 3rd quarters and likely would play the majority of the remainder of the game.....he most likely would come in for any of the four-oneal,harrison, jack or granger(most likely) depending on what is happening on the given nite...

the thought of him with a second unit of foster, bender, f. jones and saras is tantalizing to most of us pacer fans as there has been talk of the pacers getting out and running some and that lineup would definitely be very effective doing so-something the kings certainly know a little about...

but probably the best and most intriquing part of this experiment-and probably the underlying motivation-is that it would mean the pacers would have either JO or artest on the floor at all times....something that wouldnt necessarily happen if they both start....

the only real concern is if someone like lebron, tmac, etc gets off early without ron in there....though if that started to happen u would probably see a quick entrance by ron....but if granger is near as good as advertised on the defensive end, between he and jack that possibility would seem somewhat unlikely....especially when u consider it seems most players usually take a bit of time to get going....

but who knows....its just one more thing to think about....carlisle had mentioned earlier that maybe one of the best players might come off the bench......then artest mentioned that granger is gonna be a star(after having practiced and worked out with him for most of the summer) and he wouldnt mind sitting for him-though the thought process still was that granger would come in for ron when it was time for ron to take a rest....then finally u have this latest blurb that they will experiment with ron coming off the bench....

needless to say, we pacer fans are stoked at all the possibilities and are anxious to see the season get under way....

 

[jacobdrj]

I am not sure if it is possible, but my respect for Rick Carlisle would multiply 10-fold if he could make this work. Its not about who starts, but who finnishes.

 

[VF21]

I would find it difficult to believe if Artest argued about anything right now. If you're Artest right now it doesn't matter what you are asked to do you nod and smile and thank the coach for the opportunity.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. May I have another, sir?"

I think you're entirely right, allrightythen. It's going to be interesting to see if Artest can hold it together all season. I wonder if he's going to be ill for the games at Auburn Hills and unable to make the trip?

 

[Kings113]

Actually, Artest said in a couple interviews that is one of the things he's most looking foward to in the season - returning to Detroit.

I personally think he will hold it together.

 

[foretaz]

the same reasons he is such a great defender will likely be the reasons he has no problem 'holding it together'...

his intensity and determination....

he is determined to make sure he 'holds it together'...

most of us feel like he will be successful 'holding it together', just as he is a successful defender and player in this league....

 

[VF21]

Time will tell. If he had only lost it once, I'd be a little more optimistic. Don't get me wrong, however. I do hope he's able to keep it about the game, because he's got a lot of talent and I hate to think of it wasted in prison leagues.

 

[Bad Boy Bo]

I find this scary. Indiana's defensive unit is pretty good without Artest, and to think he's coming off the bench fresh with lots of energy, and lots of energy to last the rest of the game with superb D will make who ever Artest guarding work for their points even more then before.

 

[AriesMar27]

i dont believe that it will happen, but it would be interesting..... lebron would be very happy...

 

[Fillmoe]

artest is gonna tear it up this year! artest for MVP!

 

[Insomniacal Fan]

How about Artest for the sportsmanship award... it could happen!

 

[HndsmCelt]

Lets face it all of us KNOW deep down what Artest will do this year. It is just of question of when.

 

[Bricklayer]

Lets face it all of us KNOW deep down what Artest will do this year. It is just of question of when.

I'm actually not so sure. Something keeps on telling me that he's going to shape it up this year. That it was indulgence which allowed the previous behavior, and with such a huge cost attached to it, he's been made a believer, so to speak. That he can't dney the problem, nor its costs for him or the team anymore. Will still have the temper I am sure, but have a feeling he might finally see he has to grab control of himself when he starts to lose it. Might even be able to cross over into being a TRUE tough guy who realizes people are trying to goad him, and so turns all that anger and fierceness into refusing to respond in a "you can't beat me mentally" response. Maybe. We will see I guess.

 

[Kings113]

Lets face it all of us KNOW deep down what Artest will do this year. It is just of question of when.

I don't. Infact I think people who think he's going to go off again and do something, are dreaming. I'll be surprised and disappointed if he does do anything wild again.

 

[kingsfan916]

Interesting

 

[foretaz]

most people that think artest will do something dramatic this year are HOPING that he does for any number of reasons...

most of which are if he doesnt, the pacers will probably beat the team that they personally root for...and they believe their chances of beating the pacers would be better if artest were to implode....

cant blame them for a bit of wishful thinking....

 

[Rockin' in the Free World]

This guys is an absolute wild card. I can't even begin to guess at what he will do. He is totally unreliable and unpredictable, nothing would suprise me at this point, whether he cleans it up or goes ape s*** again. Only thing I know is that he better switch media markets if he wants to continue his rap career..Indianapolis just isn't gettin' it done with only a few thousand copies sold.
Now...if he did a song with Kenny Chesney....

 

[Kings113]

most people that think artest will do something dramatic this year are HOPING that he does for any number of reasons...

most of which are if he doesnt, the pacers will probably beat the team that they personally root for...and they believe their chances of beating the pacers would be better if artest were to implode....

cant blame them for a bit of wishful thinking....

Agreed, though I think it's more in general.

 

[loopymitch]

I don't think it's going to be as drastic as last year but sooner or later there's going to be some kind of explosion. He's just too volatile which is a shame because he's a very good player.

 

[SoupIsGood]

most people that think artest will do something dramatic this year are HOPING that he does for any number of reasons...

most of which are if he doesnt, the pacers will probably beat the team that they personally root for...and they believe their chances of beating the pacers would be better if artest were to implode....

cant blame them for a bit of wishful thinking....

There is some truth to this. I personally don't think Artest's "antics" will ever go away, but I do think he'll be able to stay on the court consistently. I'll take my chances with that, I think.

Taz, I've been wondering if you've been able to watch any of the preseason. I've seen the games so far, and I've got to say I've never been more impressed with Artest's game. He wasn't kidding when he said he had improved his handling and shooting. I don't throw this around a lot, but IMO he really is a MVP talent now. And it makes me pull for him just that much more, the guy is fun to watch, for as frustrating as he can be.

Have you noticed the same improvement, or have I just not seen him play in too long, you think?

 

[Kings113]

Yeah, I've thought he very well could have an MVP year also.

 

[foretaz]

there is probably noone that works on his game harder than artest....whether some of the improvement we are seeing is just because we havent seen him in so long or its actual improvement, who knows for sure....

this is what i know...im sure hes constantly improving...but i also know he looked incredibly good at the beginning of last season....his shooting had improved and he was simply able to do just about whatever he wanted....

believe it or not...what im most interested in really seeing is rons game on the defensive end....i think his offensive game is gonna be absolutely stellar....will he get called out for breaking off the offense?? probably...but all players do it...and its to be expected, especially from allstars....difference is hes ron ron and hes under a microscope from just about anyone, including the coaching staff...artest is a bit like bobby knight...hes under a zero tolerance policy...thankfully artest has a bit different attitude than knight...

but again, im anxious to see if hes still the best defensive player in the league...for some reason, i see him not being quite as good...dont ask me why...i just do...primarily as it relates to stopping some of the quicker perimeter players....whether its the supposed extra weight or whatever, but i know he didnt seem to be to effective in the short time against vince carter...but its early....so ill keep my fingers crossed...i know he will still be a beast on the defensive end...im just anxious to see if hes able to take his defensive game up a notch, like he has his offensive game....

either way, he will be a force to be reckoned with....and definitely will receive some attention when the mvp is bantered about...

 

[SoupIsGood]

Yeah I think he may need to drop some of that weight he gained, maybe that is why Rick is playing him so much lately. We haven't really gotten a good look at how the hand-check rules will affect his game either, but I think he'll adjust and eventually be alright. His D might be a little lax for a month or so.


Yes, it is nice to know that what we saw early last season wasn't a fluke, at least so far it looks that way.

 

[HndsmCelt]

I'm actually not so sure. Something keeps on telling me that he's going to shape it up this year. That it was indulgence which allowed the previous behavior, and with such a huge cost attached to it, he's been made a believer, so to speak. That he can't dney the problem, nor its costs for him or the team anymore. Will still have the temper I am sure, but have a feeling he might finally see he has to grab control of himself when he starts to lose it. Might even be able to cross over into being a TRUE tough guy who realizes people are trying to goad him, and so turns all that anger and fierceness into refusing to respond in a "you can't beat me mentally" response. Maybe. We will see I guess.

You could be right, but I still think that as a nice safe general rule the best indicator o future behavior is past behavior. Persoanly I think Artest has such deep seated anger issues that only lots of therepy and a serious comitment to change will save him from himself. The sad truth of anger is that once a person reaches the boiling point the one thing that will never save them rational thought... Thats exactly what last season was about. Artest KNEW he could not afford a blow up and left to his own resources did prty well... untill the cup of beer then all the logic in the world made no diferance as is the case with ANY person when they get mad enough. So unless Artest has gotten new and improved resources I don't see how he can expect to keep his cool in the next situation. To make matters worse he is now even more of a target than ever for other players and fans all trying to get his goat. Hell I think an nice game might be to take the Indy game dates and create a MELT DOWN POOL each player kicks in a buck and a nice pay day for the lucky person who draws the right date.

 

[allrightythen]

As far as Detroit goes, if I'm his accountant I tell Artest to stay as far away from the Palace as possible.

I believe that Artest knows that he did wrong and he knows that he has to control his temper. The question is will he remember that when someone else throws a beer on him? For his sake and the rest of the NBA I hope he does remember, but I don't know if he will. I'm not sure he has the wherewithall to make that concious effort in the heated moment to relax, gather his emotions and make a rational decision. Lets hope he does and we don't see another spectacle like we did last year.

 

[foretaz]

You could be right, but I still think that as a nice safe general rule the best indicator o future behavior is past behavior. Persoanly I think Artest has such deep seated anger issues that only lots of therepy and a serious comitment to change will save him from himself. The sad truth of anger is that once a person reaches the boiling point the one thing that will never save them rational thought... Thats exactly what last season was about. Artest KNEW he could not afford a blow up and left to his own resources did prty well... untill the cup of beer then all the logic in the world made no diferance as is the case with ANY person when they get mad enough. So unless Artest has gotten new and improved resources I don't see how he can expect to keep his cool in the next situation. To make matters worse he is now even more of a target than ever for other players and fans all trying to get his goat. Hell I think an nice game might be to take the Indy game dates and create a MELT DOWN POOL each player kicks in a buck and a nice pay day for the lucky person who draws the right date.

ahhhh....sounds like that microscope i was talking about....

remember something....ron was basically attacked by ben wallace with a throat jab....there are very few people that would just walk away from something like that...

but ron did....if he wouldnt have he probably wouldve returned alot earlier....if he woulda tore into ben like he wanted to and the fight on the court ensued, its most likely he woulda got 10 games or so...then went on about his business....

but because hes ron...and because hes looked at differently...and because he was trying to change his image....he walked away....something that most wouldnt do....

however, he was undoubtedly seething, as anyone would be....and yes, to then get pelted with a beer was more than he could take, GIVEN HIS STATE OF MIND AT THE TIME....

sorry if that somehow gets lost....people wanna categorize rons reaction about the beer....the beer only played a small role in things....

ron proved he could show more restraint than most....which he probably will have to continue to do....as u say...he will be a target for some morons....however, it appears hes even better suited to do so now...

now is this all fair???hardly...but its the result of all the things hes done over his career...

so look for ron to deal with whatever comes his way this year....will there be controversy....yup....will he get involved in extracurricular activity? possibly...

but dont look for anything other than maybe a 1 or 2 game suspension for an illadvised flagrant....other than that ron will be ok....and wreak havoc on the league....the kind of havoc that generally helps the pacers versus hinders them....

like i said, anyone that believes otherwise probably has an ulterior motive....lets face it...theres alot of people out there that want to see him fail....whether its so they can say i told u so like this poster or a teams fans that dont want to face potentially the best team in the league with ron at the forefront...

either way....sure hope people give the proper respect due when the end of the season comes and ron and the pacers have proven alot of people wrong...