Pacers need to resolve their situation with Artest

[Timberwolf]

It's been a few weeks since Ron Artest got suspended for his ridiculous comments. It's clear the Pacers want nothing to do with him. Pacers sent Artest a message. With that said, he needs to start making a living. There is no point to keep him at home and do nothing and deny him a living. He either should come back and play or just be traded. Pacers are not getting anything special in return for him. Teams are not going to give up a lot knowing full they don't have to since Artest is not coming back so the Pacers should just trade Ron or bring him back and make it work out again.

I am not going to defend Ron for what he did and he deserved whatever punishment the Pacers are giving him, but to deny him of making a living is crazy.

[lal4l]

The Lakers are getting him and Jalen Rose in a 3 team trade....

[Timberwolf]

I heard, but it seems the Pacers and Raptors are getting nothing in return so I doubt that deal makes sense for those two teams. I can't see it happening. Pacers should get better value in return which is why Minnesota's offer of dealing Wally or Rashad McCants makes sense than what the Lakers are offering.

[Dward00]

As much as I like his player skills I still think he done the Pacers wrong. After the Detroit debaccle last season all the pacer staff did was kiss his ass, and say: 'he's not like that. he's a good kid'. They stuck with him, and what did they get for it? He just ups and decides to bolt from them.

Next year he says he wants to be traded from Indy because he's afraid that the stink of that situation will follow him forever there.

He should have sincerely appoligized to the staff, players, and fans of the pacers. Instead it seems like he's demanding this all to happen. It's the wrong attitude. I don't like it. And it seems after all the talk he made last year about how he didn't want to be seen as just another example of what people hate about the NBA he goes out and does it again! Boo.....good riddance if I was Indy.

[Timberwolf]

There is no question what Ron did was wrong few weeks ago. I can't support him for that. You make great points, Dward00. With that said, how do you deny him of making a living. If the Pacers want to trade him, trade him now. If they are waiting for something good in return, then they are better off playing him than suspending him.

[Dward00]

I'd like to forgive him too, and welcome him to my favorite team the cavaliers, but I don't think he should be rewarded for that kindof attitude.

I know what you mean. I kindof felt sorry for Terrel Owens, but he deserves to get treated the way he likes to treat other people imo. I just wish they'd learn.

[Timberwolf]

T.O. does not deserve any forgiveness. He had way too many second chances. He blew it. He is best served never to play football again. Besides he does not need the game anymore since he makes tons of money that can take care of him for life. Artest is sort of different because I think he is crying for someone to help him and that's where I feel Dwane Casey can be that person if he comes to Minnesota. Dwane has had experience helping troubled people in his time in Seattle and I think he has played a big role in helping Eddie Griffin personally. Remember Griffin was a problem child at Seton Hall and he was way worse than Artest back then.

This is not about him being rewarded. This is about him being in a support group. I feel Minnesota might be the place for him to get help with the right people. I think Carlisle and Bird are great people, but they are not the type that would go the extra mile to help Artest the way Dwane Casey would.

Now I have to admit I would be lying to you if I said that I want Artest in Minnesota just so he can be a good person. I hope he can be good if he is there, but my reasoning for wanting Artest is that the Timberwolves need a goon and a personality like him. Artest brings swagger to the Timberwolves the way Cassell and Spreewell did when they were there. Artest can lead the Wolves to the second or third round.

[Dward00]

ya......I like him, but I just dunno what to think.

Heads up. Heat/Pistons game starting on TNT right now. Should be good game.

[lal4l]

"Source: Artest looks to be bound for L.A.



By Sam Amico

Dec. 28, 2005



Indiana is nearing a three-team trade that would send swingman Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers, a league source has told ProBasketballNews.com.



Meanwhile, Lakers forward Devean George would end up in Indiana.



The third team involved in the proposed trade is the Toronto Raptors, according to the source. The Raptors would send Jalen Rose to Los Angeles -- and in return receive Pacers forward Austin Croshere and at least one player from the Lakers.



The source added that George and an undetermined player from the Raptors -- or perhaps a draft pick -- would be to dealt to the Pacers.



"Basically, it's Artest for Devean George, with the Raptors getting involved to make it work financially," the source said. "When and if it happens, this will be a trade that consists of plenty of throw-ins."



Three weeks ago, Artest told the Indianapolis Star that he wanted to be traded. He later apologized to his teammates and told management he would like to remain with the team. But Pacers president Larry Bird told The Indianapolis Star on Monday that he felt "betrayed" by Artest, and said the Pacers will indeed trade him.



Artest has been inactive since his comments about wanting to be traded, which came after he was injured against Dallas on Dec. 6. Since then, the Pacers have been flooded with trade requests.



Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh told the Associated Press on Wednesday the team had narrowed its options down from about 10 teams this week, but did not indicate when a trade might occur.



Artest averaged 19.4 points and 4.9 rebounds through 16 games this season. He was suspended for 73 games last year after the well-documented brawl during a game in Detroit.



Croshere is averaging 8.1 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Pacers, while Rose is scoring 9.6 points in just 25 minutes per game -- his lowest averages in both categories in nine seasons.



George is also near his career lows in scoring (5.6 ppg) and field-goal percentage (38 percent).



The source said he was not given a timetable as to when the proposed trade might take place. "I hear they are very close to finalizing everything, he said, "but it sounds like there are a few kinks that still need to be worked out."



The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[lal4l]

Update on this is that Kwame Brown would be going out too that Odom is staying put so we can see if this happens a line up of...

C-Mihm
F-Odom
F-Artest
G-Bryant
G-Rose

Coach Phil Jackson

Thats a TITLE contending team right their...

[Dward00]

Ron Artest for Devean George.

YUCK! :ugh: