HOUSTON--He is controversial and combative, a combustible cat with nine--or is it 90?--National Basketball Association lives. Ron Artest also is one terrific NBA player. New city, new teammates--a “new” No. 96 jersey? “So far, Ron has been great,” Houston Rockets Coach Rick Adelman said.
Artest, 28, has survived, and sometimes thrived in, a nine-year sojourn that has led him to four franchises, including stops with the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings.
Besides lock-down defense, stout rebounding and reliable scoring, teams have received on-court conflict, off-court strife and multiple suspensions.
“We went into this with eyes wide open,” Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. “There’s risk on a couple of levels with Ron. We gave up some future picks and [developing] Donte Green.
“We took some risk on his volatile past. We feel like we can control those [areas].
“Rick coached him before [in Sacramento] and had a positive experience. He’s had some off-the-court issues that have gotten him emotional and spilled onto the court. But he’s been a very good [teammate], very competitive and personable with the guys. To win the title, you need to take these calculated risks.”
The Rockets obtained Artest during the summer from the Kings, who dealt for him in 2005 after the 6 ft. 7 in., 250 lb. small forward demanded the Pacers trade him.
“This transpired one season after Artest climbed into the stands to confront a fan who tossed a beer at him, igniting an ugly brawl during a game against the Detroit Pistons.
A 73-game suspension followed.
“Everyone deserves their own opinion,” Artest commented about his turbulent past. “I just try to play basketball.”
This is a critical financial year for Artest, who becomes a free agent after the season.
“I’m probably one of the more underpaid NBA players [at $7 million-plus in 2008-09], but I’m still paid quite a bit,” he said. “What more could I want?”
The Rockets wanted a versatile wing player with size and scoring ability. Artest has averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals in his career.
Adelman visualized Artest coming off the bench for scoring pop and to create matchup problems.
“There’s nothing to be egotistical about,” said Artest, switching to No. 96 because it most closely resembles the letters “q” and “b” that refer to his roots in Queensbridge, N.Y.
“I don’t care about starting or statistics. The only thing that’s important is winning.”
With Shane Battier battling a foot injury, Artest very well might start the season. He is capable of guarding power forwards and perimeter players, and he remains a real handful for small forwards.
“He gives us a lot more flexibility at both ends of the court,” Adelman said.
