dtheriault

I think the Kings got the better end of the deal and I'd be more than happy to have Artest on my team. I never hear him dog or sell out other players (like T. Owens, Kobe or Peyton Manning) He says wacky things, but when he's on the court he's all about winning and would never pull a stunt like Scottie Pippen and refuse to enter a game (which at least 2 NBA players just this year have been suspended for doing.)

I still think the Lakers blew it by not going after him. When you think of the triangle who reminds you more of Pippen: Lamar or Artest? I'm sure Artest can figure out how to pass when asked to.

I am also still stunned at how lame Pacer management is. Players ask to be traded all the time. Artest has said far wackier things. If you really wanted to get rid of him why not let him continue to play, laugh about the statement to the press and then work a deal from a stronger position instead of trying to move a lame duck.

The only thing Artest ever did that was worse than something Rasheed Wallace would do was going into the stands. Baseball players do it without being suspended for the year. Hockey players have done it with minimal suspension. It's a non-issue for football players because of the high walls around the playing area.

I've gotten into fights playing indoor soccer, rec basketball, and ice hockey. When you're playing any contact sport you are in a constant state of testosterone flow and your rage is always on the brink. If someone threw a cup full of something at me just after almost getting in a fight, I'm going into the stands.

This guy doesn't beat his wife, I don't think he has 10 kids and he wasn't involved in a murder like a certain NFL middle linebacker who still plays and everyone acts like it's okay I'm really not sure why all the hate for Artest, he's silly and stupid yes, but so is half of the NBA.

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Mojo_PeiPei

The dude is pretty fucked up, it's a shame for I fear it will haunt him and always be a hinderance to the massive amounts of talent he has.

Kings got way better with the trade, Peja sucks, and chances are Artest won't even end up staying in Sac Town.

I agree about the fight thing btw, but this dude has been a pretty shitty teammate. He wanted to be a rapper, he wanted time off? Plus yeah players probably often request trades, but not usually publically, and especially not after the first month of the season with a team that stuck by you after some serious shit.

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Borla

I think that, especially if the Kings don't turn things around and become a playoff team with a chance to compete for the Western Conference finals (which I think would be tough for them to do), Artest will become a ticking time bomb. It's a shame, because he's one of the few guys out there with the talent and desire to play hard-core defense, but I'm afraid his mental/emotional makeup is lacking. In some ways I see him like Dennis Rodman was, but without a strong enough coach and strong enough team leaders (like Rodman had on the Pistons, Spurs, and even more so the Bulls) to reign him in and demand his respect. I'm not sure the Pacers became a better team, but I'd be more nervous about the deal if I were the Kings.

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Craven Morehead

The Chicago sports media wasn't surprised at all when Artest lost it in Detroit. They all acted like it was just a matter of time. He can be one hell of a player, especially on defense. But I think he's got some issues.

Jadedfox

I think the Pacers are just happy he's been traded and got something for him. Peja may not be what he used to be, but he certainly can fill in nicely.

--jaded

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Willravel

I think that trading should be forbidden, and people should play for their home towns, but that's just my opinion.

Honestly, if Ron Artest can keep quiet and concentrate on the game, then he'd be a lot better. When he got suspended back in 2004 (along with the 8 others), I know everyone was collectively shaking their heads in dissapointment. If he decides to act up in Sacramento, he could be facing the end of his career. I wish sports stars could just keep their bs in their private lives, like sports stars of yor.

aswo

Wont happen anymore, becasue sports stars want to be rappers, and actors with clothing lines and theme songs. Artest is nuts in my opinion if it walks like a duck it quacks like a duck and smells like a duck, ITS A FUCKIN DUCK and that dude is completely out of his mind

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maximusveritas

I agree with most of what you said, dtheriault. I think the Pacers completely mishandled this situation. Peja's not a bad player, but he's probably only going to be there for a year. Meanwhile, the Kings are taking a risk, but their team was really struggling and they needed to take one. Bibby has been playing lights out recently, so if Artest can come in with some new focus and Brad Miller regains his form, this could be a dangerous team again. Then again, if Artest has another brain freeze or two, they could be in just as much hurt as the Pacers. It all comes down to whether Artest can get his mind in order and get back to playing good basketball.

crow_daw

Allright, I agree that Artest definitely has some issues, and the rap thing was bullshit. Personally (and I know this is liable to spark heated debate), I never really blamed him for the fight. I mean, don't get me wrong, it was definitely handled wrong, no doubt, but c'mon, people forget that these guys are human, and while it may not have been the thing to do, I think people were way too harsh on him.

The fact of the matter is Ron Artest is a damn good ballplayer and he definitely wants to win every single game. I've always been adamantly against team-breakers, but I don't think Artest qualifies. I just don't. I think it's a good move by the Kings.

But I could be proved so badly wrong.

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goddfather40

This is a good gamble by the Kings. If things can become stable and stay stable in Sac Town then it will be good for them. I think it is obvious that this was not Ron's first choice to go to, but I think he will fall in love with the atmosphere in Sacramento and the brilliant ownership of the Maloofs (God, it really pains me to complement Sac Town when I'm a Laker fan).

Indiana also got a player in Peja who, when injury free, will likely flourish with Jermaine O'Neal drawing double teams underneath.

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dtheriault

J. O'Neal isn't going to be drawing any double teams in the next 8 weeks.

There's also been rumors that this is just the first stop and that another trade is coming for Artest.

I've also heard that his new agent is to blame for his "saying" that he didn't want to play in Sac Town. His old contract was with another agent so the only way his new agent can make money for the next 2 years is on endorsements. Maybe the agent has been whispering Iago type crap into his ears hoping that Artest will be traded to LA, NY or Miami.

Wherever he goes I hope he does well- I've got him on my fantasy team. Sigh.

I'm a Laker fan too and I still think he would've worked well under Jackson. Maybe someone can get Chuck D. to kick some sense into his head (it might take Professor Griff and the Fruit of Islam to bust it through Artest's thick head.)

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"Remember, it takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen." -Homer

Unless you are the freakin Highlander, what is the point in learning how to fight with a sword?

Borla

I would've loved to see him go to the Lakers just for the pure entertainment value of him and Kobe having to be together every day. You KNOW there would be some drama there.

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