http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/456900.html
Kings Notes: Miller, Artest ailing as well
By Sam Amick - samick@sacbee.com
Last Updated 12:23 am PDT Saturday, October 27, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C3
LAS VEGAS -- As if the loss of point guard Mike Bibby wasn't bad enough, Kings starters Brad Miller and Ron Artest are hobbled as well.
Miller said his back "flared up" before Friday's exhibition loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He did not play but said he expects to play in the regular-season opener at New Orleans on Wednesday.
Although Artest played seven minutes, he said his lower left leg injury suffered Oct. 18 against Utah continues to bother him and he might have it checked out. It likely wouldn't matter anyway, as he is scheduled to miss the first seven games of the regular season because of his NBA-mandated suspension.
"I definitely wouldn't have been ready for the start of the season," Artest said. "It'd be good to get (the suspension) reduced, but I probably wouldn't have been ready to play until three or four games into the season anyway."
Kobe and Artest not to be – The trade talk died down for the day, if only because Kobe Bryant couldn't find his way onto the floor no matter whom he played for.
The Lakers star, who is officially on the block after his trade demand this summer, did not travel to Las Vegas because of a right wrist injury, which meant Bryant and Artest couldn't chat again about their shared dream of playing with each other.
"Me and Kobe talked about playing with each other one time," Artest said this week. "Maybe a year and a half ago, year ago. It was intense. It was good. It was fun."
Bryant has shared his affinity for Artest's game before. On an amateur video shot of Bryant last year, he is believed to have said he wanted to play with Artest and that he could "keep him in check" if they were together. But Artest said he's plenty satisfied with his current teammate at that position.
"I like playing with Kevin Martin," Artest said. "He's going to be a nine- or 10-time All-Star. ... He wants to score the ball, and that's a good thing."
About the writer: Call The Bee's Sam Amick, (916) 326-5582.
Kings Notes: Miller, Artest ailing as well
By Sam Amick - samick@sacbee.com
Last Updated 12:23 am PDT Saturday, October 27, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C3
LAS VEGAS -- As if the loss of point guard Mike Bibby wasn't bad enough, Kings starters Brad Miller and Ron Artest are hobbled as well.
Miller said his back "flared up" before Friday's exhibition loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He did not play but said he expects to play in the regular-season opener at New Orleans on Wednesday.
Although Artest played seven minutes, he said his lower left leg injury suffered Oct. 18 against Utah continues to bother him and he might have it checked out. It likely wouldn't matter anyway, as he is scheduled to miss the first seven games of the regular season because of his NBA-mandated suspension.
"I definitely wouldn't have been ready for the start of the season," Artest said. "It'd be good to get (the suspension) reduced, but I probably wouldn't have been ready to play until three or four games into the season anyway."
Kobe and Artest not to be – The trade talk died down for the day, if only because Kobe Bryant couldn't find his way onto the floor no matter whom he played for.
The Lakers star, who is officially on the block after his trade demand this summer, did not travel to Las Vegas because of a right wrist injury, which meant Bryant and Artest couldn't chat again about their shared dream of playing with each other.
"Me and Kobe talked about playing with each other one time," Artest said this week. "Maybe a year and a half ago, year ago. It was intense. It was good. It was fun."
Bryant has shared his affinity for Artest's game before. On an amateur video shot of Bryant last year, he is believed to have said he wanted to play with Artest and that he could "keep him in check" if they were together. But Artest said he's plenty satisfied with his current teammate at that position.
"I like playing with Kevin Martin," Artest said. "He's going to be a nine- or 10-time All-Star. ... He wants to score the ball, and that's a good thing."
About the writer: Call The Bee's Sam Amick, (916) 326-5582.
I mean, I like Martin just as much as the next Kings fan looking for anything to grasp onto for good cheer in these tough times, but 9-10 time all-star?? Oh, so Kevin better start making THAT team now, if he plans to be on it THAT many times...let's just shoot for Kevin making it the FIRST time as a King...which is going to be awfully hard with all the great SG's already in the West...might be awhile before he does.
