http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14241357p-15060862c.html
Kings notes: Artest casts his vote for Artest
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Monday, April 10, 2006
The way Ron Artest sees it, he didn't choose to spend 24 games on the Indiana Pacers' bench.
But don't think for a second that will keep him from choosing himself when it comes awards time.
Less than a week after saying he should be this season's Defensive Player of the Year, Artest further explained his rationale.
"I didn't choose to sit out the games," said Artest, who was held on the Pacers' inactive list after requesting a trade in December. "I sat out because the team said I had to sit out, and I've never heard of that in my life. But I've been doing pretty well this year, pretty well. And the team's been doing well. I got a chance to make some good things happen here. I don't think I should be like an outcast."
Which, so far, is how he has felt since returning from last season's 73-game suspension. First it was the Olympic team non-selection, as Artest was not invited to this summer's tryouts in Las Vegas. Now it's the awards, of which Artest said he should be considered for more than Defensive Player of the Year.
Asked who should win the MVP, Artest said, "I'm always going to take myself."
Asked to exclude himself, it became apparent that - history aside - Artest is quite the Detroit Pistons fan.
"Chauncey Billups," he said. "Or maybe Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, Richard Hamilton, one of those guys."
Comeback kid
He knows he's not the same.
Francisco García, the same rookie who was rounding into form before an ankle injury derailed his progress, doesn't have to watch the game tape to know there's a difference in his game. He can feel it.
"It's a little frustrating, but I've just got to keep my head up and keep working," said García, who has been back for 11 games since a sprained left ankle kept him out of nine games.
"I think it's more mental than physical, really. I think my ankle's almost there, and I've just got to get the injury out of my head, get confident that I can go places and move the way I was before. That's a big thing."
Before the injury that occurred against Cleveland on March 1, García's game against the Cavaliers was the microcosm of his improved game, as he hit all three of his three-pointers and scored 11 points in the 97-90 victory. But since he has returned, García is averaging 13.5 minutes and 3.5 points, having hit 13 of 31 shots and 4 of 15 three-pointers. In the past five games, he has combined for 45 minutes and five points.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
Kings notes: Artest casts his vote for Artest
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Monday, April 10, 2006
The way Ron Artest sees it, he didn't choose to spend 24 games on the Indiana Pacers' bench.
But don't think for a second that will keep him from choosing himself when it comes awards time.
Less than a week after saying he should be this season's Defensive Player of the Year, Artest further explained his rationale.
"I didn't choose to sit out the games," said Artest, who was held on the Pacers' inactive list after requesting a trade in December. "I sat out because the team said I had to sit out, and I've never heard of that in my life. But I've been doing pretty well this year, pretty well. And the team's been doing well. I got a chance to make some good things happen here. I don't think I should be like an outcast."
Which, so far, is how he has felt since returning from last season's 73-game suspension. First it was the Olympic team non-selection, as Artest was not invited to this summer's tryouts in Las Vegas. Now it's the awards, of which Artest said he should be considered for more than Defensive Player of the Year.
Asked who should win the MVP, Artest said, "I'm always going to take myself."
Asked to exclude himself, it became apparent that - history aside - Artest is quite the Detroit Pistons fan.
"Chauncey Billups," he said. "Or maybe Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, Richard Hamilton, one of those guys."
Comeback kid
He knows he's not the same.
Francisco García, the same rookie who was rounding into form before an ankle injury derailed his progress, doesn't have to watch the game tape to know there's a difference in his game. He can feel it.
"It's a little frustrating, but I've just got to keep my head up and keep working," said García, who has been back for 11 games since a sprained left ankle kept him out of nine games.
"I think it's more mental than physical, really. I think my ankle's almost there, and I've just got to get the injury out of my head, get confident that I can go places and move the way I was before. That's a big thing."
Before the injury that occurred against Cleveland on March 1, García's game against the Cavaliers was the microcosm of his improved game, as he hit all three of his three-pointers and scored 11 points in the 97-90 victory. But since he has returned, García is averaging 13.5 minutes and 3.5 points, having hit 13 of 31 shots and 4 of 15 three-pointers. In the past five games, he has combined for 45 minutes and five points.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
