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JrZyHuStLa
Posts: 25677
Alba Posts: 3
Joined: 1/5/2007
Member: #1241
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July 10, 2007 -- LAS VEGAS - In a stunning reversal, the flaky Ron Artest told The Post yesterday he wants to retire a Sacramento King and isn’t advocating a trade to the Knicks.
Artest, a Queens native who played for St. John’s, had been baking in the scorching Las Vegas sun poolside at the Palms Hotel for several hours before he made the unpredictable remarks. On multiple occasions, Artest had said his dream was to play for the Knicks.
“I really want to finish my career in Sacramento because of my relationship with some of the players,” Artest said. “I want to finish with Sacramento. I feel attached to Sacramento. I want to be their franchise player.
Artest claims Kings GM Geoff Petrie told him a couple of weeks ago he would not deal him, and Artest told Petrie he probably would not opt out after next season.
“They’re not going to trade me,” Artest said. “I had a good talk with [Petrie]. That’s what he told me. That’s the only thing I can go on. He’s happy to have me.”
Petrie backed up Artest’s claim.
“Ron is going to be a King,” Petrie told The Post last night before the Knicks beat the Sonics 87-74 in a summer-league game. Petrie denied he’s had any substantive talks with the Knicks. “People are having conversations with themselves,” Petrie said.
Artest’s remarks conflict with comments made last week by his agent, Mark Stevens, who indicated Artest would love to come back home. It’s very possible Artest is insulted at reports Isiah Thomas would not part with either David Lee or Renaldo Balkman in an Artest deal. Artest’s family members were stunned to hear that report. Artest’s brother, Daniel, who’s playing for the Kings’ summer-league team, said Artest is a better player than Lee.
“I have a chance to have great legacy and more All-Star games,” Artest said before leaving Vegas. “I think I’m in the category as Kobe, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James. Some things have derailed me.”
Asked about the excitement generated in New York in recent days by the possibility of Artest becoming a Knick, he said, “It makes me feel good people believe in my game like that. Without New York, without Rucker Park and all, I wouldn’t be the player I am. I hoped the Knicks had picked me in [1999], but they didn’t.”
Artest has two years left on his pact. On his possible opt-out after the season, Artest said, “I’m not looking to break the bank. I probably won’t opt out. I’m not chasing the money too much. I’m worried about winning more than opting out. For $8.5 million [in 2009-2010] I won’t complain.”
Artest said last year he would opt out after 2008-2009 and sign with the Knicks. But he claimed things have changed.
“I always want to see the Knicks do well and next year they have a chance to come out of the East with Zach (Randolph) and compete for a championship,” Artest said.
He said he doesn’t want to leave the friends he has made, such as Kevin Martin and two young fellow New Yorkers, Francisco Garcia and Quincy Douby.
Artest had his run-ins with Thomas when he played for him in Indiana.
“Isiah, he’s a great guy, always pushed me,” Artest said. “After Isiah departed, my career took off and it had a lot to do with playing for Isiah.”
Artest, his four kids and Artest’s father are in Las Vegas watching Daniel Artest play for the Kings’ summer-league team. They’re all staying at the famous Palms, owned by Kings owners, brothers Joe and Gavin Maloof.
“The Kings treat Ron real good,” Artest Sr. said. “They treat me real good. They treated me the best of all three teams. They seem to really, really like Ron. On the other hand, he’s a New Yorker. People in New York would love it.”
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This guy is an official lunatic. Its better for the long run of the Knicks that this flaky warrior stays in Sac-town.
[Edited by - jrzyhustla on 07-10-2007 08:57 AM]
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7/10/2007 9:13 AM
