There are already plenty of people who want to take the high ground and say the Rockets are nuts and wrong for acquring such a problem child. But the Rockets want to win. I have said for months, adding Ron Artest is well worth the risk. I maintain the same now that GM Daryl Morey was able to pull it off.
The Rockets have their third star. They can now legitimately compete for an NBA title. I've been saying this for years since the Rockets acquired Tracy McGrady and paired him with Yao Ming; It takes three star players to compete in the Western Conference. The Spurs, Mavs, Lakers, Suns and all the best teams have put at least three stars on the floor together just to hope to emerge from the West. Now the Rockets can do the same. GM Daryl Morey and owner Les Alexander once again proved to be true to their word to aim as high as possible and shoot for a title. Adding Ron Artest is a risky move because of his ultra-shaky background and psyche. Among active NBA players, he'd rate #1 as the league's biggest nutcase. His past transgressions are well-documented and he flip-flops his thoughts and intentions more often that this country's top politicians. Yet this is a trade that you do every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
If it doesn't work, then it doesn't work. Artest has a one-year deal. He might not like Houston. He might not like his teammates. If either of those things prove tru, then it'll be a long uncomfortable and likely unsuccessful season. Yet, if it does work then potentially you've turned the team into a champion. A healthy team with a roster unchanged from a year ago, other than the recent addition of Brent Barry, would have been an improved squad, but not nearly as improved as the one the Morey has put together now.
Artest is only 28 years old and he's in a contract year. Normally that seems to encourage players to produce their best. He ha played for coach Adelman before and has said he's very excited that coach wants him with him again. He's coming off his most impressive statistical season and has always been considered one of the league's toughest defenders and most physical players. Tracy McGrady already indicated how excited he was over this deal and the fact that management has done their job. The team around him is by far the best group he's ever had around him. This is the best position they have ever been in with Tracy on the roster to win a title. That is the goal. Ron Artest is a Houston Rocket and the Rockets are now a serious title contender.
Rafer Alston is no longer a top scoring option. Shane Battier's lack of offensive skill is now less of a problem. Injuries to Yao and Tracy now do not cripple the teams against good competition. The Rockets are no longer first round fodder. Again, an absolutely sensational move.
1 comment:
Thank goodness we have this long to let him mess up the trade or do something stupid before we are in this deal all the way. Anything is possible with this idiot, and while I am glad the trade was made I also remember the last time someone was supposed to really do well here because he was in a contract year and he loved Adelman. (Bonzi)
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