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I used to think the same, but the guy won game 1 of the WCF for us, not to mention that huge three he hit right before Horry's in game 2. In the biggest game of any of the Spurs careers he was nails and kept the Spurs in game 7 during the first half when EVERYONE was cold as ice. I don't care at all about a shitty regular season when he brought it like that in the final 2 rounds and won a title.Quote:
Originally Posted by T Park
Inconsistent, Nets Ponder Making Bid for Artest
New York Times (registration required): "The Nets placed a call to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, their first official expression of interest in forward Ron Artest."
But the Nets would not say how intensely they plan to pursue Artest, who demanded a trade earlier this week. Rod Thorn, the Nets' president, described his talks with the Pacers as a "fact-finding" conversation.
"Any time that there's a player out there who is a great player, one of the better players in the league, there's always interest," Thorn said in a telephone interview.
Thorn said he believed that more than 20 teams had contacted the Pacers about Artest. But the Nets have an advantage over many other clubs in that they could afford to trade a star, Vince Carter, and possibly still improve as a team. The loss of Carter could be mitigated by the presence of Richard Jefferson, who can be just as dangerous offensively. Artest could bring a defensive toughness that is not Carter's strength.
The call to the Pacers on Thursday was just one of many that Thorn made on what was the de facto start of the trade season. All trade restrictions have been lifted, with teams now eligible to deal players they signed in the off-season.
For Thorn, Thursday meant there was a lot of work to do.
After the Nets (9-12) endured an embarrassing 91-83 loss at home to the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night, their third consecutive defeat, it became apparent that Thorn would intensify his efforts to bolster his underachieving team.
Thorn said he had been busier "than normal in both fielding and placing calls."
Several Nets could be on the trading block, including Marc Jackson and Jeff McInnis, both off-season acquisitions who have not seemed pleased with their roles on the team. The reserve guard Zoran Planinic, who was on the inactive list Wednesday night for the first time this season, may also be a candidate to be traded.
Coach Lawrence Frank held Jackson and McInnis out of the lineup against the Bobcats, and after the game Jackson said, "If the coach don't believe I can help the team, then let me go some place where I can help the team."
Planinic's agent, Marc Cornstein, expressed a similar sentiment about his client on Thursday. He said he has had several conversations with Nets management in recent days, but he still does not understand why Planinic has been given limited playing time.
"You may not always agree, but typically you can understand why a player is, or is not, getting the minutes they are," Cornstein said in a telephone interview. "I certainly would not be shocked if Zoran is packaged in a trade."
Thorn apparently made an effort Thursday to reach out to the entire team in a meeting before practice.
"He was just speaking to being committed to the team and support your fellow teammates, which I think everybody does," Jackson said.
Thorn expressed his continued confidence in Frank.
"To me, our coach is as prepared as anybody," Thorn said. "I think the coach is doing a good job, so I don't have any problem with our coach."
Earlier in the season, the Nets had expressed a desire to upgrade the roster with an athletic power forward.
Now, it seems, the Nets are in search of anyone who could help them become consistent. They have been especially up-and-down on defense, and they have been burned by several swift perimeter scorers this season, including Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Richard Hamilton.
To that end, Artest, who is widely considered the best one-on-one perimeter defender in the N.B.A., could be just what the Nets need.
Artest is set to make about $6.5 million this season, and Carter will make about $13.8 million. If the teams agreed to a trade involving those players, the Pacers might also have to send the Nets another player, perhaps power forward Austin Croshere, who will make about $8.9 million this year, to make the salaries match. The Nets could also include either Lamond Murray or Scott Padgett, forwards signed through free agency last summer, in a deal.
Jefferson, who will make about $10.2 million this season, would be difficult to trade because of his contract structure.
Though the Nets fancy Artest's talent, they realize that they must consider his behavior. He was suspended for most of last season after charging into the stands during a game with the Pistons.
"If you're interested in him, I think that's the first thing," Thorn said earlier in the week.
Los Angeles Daily News (scroll down): "The agent for Ron Artest said Thursday the Lakers were not in the mix of teams considered the most serious contenders to trade for the troubled Indiana Pacers forward."
vc for artest?
CBS Sport Line
By Tony Mejia
Dec 16, 2005
Link: CBS Sports-Line
Offseason duds could become trade-target studs
Unlike most of us, who begin shopping in earnest after Thanksgiving, most of the NBA waits until Dec. 15, the earliest day players signed in the offseason can be dealt. Consider it open season.
Players envisioned as quick fixes who haven't panned out can expect to be swapped, as can those clamoring for more playing time. Here's a list of players who could find themselves with new teams in the coming weeks, although this only includes players who signed more than 90 days ago. If those 90 days aren't up, the wait for a new beginning continues.
Matt Bonner, F, Toronto: The Raptors fan favorite has the right salary slot to accompany Morris Peterson and a No. 1 pick out of town if Indiana decides to banish Ron Artest from the country.
Antonio Daniels, G, Washington: He signed a lucrative five-year deal with the Wizards and was in the starting lineup opening night. But he has since fallen out of favor due to an inability to find his shot. His minutes are sporadic, and he's in danger of falling out of the rotation altogether. This might be a good time for someone to sneak in and lay claim to him, hoping he'll snap out of the slump. He's a solid ball-handler and strong defender.
Juan Dixon, G, Portland: He was hoping to have a larger role with the rebuilding Blazers, but Dixon is essentially doing the same thing he did in Washington -- coming off the bench and scoring in bunches. With Nate McMillan expected to make more of a commitment to rookie Martell Webster, perhaps a playoff contender can come in and grab the former Final Four MVP. He plays well in big games, had a solid playoffs last season and is the type of shooter who can change the complexion of a game.
Chris Duhon, G, Chicago: Fat chance landing him after what has thus far been a breakout season, but you have to give the Raptors credit for signing him to an offer sheet in the offseason. Even more kudos go the Bulls' way for keeping him and reaping the spoils.
Dan Gadzuric, C, Milwaukee: The Bucks re-upped with him for six years over the summer, so he won't come cheap, but it will be interesting to see whether any team has become enamored enough with his progress to come knocking. The Bucks love the depth they have up front with Jamaal Magloire, Andrew Bogut and Gadzuric, so it would take something very enticing for them to consider a shakeup.
Eddie Griffin, F/C, Minnesota: His role on the Timberwolves isn't concrete, with his minutes fluctuating depending on the matchup. One of the league's leaders in blocks per minute, Griffin also has the ability to extend defenses from the perimeter, making him a unique asset. Of course, he has slumped from outside of late, but considering he seems to have shed the off-court baggage, a team willing to be patient and help his talent flourish would be smart to swoop in with an offer.
Othella Harrington, F/C, Chicago: He has been a fixture in the Bulls frontcourt rotation lately, showcasing his skills for anyone in the league in need of a solid big man who hustles and bangs off the bench. If the Bulls make a play for a bigger name, expect him to be part of the deal.
Jerome James, C, New York: Larry Brown believes moves will be made fairly quickly after Dec. 15, and it would make sense if James is part of the shuffle. Originally signed for five years, $30 million to be the Knicks' starting center, he lost that gig as soon as Eddy Curry came on board and has been banged up and disinterested since. New York would love to move him, and there is always a market for 7-footers, regardless of their value.
Brevin Knight, G, Charlotte: He might be the Bobcats' most dependable figure so far, but his role is ultimately to mentor Raymond Felton and groom him to take over. Could anybody come up with a package sweet enough to force Charlotte to deviate from its plans? Lead guards of Knight's caliber -- he continues to improve with age -- are in high demand.
Arvydas Macijauskas, G, New Orleans: The Lithuanian sharpshooter signed with the Hornets specifically because he felt he'd contribute there from the get-go, but that hasn't happened. He hasn't played more than eight minutes in a single game and has yet to knock down even one of his staple shots -- the 3-pointer. Anyone care to bail him out?
Scott Padgett, F, New Jersey: A strong outside shooter and decent glue guy, he's not big enough for what New Jersey really needs: another big man. Speculation out of Jersey is that he's expendable.
Stromile Swift, F, Houston: The Rockets aren't thrilled with his development, as they were hoping he'd make more of an immediate impact, but he's slowly learning the system. If he concentrates on boards and defense, forgets about scoring, and gets Yao Ming's back, his venture in Houston will be a success. New Jersey has reportedly come in with an offer of Marc Jackson -- another offseason signee -- and a No. 1 pick.
Nikoloz Tskitishvili, F, Minnesota: After a superb preseason, Skita hoped he'd be part of the T-Wolves' plans, but aside from keeping a seat on the bench warm, that hasn't happened. He hasn't played a single minute this season, has asked to be traded and makes a marginal salary that would allow him to land with a team dangling a second-round pick and a pastrami on rye.
Earl Watson, G, Denver: This marriage hasn't worked at all, which is why it's almost a foregone conclusion the Nuggets will part ways with Watson with the first realistic offer they get. He's stuck behind Andre Miller and Earl Boykins in the rotation and could offer one of his many suitors his contract in exchange for a shooter. Watson is a tempo stabilizer who plays the right way on both ends of the floor.
Players still ineligible for trade (Date of eligibility): Seattle's Vladimir Radmanovic (Dec. 20) and Ronald Murray (Dec. 26); Portland's Steve Blake (Dec. 27); Charlotte's Keith Bogans (Dec. 29); Miami's Jason Kapono (Jan.1); Seattle's Reggie Evans (Jan. 2);
Denver eyeing Artest
Pacers official says Vandeweghe called on possible trade
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
December 17, 2005
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Denver Nuggets are in the hunt for Ron Artest, called by Carmelo Anthony "the type of piece we need."
Indiana Pacers CEO and president Donnie Walsh said Friday that Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe called him earlier this week to express interest in Artest. The often-troubled Pacers forward has requested a trade.
"They called to see what we want (for Artest)," Walsh said of the Nuggets.
Walsh said it was a preliminary call, and wouldn't speculate on the chances of Artest going to Denver. Walsh plans to keep in touch with the Nuggets as he will with all 20 or so teams that have called.
Asked which Denver players the Pacers might seek, Walsh said, "I will be telling Kiki that" rather than going through the media.
Artest primarily is a small forward, Anthony's position in Denver. But Anthony said he would favor Artest coming to the Nuggets, and one of the two could play shooting guard.
"He's the type of piece we need," Anthony said of the 2003-04 Defensive Player of the Year. "Everything he does. Intensity. Defense. Offense."
General manager Kiki Vandeweghe is not on Denver's ongoing trip. Vandeweghe, who declined comment Monday about Artest, didn't return a message.
Artest has had many troubles in his seven-year career, most notably having been suspended for 73 games last season for going into the stands during a November 2004 game at Detroit, which ignited a brawl. Nuggets coach George Karl was asked whether he could coach Artest.
"I think in my years of 1,500 games of coaching, I've coached every person," Karl said.
Karl wouldn't speculate on the possibility of Denver landing Artest. He said he had not spoken to Vandeweghe in two days, but figures to talk to him after the six-game trip ends Sunday in Atlanta.
Artest is making $6.5 million in the fourth year of a six-year, $42 million contract. There is little chance he will stay in Indiana.
"We plan on trading him," Walsh said.
PASSING FANCY: Andre Miller's 2001-02 season is looking less like a fluke.
Miller averaged an NBA-most 10.9 assists for Cleveland. After that, the point guard had seasons of 6.7 for the Los Angeles Clippers and 6.1 and 6.9 for the Nuggets.
But Miller this season is up to 8.2. He had 13 in Friday's 115-106 overtime loss to New Jersey, and has averaged 9.6 the past 10 games.
"I've just got a chance to play with the guys a couple of years," said Miller, who also said his Cleveland teammates "didn't dribble as much," leading to more assists. "I'm just trying to make the simple plays."
TNT analyst Steve Kerr, though, doesn't see anything simple about the way Miller aggressively drives.
"Miller is among the best in the league at (that)," Kerr said during Denver's game Thursday at Cleveland, adding Miller plays like a running back. "He reminds me of an Emmitt Smith."
ETC.: Center Marcus Camby sat out a second consecutive game because of a right-hand fifth-finger sprain and guard Earl Boykins missed his third with a strained left hamstring. And guard Greg Buckner didn't play in the second half because of a groin strain. Athletic trainer Jim Gillen said all but Boykins could play Sunday. "I'm surprised it's still this sore," Boykins said. "I don't want to come back too soon." Camby said he is "getting better." Buckner said there's a "good chance" he'll play Sunday . . . Kenyon Martin played his second game in New Jersey since the Nets sent him to Denver in a July 2004 sign-and-trade. "That's the bed they've got to lie in," Martin said of the Nets being weak at power forward . . . Michael Coyne, agent for Nene, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Denver's Nov. 1 opener and underwent surgery Nov. 21, said his client is off crutches and is "ahead of schedule" in rehabilitation. Coyne can't say yet whether Nene might return this season.
Copyright 2005, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved.
Another head coach thinking that he is better than anyone else.
It's hard to see a worse pairing than Anthony and Artest.
Trade him to Jack in the Box drive thru manager at graveyard shift.