SI: Artest likely to make Kings regret wager

[VF21]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/chris_mannix/01/26/artest.kings/index.html

SI.com
Chris Mannix/Inside the NBA

A bad bet
Artest likely to make Kings regret their risky wager
Posted: Thursday January 26, 2006 1:00PM; Updated: Thursday January 26, 2006 4:57PM

So Ron Artest finally is a King. The only question now is whether the transaction included a lobotomy.

First, the Pacers. Indiana's dealing of Artest is nothing short of a coup. By unloading the enigmatic Ron-Ron, the Pacers removed a monstrous distraction. The questions were the same at every city the team visited. Can you guys win without Ron? Is there any chance Ron will be welcomed back into the fold? Got Ron? Jermaine O'Neal, a veritable quote machine, would have been better off coming to each arena with a tape of pre-recorded answers.

But it's more than just addition by subtraction for the Pacers. In Peja Stojakovic, Indiana got one of the league's premier perimeter threats, an automatic bucket from anywhere inside 25 feet. Stojakovic had struggled this season adjusting to his role as the Kings' leading man, but with the Pacers he will once again play off a legitimate low post scorer in O'Neal, much the same way Peja did for six seasons with Chris Webber.

As for Sacramento? It just inherited the modern day version of the Titanic.

It defies logic why the Kings would unload a young, inexpensive (for now) talent like Stojakovic for the volatile Artest. At best, Artest is a loose cannon. At worst, he's a ticking time bomb capable of detonating a season. He's the basketball equivalent of Terrell Owens: a talented superstar with more baggage than a 747.

So why do it? Well, for starters, the Kings were going nowhere. At 18-24, Sacramento is 12th in the Western Conference, 2.5 games behind Utah for the final playoff spot. Essentially, the Kings had nothing to lose, save for Stojakovic, whose contract included an opt-out clause after this season, one he most assuredly would have exercised.

Were those good enough reasons? Nope, nowhere near strong enough to justify making a trade that could set this franchise back for years.

What can the Kings bring to the table in dealing with Artest that hasn't been tried ad nauseam by the Pacers? Is Sacramento's front office more structured than Indiana's? Somehow Donnie Walsh and Larry Bird seem more imposing than the trio of Joe and Gavin Maloof and GM Geoff Petrie. Is the Kings coach more disciplined? It's hard to imagine that Rick Adelman, who has been on thin ice all season, can garner more respect from Artest than did Rick Carlisle, who has had the full backing of ownership throughout Artest's tenure with the Pacers.

Does anyone honestly think Adelman is the one to finally crack this nut? That his new teammates can keep Artest in check? As former Pacer Reggie Miller said, everyone has tried communicating with Artest.

They tried in Chicago; they tried in Indiana; now Artest is supposed to bow in reverence to Mike Bibby and Brad Miller? Funny, I don't see that happening.

Petrie may be the basketball equivalent of Midas, but this deal reeks of the Maloofs. Why? Only a hardcore gambler would place money on a longshot like Artest.

There is no upside here, because with Artest it's not a question of if he blows up again, but when. Maybe he makes it through the season. Maybe we embrace him again next season. Or maybe someone tosses an object in his direction again and he goes postal. Think the Palms will take odds on that?

Artest had better hope he doesn't have a flare-up in Arco Arena, because those cowbells hurt a lot more than cups.

 

[SacKings384]

I don't see the loss in this... If he blows up we trade him. If he doesn't he's a fantastic player. Peja was GONE at the end of the year and everyone knew it. I'd rather have a crazy all-star at a low salary than nobody at all.

 

[foretaz]

i think the gambling analogy is such a perfect one....


the key is knowing when to get up....or in this case, when to get out-or trade him....

the kings made a great move, they were down and placed a bet on a longshot that will probably hit...

but how long do u ride it????

there will most likely be a very fine line when he could be traded when all things are good and the kings could get a very decent return...and i got this bad feeling it will involve the knicks...which aint good when ur a pacer fan...

the key is not trying to ride it too long...which is the mistake almost all gamblers make....

things go so well they think they will continue...

and then u go bust.....

should be interesting...

 

[ParniValjak]

Petrie may be the basketball equivalent of Midas, but this deal reeks of the Maloofs. Why? Only a hardcore gambler would place money on a longshot like Artest.

Never has a truer word been spoken.

This deal has Maloofs written all over it in bight, shiny letters.

 

[DeAtHrOw]

I don't see the loss in this... If he blows up we trade him. If he doesn't he's a fantastic player. Peja was GONE at the end of the year and everyone knew it. I'd rather have a crazy all-star at a low salary than nobody at all.

All we need to figure out is how to manage the line up of GMs at Petrie's door when we decide to trade Ron cause he blew up again

On the serious note, if/when Ron does in fact mess up again the ONLY team that might take a chance on him are the Knicks.

 

[Indianapolis King]

I don't see the loss in this... If he blows up we trade him. If he doesn't he's a fantastic player. Peja was GONE at the end of the year and everyone knew it. I'd rather have a crazy all-star at a low salary than nobody at all.

The decision here in Indiana (at least for the last 6 weeks) was that we would rather have nothing than a crazy all-star--that's why he was de-activated.

 

[SacKings384]

All we need to figure out is how to manage the line up of GMs at Petrie's door when we decide to trade Ron cause he blew up again

On the serious note, if/when Ron does in fact mess up again the ONLY team that might take a chance on him are the Knicks.

As long as there is a guy with Rons talent level there will be someone willing to take him on. Believe me on that one. And as far as Indiana rather having nothing for Ron, that was for six weeks... And they got an All-Star in return for him. An All-Star trade or Peja walking? I wouldn't think twice about that one... Now he may not warrant an All-Star trade next time, but I GUARANTEE someone is willing to take on this guy. No doubt in my mind...

 

[bigbadred00]

As long as there is a guy with Rons talent level there will be someone willing to take him on. Believe me on that one. And as far as Indiana rather having nothing for Ron, that was for six weeks... And they got an All-Star in return for him. An All-Star trade or Peja walking? I wouldn't think twice about that one... Now he may not warrant an All-Star trade next time, but I GUARANTEE someone is willing to take on this guy. No doubt in my mind...

If you get a motivated Peja, you get an All-Star. If you get the Peja we've been getting, your better off with lesser talented but more motivated players. Will see how Peja reacts again to being the #1 guy as long as JO is out.

With JO I think Peja will strive, well atleast be more motivated than he was as a King lately. I doubt he will return to MVP candidate 2003 form without Vlade.

 

[SacTownKing4Life]

Artest had better hope he doesn't have a flare-up in Arco Arena, because those cowbells hurt a lot more than cups.

I don't agree with this article totally, but this sentence really stood out and I was laughing so hard because it is so true! I just hope Ron Artest realizes that this is probably his last chance and we have a great run with him. If he decides to leave after his contract is up I don't have a problem as long as he is productive with us and doesn't get beaten by cowbells .

 

[Team Dime]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/chris_mannix/01/26/artest.kings/index.html

SI.com
Chris Mannix/Inside the NBA

A bad bet
Artest likely to make Kings regret their risky wager
Posted: Thursday January 26, 2006 1:00PM; Updated: Thursday January 26, 2006 4:57PM



But it's more than just addition by subtraction for the Pacers. In Peja Stojakovic, Indiana got one of the league's premier perimeter threats, an automatic bucket from anywhere inside 25 feet. Stojakovic had struggled this season adjusting to his role as the Kings' leading man, but with the Pacers he will once again play off a legitimate low post scorer in O'Neal, much the same way Peja did for six seasons with Chris Webber.







Does anyone honestly think Adelman is the one to finally crack this nut? That his new teammates can keep Artest in check? As former Pacer Reggie Miller said, everyone has tried communicating with Artest.

They tried in Chicago; they tried in Indiana; now Artest is supposed to bow in reverence to Mike Bibby and Brad Miller? Funny, I don't see that happening.

Does anyone believe that Mr. Mannix has even watched a Kings game over the past year? When other that time period has Peja been an AUTOMATIC bucket from anywhere inside 25 feet? Before writing an article, perhaps Mr. Mannix should've simply done some research to find out that Peja is shooting only 40% from the field, the lowest of his career. Anyone remember Peja's "forceful" drives to the basket ??

The whole article loses any credibility when you act like the current Peja is like the former all star one of 2 years ago.

Maybe Mannix should address how much offensive freedom Adelman allows, how Artest should be able to take alot more shots since there is no definitive leader. Or he could touch on how the overwhelming majority of players enjoy playing for the Kings.

To not even mention such things is irresponsible journalism.

 

[love_them_kings]

Never has a truer word been spoken.

This deal has Maloofs written all over it in bight, shiny letters.

The Rise Guys said this morning that this move was instigated by the Maloofs and that any sign off by Petrie came later. They also said that it makes them wonder about GP... if the Maloofs have lost faith & how long he'll be here.

Two things:
1. If the Maloofs have lost faith,does it make sense to get rid of GP & Adelman at the same time

2. GP supposedly left his last position because the owners were meddling too much. Does he want to hang around if the Maloofs continue to take things into their own hands?

 

[PFFFT!!]

I don't see the loss in this... If he blows up we trade him. If he doesn't he's a fantastic player. Peja was GONE at the end of the year and everyone knew it. I'd rather have a crazy all-star at a low salary than nobody at all.

Thing is, we stand as the last frontier for him if he does spill his marbles. Nobody will want him...NOBODY. Its just a matter of everyone in the organization telling him that. He's young and he stands to lose millions of dollars once his contract is over because he will still only be 28/29 which is primetime for players.

 

[Wuster]

I don't see the loss in this... If he blows up we trade him. If he doesn't he's a fantastic player. Peja was GONE at the end of the year and everyone knew it. I'd rather have a crazy all-star at a low salary than nobody at all.

The Peja portion of your comment aside, I imagine the Pacer organization felt pretty much the same way. And the results in Indiana speak for themselves.

Artest may similarly backfire on the Kings. I'm speculating he will, sooner or later.

 

[Team Dime]

Thing is, we stand as the last frontier for him if he does spill his marbles. Nobody will want him...NOBODY. Its just a matter of everyone in the organization telling him that. He's young and he stands to lose millions of dollars once his contract is over because he will still only be 28/29 which is primetime for players.

Sorry, I gotta call BS on that one. Someone will always want him, guarantee it. Just like someone will always want TO and Randy Moss

 

[dbl07]

so if he doesn't work out we trade him. At least we saw what Indiana could've got........Why can't we? LA Clips were willing to deal Maggette. That's just to name one trade. We can get more for Artest than we could've for Peja. Simple as that.

 

[thesanityannex]

so if he doesn't work out we trade him. At least we saw what Indiana could've got........Why can't we? LA Clips were willing to deal Maggette. That's just to name one trade. We can get more for Artest than we could've for Peja. Simple as that.

Thats what it all boils down to for me. And, we've got Petrie dealing Artest next time, I have a feeling he can get more than Maggette for Artest with a package deal.

 

[DocHolliday]

I had to stop reading the article for a bit where it called Chris Webber a legitimate low post threat HAHAHAHAHA. I was laughing too hard. Couldn't see. Damn that's funny

 

[Rowdyone]

For those of you saying this is Ron's last chance, no one will want him if he doesn't make it here I have two words for you....Steve Howe. For those of you not old enough to remember him, he was an outstanding reliever for the LA Dodgers in the '80's but got hooked on drugs and was "banned lifetime" like three different times, yet because he could still play ball management found a way to re-instate him. As long a Ron can be effective on the court someone will always think they can manage his mercurial/eccentric personality.

 

[Sacto=Slappo]

Thats what it all boils down to for me. And, we've got Petrie dealing Artest next time, I have a feeling he can get more than Maggette for Artest with a package deal.

Totally agree about that. The deal may smell like the Maloofs but using that logic, it does have a ring of Petrie to it. If he works out: Kings in playoffs. If he doesn't: GP packages a trade including RonRon and sets us up for next year.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I could not get through this article, more Artest is evil crap.

Peja was gone. No matter what he said the only way he was re-signing was if his value had gone to complete crap thanks to his horrid play this season. And then we'd probably sign him to a max dollar contract and spend the next 4 seasons cutting salary before we traded Peja for 3 bad contracts.

This move frees up our offseason to focus on Bonzi, a few complimentary players and hopefully unloading some of our redundancy from the Webber trade.

We get back a player who despite being at rock bottom trade value wise thanks to his off court issues is a far superior player on the court. We have a history of redeeming troubled players here. When he played with Miller in Chicago and Indiana the guy was a monster, so theoretically he should not only improve the 3 spot but the rest of our front court as well. And if he isn't a good fit for the Kings he still should have good trade value assuming he doesn't do something to get banned from the league for life. So this deal may be a gamble but its one with the odds stacked in our favor. The other trades that were on the table for Artest wouldn't be made for Peja straight up, I can tell you that much.

 

[PFFFT!!]

Sorry, I gotta call BS on that one. Someone will always want him, guarantee it. Just like someone will always want TO and Randy Moss

For the league minimum perhaps. He will never get what hes worth as a player. Contracts will be shoddy. And this guy blows up on the court, unlike Moss and TO. Hes capable of doing things that TO or Moss wouldn't even do.

 

[Rowdyone]

For me the bottom line on this trade is that even if Ron is suspended for, say, 5-10 games a year, Peja was missing that and more with injuries each year so I figure we'll still be ahead net-net...plus Ron is a better overall player. I'm not looking for a model citizen, just a player who can help us win.

 

[thesanityannex]

For me the bottom line on this trade is that even if Ron is suspended for, say, 5-10 games a year, Peja was missing that and more with injuries each year so I figure we'll still be ahead net-net...plus Ron is a better overall player. I'm not looking for a model citizen, just a player who can help us win.

Even if Ron sits out the entire year it wouldn't matter. Just look at the record when Peja is not playing. Kings win more games when Peja sits.

 

[PacerinIraq]

For me the bottom line on this trade is that even if Ron is suspended for, say, 5-10 games a year, Peja was missing that and more with injuries each year so I figure we'll still be ahead net-net...plus Ron is a better overall player. I'm not looking for a model citizen, just a player who can help us win.

I understand the reasoning here to a point. But, it is different. Suspended is a stigma attached to the player and the team. I'm long over the idea of win at all costs. There is a price to pay for that.

 

[IndyColts1]

Is It Worth It?

Speaking from ther Indy side of things.......Will someone want Artest if he blows up again? Yes, there will be some takers, but don't count on getting the same caliber player in return like the Pacers did. With Peja out the door, the Kings certainly had nothing to lose. If RonRon never has any problems (not likely), the Maloofs and Petrie will look like geniuses. After the first blowup, everyone will say, "we knew it was coming".

The biggest key here, is what Donnie Walsh said, "I learned that when you add a dysfunctional person to a functional group, sooner or later, the whole group is dysfunctional," Walsh said. "I thought I knew that before, but I really know that now. You think the group will help the one player, but it's really the other way around."

It's just a matter of time before the eggs get scrambled again. The question, is will the rest of the team eat them as well?

In 49 states, it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!

 

[SacKings384]

Speaking from ther Indy side of things.......Will someone want Artest if he blows up again? Yes, there will be some takers, but don't count on getting the same caliber player in return like the Pacers did. With Peja out the door, the Kings certainly had nothing to lose. If RonRon never has any problems (not likely), the Maloofs and Petrie will look like geniuses. After the first blowup, everyone will say, "we knew it was coming".

The biggest key here, is what Donnie Walsh said, "I learned that when you add a dysfunctional person to a functional group, sooner or later, the whole group is dysfunctional," Walsh said. "I thought I knew that before, but I really know that now. You think the group will help the one player, but it's really the other way around."

It's just a matter of time before the eggs get scrambled again. The question, is will the rest of the team eat them as well?

In 49 states, it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!

It's all a matter of this. Who thinks they can handle Artest. Basically it's a matter of thinking that "O they couldn't handle him, but we can" For example, a team like L.A where they have Phil Jackson who settled down Rodman and a clear leader in Kobe could think that they could handle him, or in New York with Larry Brown and Isiah would be willing. There will be teams if he flips out that will want him. Just a matter of if he does flip out or not.

 

[Rowdyone]

I understand the reasoning here to a point. But, it is different. Suspended is a stigma attached to the player and the team. I'm long over the idea of win at all costs. There is a price to pay for that.

I understand where you're coming from and I didn't mean to imply that I would embrace any old thug that could ball. But I do believe that if his intesity to win creates problems, then, given our soft and passionless history, I'm okay with him being that kind of disruptive. It would actually be a breath of fresh air for this franchise. Hope the team manages to keep it all within the team, not in the papers, and ultimately make it constructive. With Adelman as coach and his laid back, non-demanding style and the Maloof's contacts in Las Vegas and Hollywood where they have a film production company I think Ron can be persuaded to channel his enegy in positve avenues that appeal to him and perhaps weren't open to him before. Irregardless, it's a calculated gamble that if it pays off will pay off handsomely and, if not, can't hurt our team any more than it already is.

 

[Rowdyone]

Speaking from ther Indy side of things.......Will someone want Artest if he blows up again? Yes, there will be some takers, but don't count on getting the same caliber player in return like the Pacers did. With Peja out the door, the Kings certainly had nothing to lose. If RonRon never has any problems (not likely), the Maloofs and Petrie will look like geniuses. After the first blowup, everyone will say, "we knew it was coming".

The biggest key here, is what Donnie Walsh said, "I learned that when you add a dysfunctional person to a functional group, sooner or later, the whole group is dysfunctional," Walsh said. "I thought I knew that before, but I really know that now. You think the group will help the one player, but it's really the other way around."

It's just a matter of time before the eggs get scrambled again. The question, is will the rest of the team eat them as well?

In 49 states, it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!

Not sure you can legitimately call Ron dysfunctional in a clinical sense, perhaps a better word is disruptive. Anyway, I'm not sure the Pacer's hands are totally pure on this whole thing. By that I mean their infatuation with Peja for some time, apparantly going back to 1996 when he tried out for them pre-draft. Now, they may have been completely above board but knowing Ron's insecurity perhaps they should have sought him out to reassure him that this was just media hype. Anyway, I don't know enough about it to say definitively, just saying that there's always one more thing you can do to avert a crisis.

 

[moppeh]

I think this focus on Ron as "crazy" is much ado about nothing. He will fit in fine and the Maloofs will threaten to whack him if he misbehaves.

 

[VF21]

The bottom line is if you aren't at least concerned about Ron Artest, you simply haven't been paying attention.

Be concerned. Be wary. And watch for the first signs of trouble. Don't let things get to the point they did in Indiana.

Give him the benefit of the doubt but watch him like a hawk.