Ron Artest isn't even a Houston Rocket officially and there's already trouble brewing. Check out this story by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
According to Feigen's story, Yao has some doubts about Artest fitting in. And in typical Ron Artest fashion, there was a response to that.
Oh boy.
Seriously, I've had my doubts about this working out when I first heard about it.
I really like Artest's game and he brings plenty to the arena each night. But this Rockets team doesn't really need him. Artest will take away minutes from Shane Battier, the team's best defender. Artest is also a solid defender, but he likes to score too. Does that mean Tracy McGrady will give up some of his shots each game? And Yao needs to score for the Rockets to be effective.
The Rockets added Brent Barry and they have Chuck Hayes and Carl Landry off the bench. Luther Head is a capable third guard. The Rockets didn't lose to the Jazz in the first round of the playoffs because they didn't have Artest. Houston lost because Yao was injured and the rest of the team was banged up. Plus, McGrady couldn't carry the scoring load for the whole series. Maybe that is impacting this decision to get Artest.
I think the Rockets shouldn't mess with the chemistry they have. The Rockets really pulled together when Yao went out for the season. They went on that incredible run.
A starting five of Alston, McGrady, Yao, Battier and Luis Scola is formidable. The bench is better than average.
Maybe Houston thinks they need to keep up with the L.A. Lakers and New Orleans. The Lakers will add Andrew Bynum to the starting lineup this season and the Hornets added veteran James Posey, a proven big-game player and winner. Plus, San Antonio hasn't really done much in the offseason and could be vulnerable. Maybe that's the thinking in Houston.
-- MIKE ROSE
Comments (4)
Nobody asked me but I think this was a terrible move by Houston. They don't need Artest.....
The chemistry will never work between him and Ming. Talk about being from different sides of the world. These 2 have nothing in common. I wouldn't be surprised if Houston pulled out of the deal before Aug. 14. There are certain players that just can't be on certain teams. This is one of those times.
Its easy to pick on Artest for his reaction to Yao's comment but what about Yao's comments? It's kind of foul that the first thing he brings up is the Brawl. If I'm a player coming into that situation, where Houston keeps getting bumped out of the playoffs, I want to feel welcomed. Yao's put him on blast from the get go. Artest has a right to be upset and reporters know this.
This is not really a story. Its yet another way Houston will get broken down. Reporters will use Artest's candid nature to break up the team. Lets see if he falls into the trap.
As for Houston not needing Artest. I dont agree with that. Shane can be used as a SG/SF while Artest can be used as a SF/PF. Yao's often injured because he's a gigantic man who's always working. If anything, what Houston needs most is an enforcer. Shane's strong but he's too nice a guy. Artest doesn't have that "problem".
Good trade. Houston was too boring anyway. You'd forget they were even in the playoffs.
Great point staryburyfan. However I think Artest is feast or famine. He will either make them much improved and able to contest for the title annually (i.e. Dennis Rodman on the Bulls and Pistons) or become a side-show and a distraction who disrupts the good chemistry on the team (i.e. Dennis Rodman on the Spurs). One thing is certain though, Houston will be much more fun to watch and this trade can only be judged by how they perform in the playoffs.
Excellent points.....
I just don't think Ron can blend in with this team. However, I could be wrong because he and Adelman get along well (I think). He was highly upset when Sac fired Pretty Ricky and replaced him with another coach. I also agree with Starburyfan about Yao being wrong for putting Ron on blast like that. Then again, I think we should give Yao a pass because we all know he didn't mean it to be disrespectful. He was answering a question the best way he knows how. I don't think Yao is at the stage in his ESL (English As A Second Language) where he actually realizes how he sounds/is perceived. Let's see what happens with this combination of players. They certainly have the tools to win it all now. It's all up to them how far they go. The bigger question is will the Rockets commit to him long term?