THE MANY FACES OF RON ARTEST
July 7, 2009 by R.C. Cola
My immediate reaction upon learning that the Los Angeles Lakers had signed Ron Artest should have been enthusiasm over acquiring the stormy forward. Instead, it was trepidation.
Sure, Artest is a defensive specialist with lock-down capabilities. He shoots a better three-ball than departing forward Trevor Ariza. He’s also passionate and plays with the kind of hustle you can’t help but admire. But that’s not the Artest I’m worried about. I’m a little afraid of Ron Ron.
You remember Ron Ron, right? He’s the catalyst for the ugliest incident in basketball history, back in November 2004, when he ran into the stands of the Palace of Auburn Hills to confront a fan who had thrown a paper cup at him. He prompted an all-out brawl between his then team the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons, now referred to as the “Malice in the Palace.” Rather than apologize, he took the airtime following the fight to promote a CD.
Artest has done much to rehabilitate his image since then, although his slices of his unique personality will flare up from time to time. He was on his best behavior playing with the Houston Rockets, and put up impressive numbers on a team missing star Tracy McGrady. He averaged 17.1 points a game and boasted a 40% three-point shooting average. As strong as Ariza was, he only averaged 32% shooting from beyond the arc last season.
But you saw a little of the old Ron Ron during this season’s second-round playoff match up with the Lakers. Bryant completely got into his head, and you witnessed a complete meltdown of Artest, as he clanked long-range shots and generally stunk it up as team futilely attempted to slay Goliath.
Perhaps that’s what will keep Artest in check. He obviously respects Bryant, and despite getting elbowed in the head during their playoff battle, Artest never crossed the line when complaining about the hits he took. A lot has been made about Phil Jackson’s ability to manage head cases, with Dennis Rodman being Exhibit A. Of course, Jackson is getting older, so it’s hard to say how effective he’ll be. It’s tough to doubt the Zen Master though.
Artest obviously wants to be in Los Angeles. Heck, he made more appearances at Staples Center during the playoffs than Vinnie Chase and his crew. He agreed to the mid-level exception for three years when he probably could have gotten more money. Perhaps he is reaching his maturity and realizes that his window for a ring is starting to close. The Lakers, meanwhile, realize they only have a few more years left with Kobe at his prime, and are banking it all in the short term. Here’s hoping Artest keeps it together in that span.
Comments
Feel free to leave a comment...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!