Bee: Artest backpedals a bit on Friday's outburst

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Kings Notes: Artest backpedals a bit on Friday's outburst
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, December 3, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5


It was a mini mea culpa of sorts, Ron Artest realizing a day later that frustration drove his words just as it had so many times before.

A day after the Kings' 19-point loss to Dallas sparked the Kings small forward to let out a lengthy list of dislikes -- from his role in the team's offense to the organization's perception of his overall place in the system -- Artest said he went too far.

"I probably said too much," he said. "I just can't get used to losing, you know."

Artest, who sat out Saturday's game against San Antonio because of the sore back that continues to bother him, said he and Kings coach Eric Musselman had talked, though not specifically about Artest's concerns.

Before the Kings faced the Spurs, Musselman insisted he wasn't aware of Artest's comments.

"I haven't seen what he said," he said. "I'm in San Antonio. I haven't seen the Sacramento paper. I haven't read the clips (online articles) today."

After told of Artest's sentiments, Musselman would only say: "He's a big competitor, and I think there's a lot of NBA players who have great confidence in their scoring ability. And I think that's a good thing."

Kings forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who was well aware of Artest's concerns, said one player couldn't have changed the game at Dallas.

"I don't think we lost that game last night because one guy didn't get the ball," Abdur-Rahim said. "He's one of the better offensive players we have, but we've got a lot of guys who deserves shots."

Kings point guard Mike Bibby -- who has often spoken of the need for selflessness on the team -- also said he did not know of Artest's comments but that it was not his concern.

"That's for someone higher than me to figure out," he said. "You'll be able to see if (Artest's views) are hurting us or not."

Artest said he wasn't upset he didn't start against Dallas. He had missed the morning shootaround and was not expected to play, but Musselman started swingman John Salmons. Artest entered midway through the first quarter.

"When we talked (Friday), we felt (he should play) five to six minutes in the first quarter, five to six minutes in the third quarter, (which) would prevent the 40-minute pounding of the back that's been a constant problem now for three weeks," Musselman said.

The Price of fame -- Ronnie Price was working ahead, negotiating with teammates and doing all he could to help every last family member who wanted to see him play.

The final ticket count Saturday night was 20 for Price, the Kings' second-year point guard who had much of his family come from his hometown of Houston. The chore of gathering up enough tickets was no small one, as each player is given two for each game.

This time around, Price's family actually was able to see him play (three minutes against the Spurs). Although he said they typically make the trip to games at San Antonio and Houston, Price didn't play in the four regular-season contests in those cities in 2005-06.

About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com
 
Well, I guess the "Ron will be Ron" camp wins this round.

But then, what do you think Bibby means by this?

Bibby said:
"That's for someone higher than me to figure out," he said. "You'll be able to see if (Artest's views) are hurting us or not."
 
I mentioned in another thread if there's a potential fued going on maybe it's Mike and Ron. It seems like they're both battling for shots or something as the #1 option. I'm not saying there's something going on between them but it's just a thought.
 
Seems like the Bibby comment just refers to the idea that we _need_ to run the offense through Artest. Someone had to be there asking him questions along those lines, its not like Mike called the Bee and said hey you know what.

"Mike, Ron Artest says he needs more shots and the ball in his hands for this team to win, your comments?"
"That's for someone higher than me to figure out," he said. "You'll be able to see if (Artest's views) are hurting us or not."

I could be wrong (and often am) but it makes sense to me. There should be a rule against disconnected quotes, I hate those.

Bibby always co-existed with other 'stars' pretty well, I thought. I think he's got a good balance between confidence in his own shot and trust in the team's gameplan. I could see him thinking he's a better option to take a forced 3 than someone else though, because he simply is. When healthy, anyway.
 
"That's for someone higher than me to figure out," he said. "You'll be able to see if (Artest's views) are hurting us or not."

Judging by the fact that Mike has known Ron before Ron came here, I thought it meant that a.) It's between Ron and Coach(not him) to figure out how many plays/shots are for Ron and b.) Given how Ron's mouth has placed him in trouble before, actions of course speak louder.

just my thought
 
Judging by the fact that Mike has known Ron before Ron came here, I thought it meant that a.) It's between Ron and Coach(not him) to figure out how many plays/shots are for Ron and b.) Given how Ron's mouth has placed him in trouble before, actions of course speak louder.

just my thought

That one i agree with. He probably meant it wasn't up to him to decide how many shots Artest should get and call plays for him.

the 2nd quote from Mike was pretty weird, though. I absolutely have no idea what to make of it.

But I am pretty confident that there is nothing going on between Mike and Ron. Ron was upset the other night, he'll move on. Mike and Ron also seems to have a good relationship going. Him, Ron, and Muss are really close, actually.

something off topic: didn't know we had 3 captains this year (Mike, Ron, Brad)
 
After told of Artest's sentiments, Musselman would only say: "He's a big competitor, and I think there's a lot of NBA players who have great confidence in their scoring ability. And I think that's a good thing."

Nicely played by Muss.
 
The frustration from the players on Saturday could just be like ours. Nobody likes to get blown out and we all say things in frustration.

The players are human, too. I know I said some things after that game from total anger and not with a big picture perspective in mind.
 
Something has to change...
Ron is our franchise player. The Kings need to do whatever they can to keep him happy and get our team winning again. Make some trades or something, come on Petrie!
 
Something has to change...
Ron is our franchise player. The Kings need to do whatever they can to keep him happy and get our team winning again. Make some trades or something, come on Petrie!

I don't like that statement one bit. Ron might be our best player (I think Kevin is better) and our franchise player (I hope Kevin is pretty soon), but it is not about making him happy. It is about the team and about fans. As soon as Ron starts demanding too much we will have another Indiana on our hands.

I never fully jumped on Ron bandwagon, but I support him fully while he is on the Kings (until or if he starts doing things to hurt the franchise).
 
Eh...business as usual, until something monumental happens in the behavior department, as far as I'm concerned. I THINK Ron was just frustrated at losing by so much, and the lack of effort on everyone's part in Dallas. Wouldnt you be, if you were considered to be a huge piece to an at least SORT of contending team in the NBA, or any sport, for that matter? I mean, it's not like Ron came out and called everyone malcontents and said he wasnt going to play for us anymore. The fact that we dont have a 'Vlade'-type person around to sort of keep cool heads in frustrating times kinda sucks, but oh well, nothing earth shattering yet that would qualify as any kind of blowup on Ron, or anyone's part...yet.:D
 

Why is that surprising? As of late I would rather depend on Kevin in games that Artest. I don't deny that I never really liked Artest. I will support him ofcourse as long as he is on our team. When statement is made let's build the team so Ron can be happy, I don't agree with it. I'd rather rebuild from scratch and build around Kevin's potential than try to keep Ron Artest happy.
 
Why is that surprising? As of late I would rather depend on Kevin in games that Artest. I don't deny that I never really liked Artest. I will support him ofcourse as long as he is on our team. When statement is made let's build the team so Ron can be happy, I don't agree with it. I'd rather rebuild from scratch and build around Kevin's potential than try to keep Ron Artest happy.
It's surprising because Artest is a very good offensive player and a truly excellent defensive player. Even if you think Martin is a great offensive player, his defensive skills are nowhere near Artest's. I don't think it was Martin that sparked the turnaround last year. Artest did, because he is a great all-around basketball player.

All of that is separate from whether the team should be molded to keep Artest happy, though. I think keeping him happy is important, but the best way to do that is to convince him to go along with whatever is in the best interests of the team.
 
Well he sure is not causing any turning around thus far this year. One thing Pacers fans warned us about is that he wants to be #1 offensive option on the team. There is no way he was going to be that in Indiana and honestly he shouldn't be #1 option here too.

I don't hide that I am not Artest's biggest fan. I'm just simply not ready to put our future in his hands. We have had couple of mediocre years and if we soley rely on Artest as a team leader/#1 offensive option, I don't see us being more than a mediocre team in next few years.
 
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