Enlightening Ignorance

This deal won’t be finalized until sometime later this week or early next, but I like what the Rockets are trying to do here. After seeing them win 22 straight games last year; the last ……… without Yao; it’s obvious that this team is not very far away from championship contention. I’m sure there’s plenty of people out there who still think that Ron Artest is a ticking time bomb who is going to come into Houston and find some way to be disruptive; but I’m not one of them.

I honestly don’t think Artest is the same man he was when he ignited that brawl in Detroit back in 2004. He’s had three productive and problem free seasons since then. I believe this man realizes that he has no strikes left, and any infraction from this point on, could result in him inevitably being black-balled in the NBA. If nothing else motivates him to behave it should be the fact that he has millions to lose, and we all know how professional athletes feel about their money. Otherwise, I’m not worried about his behavior. Fact of the matter is, he’s a very good basketball player. Last season he averaged better than 20 pts, 5 boards, and 3 helpers, with the Kings. He and Kevin Martin were the two most consistent players on that roster for the last two seasons, and he thrived in a leadership role while he was there. I know towards the end of last season he and coach Maurice Cheeks were having difficulty getting along, and for that reason this is a good move for him.

The western conference will be just as good next season, and the improvement the Rockets will experience because of the addition of Artest will be a big reason for that. If McGrady and Yao can play a full season together without injury, and Artest is added to the mix, this team could easily become the second best team in the west; behind the Lakers (with Bynum). Yes, I do believe they will become better than Phoenix, Utah, New Orleans, and as much as it hurts to say it…..San Antonio. Artest has proven to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and his scoring ability will take pressure off Battier; who’s just as good defensively but not as good offensively. Artest and Battier on the same team could be a nightmare for the likes of Kobe, Lebron, Carmello, Wade, and the other premier perimeter scorers of the league. I hope Houston makes this trade, this will just add to the excitement that next season will bring.