There are only a few players in the league who are lock-down on D and put up 20 points on offense every night.

I don't think Artest fits in in Indiana. In New York, where he's friends with Marbury and Isiah and is home, I think it could work out.

I'd take a chance, but I'm not sure at what price.

You know what.... F him!

I really think he might be certifiably insane. And who knows what happens to him while on his mandatory vacation. He might go off the deep end altogether.

We don't need his type of cancer.

I hope you guys are kidding with the TT for Artest suggestions.

TT is at an all time low. Why would Donnie or Bird do it?

I can see the phone conversations...

Isiah: Guys, Artest for TT.
Donnie: Layden, is that you?

Posted by martin:

I hope you guys are kidding with the TT for Artest suggestions.

TT is at an all time low. Why would Donnie or Bird do it?

I can see the phone conversations...

Isiah: Guys, Artest for TT.
Donnie: Layden, is that you?

I am not kidding at all....this is what I would give up, not what Indy would accept. Artest's value is at an all time low. He is too big a risk to get rid of a young talent like Ariza and may not even play this year. If I was assured Artest would be back in 30 games, my offer would be different...I wouldn't offer a young promising player and a much improved PF who happens to be our best rebounder and defender for a guy who may not be back in the league this season, if at all...

Posted by fishmike:

the talent doesnt matter. You cant under no circumstances trade for him. Its a PR disaster and sends a terrible message to your fans and the NBA regarding your organization. The Knicks arent so bad where we need to trade for a player like this. If at some future date he after this boiled down and Artest proved he's commited to not being retarded thats different.

Spree?

I agree that you don't make a move for Artest right now. But I guarantee Isiah will be the first one on the phone this summer. It's sad, I think Artest would actually be worse off here in the city with all his hangers on close by, but I don't think that will stop Zeke. I wonder if his loyalty to Artest will be his downfall (eventually...). I think Ariza and JYD and a first rounder or some combination like that would probably get it done from Indiana's point of view.

Artest is like Anthony Mason, but more so.


[Edited by - crzymdups on 11/22/2004 13:00:11]

I would make a move for him. TT for Artest I think has a shot only if they pacers are thinking they can still make the playoffs. They will get no production out of Artest, and the little that TT does would be a plus. But I doubt it'll happen

Posted by martin:

I hope you guys are kidding with the TT for Artest suggestions.

TT is at an all time low. Why would Donnie or Bird do it?

I can see the phone conversations...

Isiah: Guys, Artest for TT.
Donnie: Layden, is that you?

I agree with what some other posters said. Whos going to give anything fair up for Artest now? He's mentally ill and everyone knows it. I think Indiana would take ANYTHING worthwhile for him. Even If Tiny Tim has a 10ppg and 5 reb season, I think they would jump on it, if only NY might be the only city to make an offer.

Who else? Dallas? Sacramento? LA Lakers maybe, but they have enough trouble with Bryant.

The fact that Isiah, Jamison Brewer, Crawford are here, and Artest is from Queens gives us the leverage and possible ability to offer up a Tiny Tim for Artest and filler.

Man I just got back from a vacation in Europe and I turn on the TV to see this...while I am not totally surprised I am disappointed. I thought Artest would stay clear of controversy for a while after the whole rap album incident but I guess I was wrong.

However - I think the fans were clearly crossing the line way before Ron did. You do not throw a drink on a professional athlete - or anyone for that matter. Then when they come after you and are being held by another member of the crowd you do not throw a cup of ice in their face, and then start punching them. You do not dump drinks on Jermaine Oneal as he is being escorted out of the arena and isnt fighting anymore. It was a disgrace. I do feel Artest got what he deserved from Stern...I think Jackson and Oneal probably could have been suspended for the entire season as well and Stern took it lightly on them.

As far as the fans go, I think the punishment has to be equally as servere. This is not something that needs to be settled by law enforcement - this is something the league should decide regardless of what charges are pressed. If you threw a punch or a cup at a player - not only should you lose your season tickets, but you should face a lifetime ban from entering any NBA arena for the rest of your life. Its that simple - you want to put a stop to this, make the fans pay. Artest was reacting to what a fan did - he was provoked. The NBA has made its case against players resorting to violence and now it should do the same for fans resorting to it.

It may sound harsh but I think it is the only way to prevent something like this from happening again.

And no I do not want Ron Artest on the NY Knicks - I dont care what comparisons to Spree are made - what Spree did was behind closed doors in practice and Artest did this on the national stage in a time where the media is feasting on stories like this. Let him stay where he is or become someone elses problem - we need a Center - not a SF with a chip on his shoulder that doesnt seem to get better with time.