This is a trade that can work two different ways for the Rockets; for one it can be the missing piece of the puzzle, the 3^rd option on offense that the Rockets have been missing. It can be extra insurance given the injury history of both Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, but it could also be a disaster, the likes of which the Rockets have never seen, since Artest does hold the NBA record for most games suspended in a single season (73 in 2004) not related to gambling or drug use. Artest has also been suspended for destroying a camera in New York and for an altercation with former Heat coach Pat Riley. Artest has also been named defensive player of the year for the 2003/04 season. One curious thing about the trade is what the Rockets do with Artest and Shane Battier, since they both play the same position, small forward. Is Rocket GM Daryl Morey planning another trade maybe involving Battier to improve the point guard position?

I haven't been able to find anything on what McGrady's opinion is on the trade, but 2 of his teammates, both currently over in China preparing for the Olympics had theirs. Yao Ming stated "For some reason, I like (Artest)," Yao said. "Because in the games we play against him, I hate him. "When I text messaged with Luis, we talked about team chemistry. That's only what worries us. Scola stated, "He's a good player. Why should I not be excited?" said Scola. "He brings defense. He brings talent. He brings athleticism. That's a lot." "I haven't talked to Ron yet, so it's hard to say. I have to find a way to talk to him and see what we can do as a basketball team. He has a history. But we know he is a physical player. He is a good player. He really can help us. And Ron is on a contract year, too. "I think Ron Artest is a good player if coach (Rick) Adelman can control the team well."

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Lloyds Apple said:

I like the trade. Artest will give the Rockets toughness that McGrady and Yao, as good as they are, don't even come close to. Patrick Ewing Jr. does nothing for me and I can't believe he was even drafted. Big body, I guess. This could be a final piece of the puzzle. Yao needs to stay healthy, T Mac needs to stay healthy. This trade could be like the Bulls late in their run bringing in Rodman. Ron Artest is certainly not all there in the head but whatever. The Rockets made the best move they probably could to bring in a title in the next couple of years.

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August 03, 2008
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