Ron Artest...

Mozart

G-League
...any questions?


I admire the guy.


Here's what Voisin said in her recent article...

And then Artest went out and provided a terrific effort against his hometown team, occasionally matched against the player (David Lee) whose name was most often mentioned in those reported/alleged/supposed trade discussions last summer that Geoff Petrie so adamantly denied.
  • He leaped into the stands chasing loose balls.
  • He went baseline for reverse layups.
  • He converted open threes.
  • He played his usual muscular defense, once stripped the nearly 300-pound Eddy Curry of a crucial rebound in the final minutes of regulation, then leaned into the Knicks' burly center, causing him to miss an inside shot during the final minutes of the second overtime.
  • He also converted two crucial free throws after missing seven of his previous nine attempts and remained on the floor for 53 minutes, his fatigue notwithstanding. Often he could be observed hunched over and hugging his knees, the obvious effects of missing the Kings' first seven games while serving the league-imposed suspension for a misdemeanor domestic abuse incident last March.
In other words – and in case anyone had forgotten – he can really play.
53 minutes of play--more than any other King player and why? Defense of Curry, not to mention Artest's excellent offensive play, freethrows non-withstanding, 'cept for the two that he made when he had to.


Hopefully Artest will be able to keep his game balanced and not let it get to his head and that Theus can keep him happy and focused on his game; the larger picture of Artest's past--on court and off court--may help keep Artest focused on good court performance, influenced by the motive of this year being a contract year for this team or any other team.


People can and do redeem themselves when they are ready to and I think that Artest is finally ready to redeem himself in many ways this year and I admire him for his effort towards his own redemption and I hope that he can stay this course for the rest of this so-far-exciting season.
 
Artest is the Kings best player and the only real difference maker (although Kevin is coming along very nicely). With his top notch defensive skills and his well rounded skill set, Ron has the potential to be one of the best all around players in the NBA.
 
I'd dig that...but I doubt Ron stays put after this year, unfortunately...even if he does play the rest of this year with us...I'd give it 99% odds he leaves.

I disagree...if Ron sees the commitment to winning he'll stay, ESPECIALLY if the $ is there. IMO I think he'd accept a contract around what Martin got this off-season give or take a million each season. So a 5 year 50-60 million dollar deal. He 'says' he views Kevin Martin as the star of the franchise, and Ron may say stupid stuff sometimes, but he's not a liar. He believes what he says. So I think he'd find that kind of contract as a reasonable deal, and what team would outbid us? Really, we could probably lock him up t0 a 5 year 45 million dollar deal and I doubt many teams would/could be able to match that. Unless we trade or sign/trade Ron, I have a hard time seeing him go elsewhere. The opportunities(to leave us high and dry) aren't there unless he takes MLE money. This coming from a guy who's in his last year or two to make a considerable payday, I find it hard to fathom(not impossible though) that he'd settle for MLE money when there's twice as much on the table here.
 
If Artest sees the Kings going in the right direction and if he likes Theus' style of coaching, maybe he stays with the franchise. He does have a personal relationship with Chuck Person which helps us. If we are going to trade the guy, then I'm glad Petrie's holding out for the correct deal. Artest is a stud. For some teams out there, he is a potential champioship difference maker. I'd like to see us keep him but not sure that's going to happen.
 
I'd say this team was built with Ron's leaving in mind after this year anyway. I haven't seen any financial preparation, Salmons is near fully developed, Cisco and Douby were drafted to hedge against him not working out (in my belief). So, I expected his departure, and I am going to fully enjoy watching him bow out on a strong note this year.
 
I was really impressed with how Artest handed the power forward position. If - and there's always this IF - he can remain on track, he's one tremendous asset. And the words "give up" aren't even in his vocabulary.

There is no quit in the guy whatsoever.
 
I'd say this team was built with Ron's leaving in mind after this year anyway. I haven't seen any financial preparation, Salmons is near fully developed, Cisco and Douby were drafted to hedge against him not working out (in my belief). So, I expected his departure, and I am going to fully enjoy watching him bow out on a strong note this year.

Cisco was drafted before Ron was even part of the team and Douby probably had something to do with Price. Salmons might have been insurance in case Artest lost it, but he can also play the 2. If Martin didn't step it up, Salmons would've provided experience and depth there.
 
I heard a caller the other night knockin Ron about team chemistry on the KHTK radio Koz showgram. I think it was Kayte Christensen stepped up and said how they get to see the side that few fans can see of Ron in practice and team functions, and how he's one of the few vets always hangin late working out with the rookies, and was a huge asset with a great team mindset.

IMO, chemistry is good or bad in how he's being used. The guy is a humble hard working motivated teammate who occasionally lets his frustrations get away from him. Manage the guy and stay a step ahead of him and the Kings will have a great player for years to come. We're still in the business of having great players aren't we???
 
Ron's trade stock could skyrocket, I think it just might.

Well skyrocket as much as it could seeing as he's still Artest.
I think he knows this, as well...and wants to play for a winner, and I dont think he's willing to wait another 3 years or so until we hopefully might be on the upswing again. I think Petrie works out some deal for an average role player and a mid-low first round pick, or Ron walks after this year.
 
Ron is what this team needs in terms of defense and hustle, plus when he brings his offensive game, there's no stopping this guy.

Let's hope the Kings know how to manage him and maybe he'll be here for the long run...
 
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