Yao feels iffy on Artest trade. And Artest responds to it

[worldbefree]

http://www.insidehoops.com/nba_rumors.shtml


"We worry about the new attitude to the team. We are adding talent to the team and we need that, but building team chemistry is important. This is not bad. I don't mean he is not welcome to Houston. But a new player always needs some time.

"Also, he was the biggest part of a team in Sacramento. He was a star player. We need more chemistry and more communication.


"There's worry. Obviously, yes. We will think about it, of course. Hopefully, he's not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands.

[Y2Gezee]

Yao fears Artest.

[wang4three]

80% of the problems in the world start from poor communication.

[kumquat]

harden up yao, you need to learn a thing or two from ron

[Younggrease]

Comments like this give us a glimpse of why he never made it out of the first round...At least give him a chance before whining to the media...

[Remix]

"Chun yun fu shi i."

Translation:

"I fear black man."

[el_locoteee]

Comments like this give us a glimpse of why he never made it out of the first round...At least give him a chance before whining to the media...

Did you read the entire article in Chron?

[laview]

Yao is absolutely right. When both healthy, Yao and T'Mac are a great combo and it is too bad that we haven't had the chance to see them reaching that potential yet due to all the injuries. Theoretically, if both healthy, they are one of the top team next year and who knows what they can accomplish together. Adding Ron means a lot of changes (in terms of the game plan) and it is hard to say that in the end, if this addition would be a "plus" or a "minus" to what they had.

[el_locoteee]

Comments like this give us a glimpse of why he never made it out of the first round...At least give him a chance before whining to the media...

Have you heard Kobe comments on Bynum?

[CaptainOwlClub]

adding ron artest & joey dorsey to a team ive thought to be a little soft is a great offseason- they still have to get better at point gaurd somehow to become championship caliber imo

dorsey will be a 2nd rd "suprise" factor

[Younggrease]

Did you read the entire article in Chron?



"I'm gonna be with him. I'm gonna play with him through the whole season and then I'm gonna have my own opinion of him before God. I'm not gonna let myself be influenced by what anybody says about him. Because I just don't know him. All I know is him as a player."

if this is true..what was the need for the whining before hand...Yao sounds like a softie. Couldnt imagine a real leader saying some stuff like that. He should be have no qualms about bringing Ron Artest on the team. He should be jumping with joy. What the worst that happens, he loses in the first round?? he has been there before and Im sure he is used to it. Maybe having Artest will toughen him up and in the last 2 minutes of a game he will stop shooting baseline fadeaways over 6"10 guys..

[SourGrapes]

Have you heard Kobe comments on Bynum?

good point!

it's all the same constituent parts, like a science experiment!!

[worldbefree]

"Chun yun fu shi i."

Translation:

"I fear black man."


Does that really translate? LOL.

Yao VS. Artest in a fight...would you really put money on Artest? Imagine Yao kicking someone...

[el_locoteee]

adding ron artest & joey dorsey to a team ive thought to be a little soft is a great offseason- they still have to get better at point gaurd somehow to become championship caliber imo

dorsey will be a 2nd rd "suprise" factor

Rondo say no.

[Younggrease]

Have you heard Kobe comments on Bynum?

what do Kobe's mistakes have to do with Yao?

[el_locoteee]

what do Kobe's mistakes have to do with Yao?

You said that's why he can't get out 1st round.

[1~Gibson~1]

LOL. Yao's scared that when he drops a pass from artest in a game/practice he's gonna go off on him :oldlol: . Yao's still cool though :D .

[worldbefree]

if this is true..what was the need for the whining before hand...Yao sounds like a softie. Couldnt imagine a real leader saying some stuff like that. He should be have no qualms about bringing Ron Artest on the team. He should be jumping with joy. What the worst that happens, he loses in the first round?? he has been there before and Im sure he is used to it. Maybe having Artest will toughen him up and in the last 2 minutes of a game he will stop shooting baseline fadeaways over 6"10 guys..

Just because you bring in an AS player doesn't mean it will be good for your team. And Yao is just voicing his concerns as most people would with Artest. He brings drama to every team he plays for and drama follows him to new teams. Artest openly praises Adleman but does that mean Artest won't cause trouble on the team? This isn't Yao talking smack, it's him voicing OBVIOUS concerns that everyone else on the team feels but it's his job as the leader to voice.

[Younggrease]

Just because you bring in an AS player doesn't mean it will be good for your team. And Yao is just voicing his concerns as most people would with Artest. He brings drama to every team he plays for and drama follows him to new teams. Artest openly praises Adleman but does that mean Artest won't cause trouble on the team? This isn't Yao talking smack, it's him voicing OBVIOUS concerns that everyone else on the team feels but it's his job as the leader to voice.

its his job to voice them to the media? Artest cant make that team any worst then they already are....

Unlike them Artest would provide a different perspective, one from past the first round.

[Sroek]

Way to leave out the following parts:

"For some reason, I like Artest"

"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."

[worldbefree]

its his job to voice them to the media?.

Yes, examples when coaches call out players during press conferences to encourage them to step up when they could have done it in private.

[Younggrease]

Yes, examples when coaches call out players during press conferences to encourage them to step up when they could have done it in private.

Being a coach and calling out a player is different then what Yao did to a player that he never even met before.

That like Yao coming to the Cavs and Bron saying "I hope his doesnt brake a foot and stops playing soft in the forth quarter.."

[worldbefree]

Being a coach and calling out a player is different then what Yao did to a player that he never even met before.

That like Yao coming to the Cavs and Bron saying "I hope his doesnt brake a foot and stops playing soft in the forth quarter.."


First, Yao wasn't doubting Artest as a player but as a teammate. That is understandable IE. Indiana, Chicago, somewhat Sacramento.

Second, Yao fractured his foot not broke it.

[Lebron23]

Being a coach and calling out a player is different then what Yao did to a player that he never even met before.

That like Yao coming to the Cavs and Bron saying "I hope his doesnt brake a foot and stops playing soft in the forth quarter.."

That made me LMAO :lol :roll: :lol

[White Chocolate]

This Houston team needs a serious wake up call. Ron will make men out of these boys. No way are they losing to Utah next year.

[Undisputed]

Yao should worry more about his health than Ron Artest's attitude.

It's not good for your teams chemistry when your big man is the glass man.

[White Chocolate]

Yao should worry more about his health than Ron Artest's attitude.

It's not good for your teams chemistry when your big man is the glass man.


Yao goes up in the air, lands a bit awkwardly, *glass shatters*. :oldlol:

[worldbefree]

Yao goes up in the air, lands a bit awkwardly, *glass shatters*. :oldlol:


Jason Williams...jobless. /rant :cheers:

[steve]

Way to leave out the following parts:

"For some reason, I like Artest"

"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."
And this is an important part because it shows that Yao's the kind of person and player whose actually going to go out of his way to make sure that he talks things out with Artest and makes sure these things aren't problems.

[Younggrease]

Yao should worry more about his health than Ron Artest's attitude.

It's not good for your teams chemistry when your big man is the glass man.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8XzxMQRH6I

check 1:09... until Yao changes his go to move in the forth from this to something else he needs to keep his mouth shut in the media...

[White Chocolate]

Jason Williams...jobless. /rant :cheers:


New York Knicks- best record since 2001-02...39-43 :roll:

[U got Served]

Comments like this give us a glimpse of why he never made it out of the first round...At least give him a chance before whining to the media...

this is ironic considering a Laker fan just posted this. apparently he didn't hear Kobe's comments on Bynum. Oh I'm sorry, you did; then don't critisize Yao for his comments on Ron because Kobe did the same thing with Bynum.

[U got Served]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8XzxMQRH6I

check 1:09... until Yao changes his go to move in the forth from this to something else he needs to keep his mouth shut in the media...

You are absolutely right! One video proves what Yao does EVERY TIME in the clutch. Why don't you take a nap, you're probably drunk.

[Younggrease]

You are absolutely right! One video proves what Yao does EVERY TIME in the clutch. Why don't you take a nap, you're probably drunk.

I watched the last 3 playoff series and his does it a lot. Even Rockets fans will agree. Sorry I don't have video tape of Yao Ming in the clutch on my harddrive :rolleyes: ...

To be honest your logic reeks more of a drunk man...but calling you drunk would be a compliment because that would mean one day you could awaken from this state of ignorance.

[worldbefree]

New York Knicks- best record since 2001-02...39-43 :roll:


Career Averages Rebounds
YR TM G GS MIN FG FG% 3P 3P% FT FT% STL BLK TO PF OFF DEF TOT AST PTS
98-99 SAC 50 50 36.1 4.6-12.3 .374 2.0-6.5 .310 1.6-2.1 .752 1.9 0.0 2.9 1.8 0.3 2.8 3.1 6.0 12.8
99-00 SAC 81 81 34.1 4.5-12.0 .373 1.8-6.2 .287 1.6-2.1 .753 1.4 0.1 3.7 1.7 0.3 2.6 2.9 7.3 12.3
00-01 SAC 77 77 29.7 3.6-9.0 .407 1.3-4.0 .315 0.8-1.0 .789 1.2 0.1 2.1 1.5 0.3 2.2 2.4 5.4 9.4
01-02 MEM 65 65 34.4 5.8-15.2 .382 2.0-6.6 .295 1.2-1.6 .792 1.7 0.1 3.3 1.6 0.3 2.7 3.0 8.0 14.8
02-03 MEM 76 76 31.7 4.4-11.3 .388 1.9-5.3 .354 1.4-1.7 .840 1.2 0.1 2.2 1.7 0.3 2.5 2.8 8.3 12.1
03-04 MEM 72 68 29.4 4.0-9.9 .407 1.7-5.1 .330 1.1-1.4 .837 1.3 0.1 1.9 1.3 0.4 1.7 2.0 6.8 10.9
04-05 MEM 71 68 27.5 3.7-9.1 .413 1.5-4.6 .324 1.1-1.4 .792 1.1 0.1 1.8 1.3 0.3 1.5 1.8 5.6 10.1
05-06 MIA 59 56 31.8 4.5-10.3 .442 1.8-4.9 .372 1.4-1.7 .867 0.9 0.1 1.7 1.7 0.1 2.3 2.4 4.9 12.3
06-07 MIA 61 55 30.6 3.9-9.3 .413 1.6-4.8 .339 1.5-1.7 .913 1.0 0.0 1.6 1.1 0.3 2.0 2.3 5.3 10.9
07-08 MIA 67 53 28.1 3.1-8.2 .384 1.4-4.1 .353 1.0-1.2 .863 1.2 0.1 1.4 1.4 0.2 1.8 2.0 4.6 8.8
G GS MIN FG FG% 3P 3P% FT FT% STL BLK TO PF OFF DEF TOT AST PTS
Totals 679 649 31.2 4.2-10.6 .396 1.7-5.2 .325 1.3-1.6 .816 1.3 0.1 2.3 1.5 0.3 2.2 2.4 6.3 11.4

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA

[DKLaker]

Yao fears Artest.

I think he just fears winning.

Winning a championship cuts into your offseason something fierce......lol.

[worldbefree]

I think he just fears winning.

Winning a championship cuts into your offseason something fierce......lol.


Yao doesn't have an off-season.

[White Chocolate]

Career Averages Rebounds
YR TM G GS MIN FG FG% 3P 3P% FT FT% STL BLK TO PF OFF DEF TOT AST PTS
98-99 SAC 50 50 36.1 4.6-12.3 .374 2.0-6.5 .310 1.6-2.1 .752 1.9 0.0 2.9 1.8 0.3 2.8 3.1 6.0 12.8
99-00 SAC 81 81 34.1 4.5-12.0 .373 1.8-6.2 .287 1.6-2.1 .753 1.4 0.1 3.7 1.7 0.3 2.6 2.9 7.3 12.3
00-01 SAC 77 77 29.7 3.6-9.0 .407 1.3-4.0 .315 0.8-1.0 .789 1.2 0.1 2.1 1.5 0.3 2.2 2.4 5.4 9.4
01-02 MEM 65 65 34.4 5.8-15.2 .382 2.0-6.6 .295 1.2-1.6 .792 1.7 0.1 3.3 1.6 0.3 2.7 3.0 8.0 14.8
02-03 MEM 76 76 31.7 4.4-11.3 .388 1.9-5.3 .354 1.4-1.7 .840 1.2 0.1 2.2 1.7 0.3 2.5 2.8 8.3 12.1
03-04 MEM 72 68 29.4 4.0-9.9 .407 1.7-5.1 .330 1.1-1.4 .837 1.3 0.1 1.9 1.3 0.4 1.7 2.0 6.8 10.9
04-05 MEM 71 68 27.5 3.7-9.1 .413 1.5-4.6 .324 1.1-1.4 .792 1.1 0.1 1.8 1.3 0.3 1.5 1.8 5.6 10.1
05-06 MIA 59 56 31.8 4.5-10.3 .442 1.8-4.9 .372 1.4-1.7 .867 0.9 0.1 1.7 1.7 0.1 2.3 2.4 4.9 12.3
06-07 MIA 61 55 30.6 3.9-9.3 .413 1.6-4.8 .339 1.5-1.7 .913 1.0 0.0 1.6 1.1 0.3 2.0 2.3 5.3 10.9
07-08 MIA 67 53 28.1 3.1-8.2 .384 1.4-4.1 .353 1.0-1.2 .863 1.2 0.1 1.4 1.4 0.2 1.8 2.0 4.6 8.8
G GS MIN FG FG% 3P 3P% FT FT% STL BLK TO PF OFF DEF TOT AST PTS
Totals 679 649 31.2 4.2-10.6 .396 1.7-5.2 .325 1.3-1.6 .816 1.3 0.1 2.3 1.5 0.3 2.2 2.4 6.3 11.4

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA


J-Will was a 15/8/3/2 player in his prime. His main weakness was his shooting. It was atrocious, but other than that, he was a solid player. 1.7 SPG, not exactly terrible for a 6'1" PG.

[U got Served]

I watched the last 3 playoff series and his does it a lot. Even Rockets fans will agree. Sorry I don't have video tape of Yao Ming in the clutch on my harddrive :rolleyes: ...

To be honest your logic reeks more of a drunk man...but calling you drunk would be a compliment because that would mean one day you could awaken from this state of ignorance.

His fadeaway is not the only thing he does you know? I can tell you don't watch Yao play that much. He has an automatic hook shot. he doesn't even jump but his size enables him to use that move over and over again. and how am I an ignorant? You're the ignorant critisizing Yao when your player did the same thing. Ignorant.

[Glo41]

To be honest your logic reeks more of a drunk man...but calling you drunk would be a compliment because that would mean one day you could awaken from this state of ignorance.
:cheers: thats like the best sig ever right there.

Yao just fears that Artest will do something stupid again to ruin a team. He's just getting his point across to Ron that "You better not **** up this team chemistry or the team in general." Or....he could just be scared of Artest.

[SCREWstonRockets]

if this is true..what was the need for the whining before hand...Yao sounds like a softie. Couldnt imagine a real leader saying some stuff like that. He should be have no qualms about bringing Ron Artest on the team. He should be jumping with joy. What the worst that happens, he loses in the first round?? he has been there before and Im sure he is used to it. Maybe having Artest will toughen him up and in the last 2 minutes of a game he will stop shooting baseline fadeaways over 6"10 guys..
I guess you didn't read the article because that is what Scola said.


Way to leave out the following parts:

"For some reason, I like Artest"

"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."
Thank you. I don't understand why people just take certain parts of an interview and just talk about that. Its exactly how someone's words can get twisted up.

[worldbefree]

J-Will was a 15/8/3/2 player in his prime. His main weakness was his shooting. It was atrocious, but other than that, he was a solid player. 1.7 SPG, not exactly terrible for a 6'1" PG.

What season did he average 15/8/3/2 in real life?
Height has nothing to do with SPG.

His main weakness was his reckless attempts to throw passes which rarely did result in several successful attempts that put him in public view. ie his off the elbow pass. Either that or his reading ability.

[inclinerator]

you shut ur mouth yao is the best 7'5 bball player alive

[White Chocolate]

What season did he average 15/8/3/2 in real life?
Height has nothing to do with SPG.

His main weakness was his reckless attempts to throw passes which rarely did result in several successful attempts that put him in public view. ie his off the elbow pass. Either that or his reading ability.


2001-02. He's a career < 40% from the field. That was and is still his biggest weakness. J-Will averaged almost 4 TPG back then, but when you average over 7 APG, that happens. Jason Kidd, who many believe is the greatest playmaker in the last 15 years, also averaged near 4 TPG on several occasions.

[TMac&Luther]

Thank you. I don't understand why people just take certain parts of an interview and just talk about that. Its exactly how someone's words can get twisted up.

He's just being a idiot, trying to start some shit that isn't even there. Honestly a damn Kobe fan is the last person who needs to be criticizing someone on how to be a good teamate or leader.

Yao was just sharing his honest feelings to a reporter overseas..........Kobe attacks his teamates behing their backs to complete strangers behind shopping malls and is stupid enough to let the shit get recorded and posted on youtube.

He's also such a fantastic teamate he lets his rape allegations derail a whole season and become a huge distraction during a championship run and even tries to pull other teamates down with him to deflect the heat.

Yet, Yao is soooo horrible. :rolleyes: Please, Yao is just a honest young guy who tells the truth. (Just like he did early on last season when he called out the rest of the team for the lack of effort on defense).

Why is it just Laker fans running around being asses lately?

[Younggrease]

His fadeaway is not the only thing he does you know? I can tell you don't watch Yao play that much. He has an automatic hook shot. he doesn't even jump but his size enables him to use that move over and over again. and how am I an ignorant? You're the ignorant critisizing Yao when your player did the same thing. Ignorant.

Let me break down your logic in terms you can hopefully understand(small sentences)

You say:

Kobe is my player--->
"my player" did a somewhat similar but ultimately different action
---->
Because of this action(by a person I dont know) I can not criticize Yao...

please explain how Kobe is "my player" and how that has any relevance in me criticizing Yao, when I have criticized Kobe for the same thing?


Honestly a damn Kobe fan is the last person who needs to be criticizing someone on how to be a good teamate or leader.

I like Kobe to spite some of his shortcomings as a teammate. But he is working on those. But I just trying to draw a small casual link to Yao's softness and his first round exits through this quote...


And yeah Yao calling out the team for not playing defense was a joke last year because his soft behind wasn't playing defense either.. Funny how much better the defense got once Yao left?

[worldbefree]

Let me break down your logic in terms you can hopefully understand(small sentences)

You say:

Kobe is my player--->
"my player" did a somewhat similar but ultimately different action
---->
Because of this action(by a person I dont know) I can not criticize Yao...

please explain how Kobe is "my player" and how that has any relevance in me criticizing Yao, when I have criticized Kobe for the same thing?


Ok, let's put it in a way a Kobe fan can understand.

You are saying mean things about Mr. Yao when he was just saying what was on his mind without any ill will.

Mr. Bryant is notorious for calling out teammates maliciously IN PUBLIC and happens to be one of your favorite players/man crushes.

You are being a hypocrite so you are basically a butthead.

[Younggrease]

You are being a hypocrite so you are basically a butthead.

I wasn't aware that being a Kobe fan made me responsible for everything that comes out of his mouth or every action he has ever made. Kobe screwed up in that regard...It was wrong when Kobe did it and its wrong here. Its just that Yao cant get out of the first round that exacerbates it imo... Here he is criticizing a non first round virgin before he ever met him. Just like how he criticizes his teammates for not playing defense and then it seems that 45 Deke makes the team better defensively then him... Yao needs to do some soul searching and overcome this *****assness that is being displayed both on the court and off.

[StroShow4]

"Hopefully, he's not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands."

:oldlol: :roll:



yao just moved up a couple notches in my book.

[Jasper]

harden up yao, you need to learn a thing or two from ron
Ditto kumquat

Konfusion says :
Yao needs to remember , when his defensive assignment gets by him , Ron Ron will be their to protect "the gates of the hole"

[el_locoteee]

I guess you didn't read the article because that is what Scola said.


Thank you. I don't understand why people just take certain parts of an interview and just talk about that. Its exactly how someone's words can get twisted up.

Ask Fox News they have mastered the art of twisting the news and misquoting comments.

[White Chocolate]

:oldlol: :roll:



yao just moved up a couple notches in my book.


At least we know Yao watches ESPN. :oldlol:

[Allstar24]

First of all there is nothing wrong with what Yao said and I don't blame him for not being too sure about a nutjob like Artest. Frankly I'm relieved the Artest trade talks are finally over, I'd never want to see him on my team.

[nba_55]

A seemingly hesitant and wary Yao Ming discussed the agreed-on Ron Artest trade to Houston with the Houston Chronicle's Fran Blinebury in this story. A few hours later, I caught up with the small forward by phone.
In what could be perceived as a second potential problem in this pairing, Artest - who will be a free agent after next season - says he wants to know sooner rather than later if the Rockets will commit to him long-term. I'm not sure yet if this could be enough to scare the Rockets out of the deal, but it certainly isn't the start they were looking for. Keep in mind, there is nothing legally binding about this trade yet.

Here is the Q&A in its entirety. (Questions in italics and answers below)

It's good to catch you finally. How you feeling about this?

I think being that third option I can be more effective. I think I could have the best season of my career as a third option because they can't double or triple team me anymore.

We've still got to make sure there's still a commitment. That's the main thing, is to make sure there's still a commitment. When I speak to the powers-that-be of the Houston Rockets organization, we're going to find out how much they really want me there. We'll find out. I'm still waiting to find out if this is just a trade or if this is like a long-term commitment type thing. I haven't spoken to anybody yet. I'm still waiting.

You don't technically have any say (in the trade), but if you decided you didn't want to go there then they might think twice about this.

If they want me, I'm going. If they want me, and they're committed to Ron Artest, I'm gone. I don't have nothing to prove. I've been in the league going on 10 years. My first few years weren't as good as my last few years and my last seven years have been really consistent, so if they want me I'm gone and even if they don't want me, I still love Tracy McGrady. Every time I see him, he's always competitive, always shows love, and he always competes. I can't wait to play with Tracy McGrady, and I can't wait to play with Shane Battier and the rest of the guys like Rafer Alston. I just can't wait.

I've got to ask you - you didn't mention Yao and I'm sure you've heard of some of the stuff he said back in China. Did that stuff catch you off guard?

This is Tracy and Yao's team, you know. I'm not going to take it personal. I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto. That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about. Sometimes it's hard to get to know Ron Artest because I'm so down to earth to a fault. But once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about and that I'm a pretty intelligent basketball player. I know how to adapt. And all I have to do is play defense anyways, so I can't wait.
But really, he doesn't have to talk to me because to me I'm going. But if Yao Ming needs to talk to his general manager and talk to Tracy, then if they want me, I am going.

They obviously want you for this year, but what if they told you it's nothing more than this year and let's see how it goes after that.

I already made my stance on that. I don't think you have to repeat that. Everybody knows I made my stance on what type of player I am and hwo I think I am.

I know you're excited to play with Rick, but are leaving with any bitter feelings with the Kings or fired up to join up with him?

I'm just excited to be reunited with Rick Adelman. I don't care about anything else. If Rick Adelman has Yao Ming, they win championships without even thinking about me. I don't even want people to think that because the Houston Rockets are acquiring Ron Artest, then that's the reason they'll get over the hump. They would've been over the hump if Yao Ming hadn't gone down. They were having a great season.
I'll come off the bench, I don't care. Let Shane start, and bring me off as a sixth man or seventh man. I would love to come off the bench in Houston. It doesn't even matter.

You threw me off with your comments about Yao, and now I'm wondering if you have any plans of throwing this thing off. Are you definitely going there?

It's up to Yao Ming. It's up to Yao Ming. Tracy McGrady called me. I was playing basketball when I heard about it...This is great. This is great for me.

So what do you do now with the Yao thing? Do you just wait to talk to them and go from there?

I've got to do what I've got to do, but I'm just so happy to be in the Houston Rockets' picture frame. I can't wait to be putting on that jersey and be standing next to Yao Ming. I can't wait. I guess once Yao Ming approves it, I'll be a Houston Rocket.

I know you can't read his mind, but did you feel like he was trying to send a statement to the organization with his comments?

I'm not on his team yet, and he has a team that played well this year. Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets, they don't need a Ron Artest. I'd be a great addition, but it's not like they needed a Ron Artest. I understand where he's coming from. But like I said, whatever Yao Ming wants to do baby, whatever Yao Ming wants to do. It's up to big fella because it's not my team.

It's his team, it's him and Tracy's team. But when I come in there, I'm definitely going to play my game and play to win. I'm definitely going to play with my ghetto and my hood roots. I'm going to play hard, and I'm going to play just like my culture taught me how to play.

Is that it? Is it a cultural thing?

No, it's not a cultural thing. I think Yao Ming is a great guy. He's a great face for the NBA, him and LeBron (James). Yao Ming is a different type of person where he's not from a ghetto in America, so he doesn't understand how someone from the ghetto really acts. And I'm like one of the most ghetto-ist guys in the NBA.

He probably reads all the headlines and doesn't understand. He automatically believes all the propaganda. He probably should've called me first. But at the same time, it's Yao Ming's team. If he tells me to jump off the building, I'll jump off the building.

Whatever Yao Ming wants me to do, I'll be there. Whatever Tracy McGrady tells me to do, that's how it's going to go down. Ultimately, whatever Rick Adelman tells me to do is exactly what I'm going to do.

It's been three or four years since the brawl. You surprised he went there (with his comments)?

I understand. I guess we're the same age, but he's looked at differently and he was raised differently....Yao Ming was raised differently. But definitely he shouldn't believe in the propaganda. You've also got to understand. I totally, totally represent my culture. So if you go back to the brawl, that's a culture issue right there. Somebody was disrespecting me, so he's got to understand where I'm coming from. People that know me know that Ron Artest never changed.

Like I said, I'm going to still stay true to myself and still stay true to my roots. Everybody knows that I'd give all the money in the world to play for Rick Adelman, so it is what it is and if they accept me on their team then I'll be on their team.

Tracy is known as an elite scorer but not so much for his defense. You going to teach him a few things?

All Tracy has to do is go score and I'm shutting (opponents) down. You score, Yao Ming in the post, I don't have to get doubled the whole game anymore in the post. When Yao Ming gets tired, I'll get on the block and give somebody some work. When they're ready to take Shane back over, I'll step back. I shot 38 percent from three last year. I don't have no problem with taking five or six threes a game. Just spotting up and playing defense.
I don't have a problem with stars not playing defense. That's great. That's right up my alley. I'm probably the only dude in the NBA who practices defense in the summer. That's right up my alley.
I'm real excited. I was a little bit thrown off by the whole Yao Ming thing. I called my dad, and my dad said, 'Ron don't worry about it.' I said, alright let's go. - Sam Amick


http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/014222.html

[juju151111]

At least we know Yao watches ESPN. :oldlol:
u do know yao funny guy who jks around alot right?Watch his interviews he funny.He makes fun of DEKE AND TRACY All the time.He wasn't dissing artest

[shaoyut]

lol run into the stands:oldlol:

[White Chocolate]

u do know yao funny guy who jks around alot right?Watch his interviews he funny.He makes fun of DEKE AND TRACY All the time.He wasn't dissing artest


I never said he dissed Artest. It was just funny that he made the comment regarding the brawl in Detroit.

[Emeka Okafor xD]

artest is a wannabe iverson! lol im just ghetto, wtf? But its cool of him saying if no rocket likes him thens hes leaving! i thought he would of gotten pissed at yao, will he might be but just not sayin it :oldlol:

[gts]

i would be more worried if yao or any of the rockets wern't a little concerned, they have every right to be worried, they got a good thing going in houston and they don't want anybody coming in and stirring up the pot... the fact that it's artest who certainly has a history of making boneheaded choices only justifys yao's feelings

[iamgine]

Artest comes off as a really humble guy. Much respect.

[DOMINATOR]

writer seems to be pushing the issue. w/e

[Loki]

writer seems to be pushing the issue. w/e

Seriously. That's the impression I got as well. Wonder if the writer is a bitter-a$$ Laker fan who was dying for Artest and is trying to make waves. :oldlol:

[nba_55]

writer seems to be pushing the issue. w/e

Ya you are right. Liked the way that Artest responded. He seems to be excited to play with the Rockets. Yao will call him and clear all the things.

The only thing that worries me is that he already wants an extension.
( But I am sure that Morey will handle that too)

[Kings_Alex]

I know you're excited to play with Rick, but are leaving with any bitter feelings with the Kings or fired up to join up with him?

I'm just excited to be reunited with Rick Adelman. I don't care about anything else. If Rick Adelman has Yao Ming, they win championships without even thinking about me. I don't even want people to think that because the Houston Rockets are acquiring Ron Artest, then that's the reason they'll get over the hump. They would've been over the hump if Yao Ming hadn't gone down. They were having a great season.
I'll come off the bench, I don't care. Let Shane start, and bring me off as a sixth man or seventh man. I would love to come off the bench in Houston. It doesn't even matter.

don't forget the kings believed in you during your times of troubles. how can you not care or mention anything? :(

[TMac&Luther]

writer seems to be pushing the issue. w/e

What do you expect, it's some dumbass Sactown beatwriter trying to kick Artest in the balls on his way out of town. Fck that guy for trying to start some unnecessary beef before Artest even gets to Houston.

Yao wasn't even really trying to start anything, should he of said what he said, probably not.....some shit get's lost in translation and Yao is too damn trustworthy, he doesn't even realize he just lobbed up a softball to the shit starting tabloid ass media. When Artest get's here, hopefully Tmac can set everything straight.

[gts]

Seriously. That's the impression I got as well. Wonder if the writer is a bitter-a$$ Laker fan who was dying for Artest and is trying to make waves. :oldlol:typical loki, can't make a post without dragging the lakers or kobe or laker fans into it somehow...

[SoCalMike]

Seriously. That's the impression I got as well. Wonder if the writer is a bitter-a$$ Laker fan who was dying for Artest and is trying to make waves. :oldlol:

I am not even sure how you came up with this one, but its, well, um..... nm.

I do think this speaks to the sensitive fabric of the houston team and how Artest will integrate into their culture. Chemistry is going to be vital to his success with this team.



:pimp:

[TmacsRockets]

Yao is right.

[bokes15]

Ron Artest makes Stephon Marbury look like Einstein.

[worldbefree]

Artest really surprised me with that interview. He seems like a good guy with his head on right. I get what he's saying about growing up in a rough environment and how it shows. I'm definitely looking forward to watching the Rockets play in Oct.

[SourGrapes]

Seriously. That's the impression I got as well. Wonder if the writer is a bitter-a$$ Laker fan who was dying for Artest and is trying to make waves. :oldlol:

your hate for the lakers is comical.

[bokes15]

I have no problem with Ron the basketball player, but Ron off the court doesn't appear to be to bright.

[gts]

i would be more worried if yao or any of the rockets wern't a little concerned, they have every right to be worried, they got a good thing going in houston and they don't want anybody coming in and stirring up the pot... the fact that it's artest who certainly has a history of making boneheaded choices only justifys yao's feelings that's the weirdest thing, i misspelled rockets, caught it and fixed it yet it's still wrong yet when i hit edit it's spelled right? lol

edit:when i quote it it spelled correct? hmmm somebody else quote it

[SoCalMike]

Artest really surprised me with that interview. He seems like a good guy with his head on right. I get what he's saying about growing up in a rough environment and how it shows. I'm definitely looking forward to watching the Rockets play in Oct.

I argee with you there... I think he does have the right intentions, but he seems to have the ability to turn on the dime emotionally and have a completely different feeling at any given time. Just think about the period of time before he could declare on whether or not he would opt-out? I think he changed his mind at least three times in days.

He's quite volatile unfortunately.




:pimp:

[Rockets(T-mac)]

He seems willing to do anything for this team and doesn't care about his numbers but about the team winning. Even though he has a funny way of showing it he is humble, sure he doesn't always use the right words but I see that he plays and acts the way his heart tells him to. Yao will call him and straighten things out, this really isn't a big issue. Definitely excited about this team this year, can't wait to see how they play.

[Loki]

typical loki, can't make a post without dragging the lakers or kobe or laker fans into it somehow...

I don't put anything past Laker fans. These are the same fans who sabotaged not one, but THREE planes of Laker opponents on the flight back from LA this postseason (SA's plane and BOTH of Boston's planes). :)

Seriously though, the writer is way out of line and clearly has some sort of agenda in trying to provoke Ron.

[SourGrapes]

I don't put anything past Laker fans. These are the same fans who sabotaged not one, but THREE planes of Laker opponents on the flight back from LA this postseason (SA's plane and BOTH of Boston's planes). :)

Seriously though, the writer is way out of line and clearly has some sort of agenda in trying to provoke Ron.

i don't put anything past you, fixating on the lakers like you actually have something important to say.

[Jimmy2k8]

What if its a bitter ass Jazz fan?

[TMac&Luther]

I argee with you there... I think he does have the right intentions, but he seems to have the ability to turn on the dime emotionally and have a completely different feeling at any given time. Just think about the period of time before he could declare on whether or not he would opt-out? I think he changed his mind at least three times in days.

He's quite volatile unfortunately.




:pimp:

He's Manny Ramirez with a mean streak.

[highwhey]

this is official? i know artest is a little messed up from the head but this article seems like a joke.

[TMac&Luther]

don't forget the kings believed in you during your times of troubles. how can you not care or mention anything? :(

Well if it makes you feel better, Ron Artest is doing a interview here http://www.sports1140.com/ right now....

and just said he loved the real fans of Sacramento and regrets not being able to win there......he says he loved the real Secremento fans that always had his back.

Hopefully it'll be podcasted, because I'll like to hear the full interview.

[Real Men Wear Green]

harden up yao, you need to learn a thing or two from ron
Like what? He can seriously learn nothing of value from that man. As much bull**** as Artest has out his teams through and with all of his issues, I don't see why Yao should be unconcerned.

[TMac&Luther]

Well if it makes you feel better, Ron Artest is doing a interview here http://www.sports1140.com/ right now....

and just said he loved the real fans of Sacramento and regrets not being able to win there......he says he loved the real Secremento fans that always had his back.

Hopefully it'll be podcasted, because I'll like to hear the full interview.

So is anybody listening to this.......it's pretty funny.

[JusBlaze]

So is anybody listening to this.......it's pretty funny.

Yup, listening. I like what I'm hearing too.

[TMac&Luther]

That Rockets fan that just called in was a dumbass. :roll:

P.S.

Ron Artest's PS3 "NBA Live" id is "Rartest93

[Jimmy2k8]

what did he say? I bet it was a point forward joke.

[TMac&Luther]

what did he say? I bet it was a point forward joke.

No he was talking about how he preordered his "NBA LIVE" game and how with Artest, he's going to be unstoppable on it...........he was completely gay. (40 year old virgin type)

[ElPigto]

These people need to ask a dam question. Geez

[Jimmy2k8]

No he was talking about how he preordered his "NBA LIVE" game and how with Artest, he's going to be unstoppable on it...........he was completely gay.


:oldlol: That is pretty stupid.

[TMac&Luther]

:roll: Some asian bitch from Houston just called up and said with Yao Ming, Ron Artest, and her they could have a "asian sandwich" :roll: :roll: :roll: LMFAO!

[InspiredLebowski]

Yao's one of the smartest players in the league.

[Sinox]

[QUOTE=worldbefree]Does that really translate? LOL.

我怕黑人 Wuo pa hei ren
I am afraid of black people.
Rough translation, the one i have is correct. Am I one of the only few Chinese people on this forum?
Well but not all Chinese people know Chinese, my bad.

[TMac&Luther]

That was a good interview, seems like a good dude, just a little out there.

That "asian sandwich" call was classic though. :oldlol:

[haji_d_robertas]

I don't blame Yao. Artest brings losing to every team he plays on.

[Younggrease]

I don't blame Yao. Artest brings losing to every team he plays on.

Artest went to ECF when playing a 1A/1B role with JO...Similar situation to Yao and T-Mac. Wonder how Yao performed in that situation:rolleyes:

[el_locoteee]

Ron Artest just talk live on 1140 AM in Sactown and said everything was ok with Yao, and he is now a Yao soldier, and he do anything he wants, he even be the water boy if he wants to.

[bdreason]

If Ron shows up looking to play lock down D... wow.... Houston is going to be scary.

[bdreason]

harden up yao, you need to learn a thing or two from ron

^^^

[haji_d_robertas]

Artest went to ECF when playing a 1A/1B role with JO...Similar situation to Yao and T-Mac. Wonder how Yao performed in that situation:rolleyes:

Yeah, and what did Artest do at the ECF again? Oh yeah, HE LOST.

[White Chocolate]

Yeah, and what did Artest do at the ECF again? Oh yeah, HE LOST.


How far have Yao and T-Mac gotten?

[haji_d_robertas]

How far have Yao and T-Mac gotten?

THEY LOST TOO. So how does adding Artest, a proven loser make this a better team?

[White Chocolate]

THEY LOST TOO. So how does adding Artest, a proven loser make this a better team?


Artest, like him or not, has actually had some amount of success. He's been to the Conference Finals before. Artest is a lockdown defender and he will not be the first, or even the second option. This Houston team is so deep defensively it's not even funny.

[wTFaMonkey]

[QUOTE=worldbefree]Does that really translate? LOL.

我怕黑人 Wuo pa hei ren
I am afraid of black people.
Rough translation, the one i have is correct. Am I one of the only few Chinese people on this forum?
Well but not all Chinese people know Chinese, my bad.

not really... its more like im annoyed by black people

[tsforthrees]

T Mac doesnt have to do it all by himself now on the perimeter, plus now they're wing defense is gonna be nasty, Artest, Battier, T Mac is underrated, this team is WCF in my mind.

[TMac&Luther]

THEY LOST TOO. So how does adding Artest, a proven loser make this a better team?

How does adding Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett (who were all losers) together work? I'm not saying we're going to win the chip......just proving that your post makes no sense.....so please STFU hateraid boy.

[DOMINATOR]

THEY LOST TOO. So how does adding Artest, a proven loser make this a better team?
same can be said for: KG, Pierce, Ray Allen.
all were 'losers' before teaming up.

edit: RAWR Tmac&luther beat me...

[wTFaMonkey]

wow

impressed by ron ron

he might end up being in my top 10 favorite players :cheers:

[haji_d_robertas]

Artest, like him or not, has actually had some amount of success. He's been to the Conference Finals before. Artest is a lockdown defender and he will not be the first, or even the second option. This Houston team is so deep defensively it's not even funny.



How does adding Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett (who were all losers) together work? I'm not saying we're going to win the chip......just proving that your post makes no sense.....so please STFU hateraid boy.


This is Ron Artest we are talking about, right? I'm just checking. This has nothing to do with hate, this has everything to do with Ron Artest. Are you so desperate for any success for your team that you are willing to turn a blind eye to the chaos and distraction this guy brings to every team he's been on? Are you that naive? How can you put Ron Artest in the same category as Pierce, Garnett, Allen, Yao, and Tmac!? it's absolutely ludicrous!
You guys have got to be kidding! It's always something with this guy and you know it. unbelievable.

And you jump down Yao's throat for feeling 'Iffy' About RON ARTEST! Am I taking crazy pills!? You Don't feel any kind of hesitation with this guy? None? Come on!

"Yeah Yao, Man up, the next year of your life is going to be hijacked by the craziest team cancer that ever was! Don't be such a whiner!"

[Cannonball]

yao is right though. artest is one crazy mother ****er

[final.wrath]

im glad artest isn't going to the pistons and i'm sorry I ever even advocated that trade. horrible idea.

"im the most ghettoist player in the nba". what an idiot. hes a proffessional. making a statement like that isnt "repping his culture" unless black people want to be repped by a guy who thinks being an ass who justifies his behavior because he grew up in the ghetto is how black people should act. the guy is off his meds or something. He'd jump off a building for yao? he was all over the place in that interview. and some of you posters are saying he has his head on straight?

I understand yao's reservations. hopefully adelman can keep ron in check.

[TMac&Luther]

This is Ron Artest we are talking about, right? I'm just checking. This has nothing to do with hate, this has everything to do with Ron Artest. Are you so desperate for any success for your team that you are willing to turn a blind eye to the chaos and distraction this guy brings to every team he's been on? Are you that naive? How can you put Ron Artest in the same category as Pierce, Garnett, Allen, Yao, and Tmac!? it's absolutely ludicrous!
You guys have got to be kidding! It's always something with this guy and you know it. unbelievable.

So basically you just posted that you don't know what the hell your talking about.........please get educated on the type of player Houston needed and what they lacked. (a little craziness and toughness....aka "mad max") Artest is a 3rd scorer + backbone that Houston needed....your post is absolute crap. I don't care if this is "crazy Artest!!! ahhha !!!" that we're talking about, we didn't give up nothing for him and he's in a contract year. If he misbehaves, it'll be a big F U, and take your ass home. If he happens to show up the Rockets are for real and this will easily make the Rockets better.

[haji_d_robertas]

So basically you just posted that you don't know what the hell your talking about.........please get educated on the type of player Houston needed and what they lacked. (a little craziness and toughness....aka "mad max") Artest is a 3rd scorer + backbone that Houston needed....your post is absolute crap. I don't care if this is "crazy Artest!!! ahhha !!!" that we're talking about, we didn't give nothing up for him and he's in a contract year. If he misbehaves, it's a be F' U, take your ass home. If he shows up the Rockets are for real and will easily make the Rockets better.

I feel for you, man. It's gonna be a long season.

[wTFaMonkey]

Artest WILL be controlled this season. I have complete faith on Adelman, btw he is Artests favorite coach.

[TMac&Luther]

I feel for you, man. It's gonna be a long season.

Trust me, I'm hoping it will be.

[haji_d_robertas]

Trust me, I'm hoping it will be.

Me too, honestly. I wish all the success in the world to the Rockets, but let's get a little more real on this one! It's a big risk.

[DCL]

maybe ronny and smack down some can of "whoop ass" into yao ming and help him grow some balls.

[haji_d_robertas]

Artest WILL be controlled this season. I have complete faith on Adelman, btw he is Artests favorite coach.

Adelman'sa great coach, Ron Artest is not controllable.

[White Chocolate]

Adelman'sa great coach, Ron Artest is not controllable.


He may behave with Adelman. If the Rockets are winning, Artest won't have a reason to go nuts.

[haji_d_robertas]

He may behave with Adelman. If the Rockets are winning, Artest won't have a reason to go nuts.

Weren't they up 97-82 when he went nuts in Detroit?

Sorry, bad joke. That's a good point.

[White Chocolate]

Weren't they up 97-82 when he went nuts in Detroit?

Sorry, bad joke. That's a good point.


Let's just pray no one throws beer in his direction. :oldlol:

[TMac&Luther]

It's a big risk.

No it's not, they only gave up Bobby Jackson who wasn't going to see major time anyways......this is no different than the signing of Bonzi Wells. If Artest acts up, Houston can say..."take your ass home", and they still have the same core that won 22 straight.......there is no risk. Not one single player in their core was touched in this trade....Artest is nothing, but a bonus.

[White Chocolate]

No it's not, they only gave up Bobby Jackson who wasn't going to see major time anyways......this is no different than the signing of Bonzi Wells. If Artest acts up, Houston can say..."take your ass home", and they still have the same core that won 22 straight.......there is no risk. Not one single player in their core was touched in this trade....Artest is nothing, but a bonus.


There is one risk, and that's he can ruin the team's chemistry. This is more of a "wait and see" situation though. We won't know until we've seen the Rockets play 10-15 games.

[TMac&Luther]

There is one risk, and that's he can ruin the team's chemistry. This is more of a "wait and see" situation though. We won't know until we've seen the Rockets play 10-15 games.

Again if he brings down team chemistry, it's a big "FU, take your ass home, we don't need you" (Just like Bonzi under JVG).......and even then it'll be the same exact team that won 22 straight last year. Until Houston breaks out the ink on a new contract Ron Artest isn't a risk. Ron has no leverage here....Battier didn't move in the trade, it's either buy in and be a outstanding citizen or **** off in the middle of your contract year.........it's as simple as that.

[DCL]

remember why artest wanted to leave indiana?

there were many reasons but one of them was that he wanted to be given a bigger offensive role, and that wasn't happening with the pacers.

he keeps on saying scoring doesn't matter to him that much anymore. but that wasn't the case only a couple years ago. and he was a 20ppg scorer last year. you really believe he's going to be cool if you just ask him to play defense and not that much on the other end?

and he talked about hoisting 5 or 6 three-pointers a game. he has FGAs on his mind.

talking is easy. walking is harder.

[baseketball4life]

Yao's comments were so dumb they were almost out of line. A guy like Artest is emotionally fragile, Yao needs to show him love and accept him into the team that way Artest can be a good team player and not going into retard mode like a few times in the past. I'm sure T-Mac or someone called Yao and told him to shut his yapper or say something positive to Ron/about Ron.

[PainDog]

Really Yao and Artest can say whatever they want at this point.

How many players have talked **** before the season started and then things turn out completely different. Like Kobe last season talking about all of the Lakers...

Then the season starts he realizes that the guys have gotten better, and all was good. All the stuff he said in the off season was forgotten, and that was even before the Gasol trade.

If Artest really comes in finds his niche all is going to be good, and all of this stuff that goes on in the off season wont matter.

[CelticForce1349]

Yao's comments were so dumb they were almost out of line. A guy like Artest is emotionally fragile, Yao needs to show him love and accept him into the team that way Artest can be a good team player and not going into retard mode like a few times in the past. I'm sure T-Mac or someone called Yao and told him to shut his yapper or say something positive to Ron/about Ron.


lol. I am sorry but this post is just so funny to me!

I am happy for the Rockets but the idea that you can only say something positive about a trade that is not yet official..."say something nice about Ron or he will go crazy and **** up our team!!!"

That's a tough thing to deal with.

[Brunch@Five]

im glad artest isn't going to the pistons and i'm sorry I ever even advocated that trade. horrible idea.

"im the most ghettoist player in the nba". what an idiot. hes a proffessional. making a statement like that isnt "repping his culture" unless black people want to be repped by a guy who thinks being an ass who justifies his behavior because he grew up in the ghetto is how black people should act. the guy is off his meds or something. He'd jump off a building for yao? he was all over the place in that interview. and some of you posters are saying he has his head on straight?

I understand yao's reservations. hopefully adelman can keep ron in check.

Exactly what I was thinking. I can't stand people who use their culture/upbringing as an excuse for their bad/wrong behavior.

[baseketball4life]

lol. I am sorry but this post is just so funny to me!

I am happy for the Rockets but the idea that you can only say something positive about a trade that is not yet official..."say something nice about Ron or he will go crazy and **** up our team!!!"

That's a tough thing to deal with.
yes it is tough, but I think that's how you have to treat a guy like Ron Artest. The second he feels as if he's not wanted he's going to leave and go pursue a rapping career or something. The guy isn't a normal human being

[TMac&Luther]

Exactly what I was thinking. I can't stand people who use their culture/upbringing as an excuse for their bad/wrong behavior.

"the jumping off a building" talk was his way of saying he's got Yao's back and as far as "culture/upbringings" go....if some guy throws a beer on me (really that's what women do), I'm going to beat his ass....granted if I was paid millions of dollars, I'd think twice and wouldn't go into the stands, but if I wasn't......sorry, but I'm beating some ass.

[Kblaze8855]

I'm not going to take it personal. I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto. That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture.

Is he serious right now?

[Trax416]

Artest comes off as a really humble guy. Much respect.

Someone Talking in third person is a clear and defined sign of an egomaniac.

[momo]

Yao will relax about ron ron after the first pratice in his new bathrobe that ron gets him. A nice gift to break the ice.

http://http://www.mlbapparel.com/products/bosmtrpa.jpg

[Killer_Instinct]

"Chun yun fu shi i."

Translation:

"I fear black man."


:oldlol:

[tdubb]

Who uses the word "iffy".... you must be a white boy.

[gpfanz]

Yao fears Artest.

U mean Yao fears Artest hindering Rockets championship goal? :oldlol:

[haji_d_robertas]

Who uses the word "iffy".... you must be a white boy.

http://a2.vox.com/6a00c22529eb3a604a00e398c6549a0003-320pi

Franklin? Is that you?

[Cupid Stunt]

Who would want Artest as their teammate? He's selfish, overrated and he's a headcase. Yao is smart if he doesn't want Artest as a teammate.

[loot]

“I understand what Yao said, but I’m still ghetto,” said Artest, who will earn $7.4 million next season and be a free agent next summer. “That’s not going to change. I’m never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don’t think he’s ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he’ll understand what I’m about."

“If you go back to the brawl, that’s a culture issue right there. Somebody was disrespecting me, so he’s got to understand where I’m coming from. People that know me know that Ron Artest never changed.”
from the Sacramento Bee.

Basically what he's saying would not sit with me very well if I'd be black...

[bigkingsfan]

He needs to keep his mouth shut for the next 11 days, or Houston might rescind that trade.

[The_Night_Elf]

I can see it now...:D

Yao: Hi Ron, Want dim sum?

Ron: Whatchu call me!?! B*tch I will knock you the F*** out!

Yao: No, No, I want to give you...

Ron: Gimme what mofo!?! Check the chain, son! I'm Ron Artest! Ron Ar-freakin'-test! Wasup now!? Huh? Wha's good then!?! I said, Wha's Goo-ood Tha-en!?!

Yao: You not should yell at teamates Ron...

Ron: B*tch I am the team! I'm Ron Artest! F*** it! I'm outy! I'm a go to Vegas or Mexico or Sumppin' for a month! F*** this team, you mooshoo eating punk!

Yao: But Ron...?

Ron:F*** you! Go buy my album!

[brantonli]

I really hop that next year Artest will accept the MLE for a long term deal, unless he really wants more money which, well, none of the top tier teams can really afford for him. Or maybe McGrady's deal can be renegotiated (lol, dream scenario, but somehow the Rockets and McGrady agree to void their current contract and get blow the cap enough to sign Artest to his wanted deal)

Just ranting.

[Manute for Ever!]

That's the last thing Stern wants to hear...

[American Willy]

I can see it now...:D

Yao: Hi Ron, Want dim sum?

Ron: Whatchu call me!?! B*tch I will knock you the F*** out!

Yao: No, No, I want to give you...

Ron: Gimme what mofo!?! Check the chain, son! I'm Ron Artest! Ron Ar-freakin'-test! Wasup now!? Huh? Wha's good then!?! I said, Wha's Goo-ood Tha-en!?!

Yao: You not should yell at teamates Ron...

Ron: B*tch I am the team! I'm Ron Artest! F*** it! I'm outy! I'm a go to Vegas or Mexico or Sumppin' for a month! F*** this team, you mooshoo eating punk!

Yao: But Ron...?

Ron:F*** you! Go buy my album!

:oldlol:

[ZeN]

Just cause you came from the ghetto, dont mean you gotta act stupid...:rolleyes:

[boozehound]

I really hop that next year Artest will accept the MLE for a long term deal, unless he really wants more money which, well, none of the top tier teams can really afford for him. Or maybe McGrady's deal can be renegotiated (lol, dream scenario, but somehow the Rockets and McGrady agree to void their current contract and get blow the cap enough to sign Artest to his wanted deal)

Just ranting.
yeah thats not how it works. unless tmac is up for an extension next off season, and even then, he can only take like a 15% paycut.

[brantonli]

yeah thats not how it works. unless tmac is up for an extension next off season, and even then, he can only take like a 15% paycut.

Oh no, I meant T-Mac and Rockets completely voiding his contract and signing another one, although I guess it can't be made.....also people are talking about extending Artest, how much per year can we extend him for? His current salary or the MLE?

[1~Gibson~1]

I can see it now...:D

Yao: Hi Ron, Want dim sum?

Ron: Whatchu call me!?! B*tch I will knock you the F*** out!

Yao: No, No, I want to give you...

Ron: Gimme what mofo!?! Check the chain, son! I'm Ron Artest! Ron Ar-freakin'-test! Wasup now!? Huh? Wha's good then!?! I said, Wha's Goo-ood Tha-en!?!

Yao: You not should yell at teamates Ron...

Ron: B*tch I am the team! I'm Ron Artest! F*** it! I'm outy! I'm a go to Vegas or Mexico or Sumppin' for a month! F*** this team, you mooshoo eating punk!

Yao: But Ron...?

Ron:F*** you! Go buy my album!:roll:

[Rameek]

Yao as a team leader should voice his concerns. But I dont remember Ron Ron being a bad teammate though.

Ron Ron sure has foot in mouth disease... He needs to keep his nose clean this year and play great basketball and try to cash out at the end of the year. I really think he's expecting the Rockets to pony up for a long term contract which I believe would be crazy...

This is going to be a good move because everyone knows TMAC and Yao will be hurt on and off this year and he can carry the team when that happens I think.

[nba_55]

Artest on California radio show:
Recap:

* Yao and him are cool
* Glad to play with Yao
* Happy with contract
* Wants to run the T-Mac and Yao wave
* Wants to stay in Houston, no trade
* Can't win a championship without a great center
* Likes Strawberry cakes
* Loves to say "BABY"
* Loves the facts about Houston it seems
* Getting a new number, wanted to use a Alphabet letter instead
* Does not play XBOX, play PS3 (PSN name = Rartest93)
* Yao Ming's Soldier
* Shaq = Better rapper
* No one is touching Ron Artest's teammates
* Rocket Ron



Man, he was hilarious!!!! Cant wait to see the Rockets winning with him.

[DKLaker]

I don't put anything past Laker fans. These are the same fans who sabotaged not one, but THREE planes of Laker opponents on the flight back from LA this postseason (SA's plane and BOTH of Boston's planes). :)

Seriously though, the writer is way out of line and clearly has some sort of agenda in trying to provoke Ron.

Wait.....you forgot about Denver's bus......lmao!!!

[LJJ]

Ron Artest is so ****ing cool


I don't have no problem with taking five or six threes a game.

Watch out people. :D

[WillyJakk]

Ron Artest (partial quote):

"Yao has played with a lot of black players, [B]but I don

[sixerfan82]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3512419

how do you interpret this? lol

[U got Served]

I think Artest took it as Yao saying "you need to change your personality" and Artest said "I will always be like this" simple as that.

[DreamYaoTmac5]

He said it was a mis-understanding on the radio show, this thread is over.

[The_Night_Elf]

"Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don

[U got Served]

dont see how "i'm still ghetto " is funny. is ridiculous.

[DeuceWallaces]

This thread is not over. Ron is crazy, look at all the junk he said in that article. This is not starting good.

[dnyk1337]

Deke will keep him in check. Artest will be too busy trying to figure out what Deke is saying that he'll completely lose his focus on representing the "black" race.

[MaxFly]

Comments like this give us a glimpse of why he never made it out of the first round...At least give him a chance before whining to the media...

I'd agree... Yao should have simply kept quiet on the issue or provided a positive outlook. This comes off as a "well, I'm glad he's here, but we all know he's kinda crazy, so I'm not sure how great it is that he's here" type of response. Not necessary at all, no need to show concern unless there is an incident...

Edit:

Oh, and Ron should shut up as well. If this dude keeps talking, he's going to exacerbate a non-existent situation and make it an actual situation.

[haterofhaters]

The thing about people like the guys you mentioned, Deke, Battier, Yao and others while not phsyically imposing are high character guys. So the actually may affect him in a positive way without having to go out of character to do so. That's the way I see it. Ron is not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to interviews. But I think that he should be fine as long as he gets along with the guys in the locker room.

[haterofhaters]

I'd agree... Yao should have simply kept quiet on the issue or provided a positive outlook. This comes off as a "well, I'm glad he's here, but we all know he's kinda crazy, so I'm not sure how great it is that he's here" type of response. Not necessary at all, no need to show concern unless there is an incident...
I'm not the interviewer but I can almost guarantee that they probably asked him pointed questions. Like "does the fact that he went into the stands influence your opinion about what you think of him?" and different things like that. I'd kind of have to see the interview myself, his maneurisms, what questions he was asked, and his tone when answering the questions. The media likes to take things out of proportion and blow them out of context to get a story. And you know a loose cannon like Ron is gonna respond.

[The_Night_Elf]

The thing about people like the guys you mentioned, Deke, Battier, Yao and others while not phsyically imposing are high character guys. So the actually may affect him in a positive way without having to go out of character to do so. That's the way I see it. Ron is not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to interviews. But I think that he should be fine as long as he gets along with the guys in the locker room.

You're right. Ron's an emotional guy. Really emotional. Like he'd pick a fight with the sky if he didn't like what shade of blue it was that day. And all the guys mentioned seem pretty laid back. Hopefully it'll teach Ron how to calm down a bit...

[DOMINATOR]

artest also said he will do w/e yao/tmac/adelman tell him to do. he said he has no problem coming off the bench.

most of what yao said was mis-interpreted and asked direct questions about the brawl which were taken out of context.

this is why i hate when interviewers dont put their questions in articles.

[DKLaker]

Artest needs to understand Yao's culture more than Yao needs to understand Ron's.

Yao likely already overstands Artests culture, and it's codes of respect for self and others, but I doubt very highly Ron has any depth of knowledge about codes of respect in Yao's culture.

I forsee Ron failing a team again with his childlike temper and mental weakness. But hopefully, as old as Ron is, he will be secure enough in himself to humbly learn from 2 very different cool, calm personalities such as Tracy and Yao.

Yao needs to be positive or keep his Pie Hole shut!!!!!!!
Don't blame Ron, the 7'5" dufus started it......he needs to learn where and when to open his mouth.
I'm with Ron on this one....glad he spoke up!!!!!!

[Koop1]

I'd lol so hard if he ended up ****ing up Yao Ming in a game
:roll:

[TMac&Luther]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3512419

how do you interpret this? lol

Your late...

http://insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97803&page=4

[final.wrath]

rons an idiot but hes good on the court. this interview really proved the idiot part.

[ukplayer4]

artest will never change, a pathetic and very dumb child that thinks he isnt "respecting his culture" unless he acts like a complete dick attacks and insults people.

heres news ron, you are not ghetto, you are a multi million dollar athlete that doesn't need to fight people or insult/disrespect your team mates.

ive lost all faith in the idea that artest will one day calm down and become the player he can be. the guy is too far gone, too stupid and far too lacking in common decency and class. he is a disgrace.

[Zan Tabak]

I can see it now...:D

Yao: Hi Ron, Want dim sum?

Ron: Whatchu call me!?! B*tch I will knock you the F*** out!

Yao: No, No, I want to give you...

Ron: Gimme what mofo!?! Check the chain, son! I'm Ron Artest! Ron Ar-freakin'-test! Wasup now!? Huh? Wha's good then!?! I said, Wha's Goo-ood Tha-en!?!

Yao: You not should yell at teamates Ron...

Ron: B*tch I am the team! I'm Ron Artest! F*** it! I'm outy! I'm a go to Vegas or Mexico or Sumppin' for a month! F*** this team, you mooshoo eating punk!

Yao: But Ron...?

Ron:F*** you! Go buy my album!
:roll: :cheers:

[DKLaker]

[QUOTE=The_Night_Elf]"Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don

[The_Night_Elf]

No, but he's gone shopping and had Yao's peeps watching him like he was going to steal the whole store....YOU know what I mean....same mentality!!!

FK Yao!!! Artest to the Lakers for Odom......let's do it!!!!

Um...I may have missed the point, but, what does that have to do with ones culture. :confusedshrug: You seem to be leaning more towards stereotyping...

Yao has no problem with Artest being Black, or else he'd have a problem with 90 percent of his team. He has a problem with his drama and antics...

[DKLaker]

Um...I may have missed the point, but, what does that have to do with ones culture. :confusedshrug: You seem to be leaning more towards stereotyping...

Yao has no problem with Artest being Black, or else he'd have a problem with 90 percent of his team. He has a problem with his drama and antics...

When someone comments on someone he hasn't met yet it tells me there is something at work there. If you think just because Yao plays with black players that he likes black people you are nuts.
(From Norbit; Chinese guy....I am racist, I hate black people, I hate jews...but black people and jews like chinese food....go figure.) LMAO that was freaking funny/true. Just like when a black adult goes into a store wearing a nice suit and tie and get followed by the whole asian family while rowdy white kids don't.....there is obviously a preconception that blacks can't be trusted....what came out of Yao's mouth was definitely influenced by asian stereotypes of blacks. I have very close friends of all races and religions, i am not racist but i know what i see. I had problems recently is an asian area, I was very sharply dressed but these idiots were intensely watching every move of my hand.....that crap is typical.....I almost cursed them out and showed them my cash and platinum cards.....decided to just walk out.....every store there was like that.

[final.wrath]

^

no, whats really at work here is that you are playing the race card just like ron did. you're taking a personal experience and saying yao must not like black people because hes asian. ignorant.

[kobedaman24]

lo @ artest saying he doesn't want to leave his ghetto culture..

[sixerfan82]

I can see it now...:D

Yao: Hi Ron, Want dim sum?

Ron: Whatchu call me!?! B*tch I will knock you the F*** out!

Yao: No, No, I want to give you...

Ron: Gimme what mofo!?! Check the chain, son! I'm Ron Artest! Ron Ar-freakin'-test! Wasup now!? Huh? Wha's good then!?! I said, Wha's Goo-ood Tha-en!?!

Yao: You not should yell at teamates Ron...

Ron: B*tch I am the team! I'm Ron Artest! F*** it! I'm outy! I'm a go to Vegas or Mexico or Sumppin' for a month! F*** this team, you mooshoo eating punk!

Yao: But Ron...?

Ron:F*** you! Go buy my album!

AHAHAHAHAHA

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

Artest was just on PTI.

He said all the right things.
What a great addition for the Rockets.

[Mateo]

Ron on Pardon the Interuption was hilarious. Guy's just flat out crazy.

[DKLaker]

^

no, whats really at work here is that you are playing the race card just like ron did. you're taking a personal experience and saying yao must not like black people because hes asian. ignorant.

Race is not a card.....what idiot came up with that phrase, if you don't think asians who are relatively new to this country have a negative view of black people then you obviously don't know what you're talking about, i don't know where you're from but you don't know crap about it. I have very good asian friends and they have even told me how they and their families looked a blacks....and how a lot of them still do.
I'm saying I don't like the fact that he is commenting on Artest without Artest doing or saying anything to him......why would he do that?????
Yao is the real idiot here.....why start bad blood with the guy???
Don't act like racism doesn't exsist....it is very much alive and well....and growing.......which does surprise me.

[gts]

Race is not a card.....what idiot came up with that phrase, if you don't think asians who are relatively new to this country have a negative view of black people then you obviously don't know what you're talking about, i don't know where you're from but you don't know crap about it. I have very good asian friends and they have even told me how they and their families looked a blacks....and how a lot of them still do.
I'm saying I don't like the fact that he is commenting on Artest without Artest doing or saying anything to him......why would he do that?????
Yao is the real idiot here.....why start bad blood with the guy???
Don't act like racism doesn't exsist....it is very much alive and well....and growing.......which does surprise me.

Clearly yao's comment are based soley on the fact Artest is a black man... his past histroy couldn't possibly have anything to do with it... Yao has never said an unkind word about anyone, yet as soon as he might have some reservations about the rockets signing a known idiot he's a racist? haha
dk give it a rest please we all know you got heaps of man love for artest and wanted him on the lakers in the worst way but calling yao a racist is going overboard....

artest takes up basket ball at the age of 8, at the suggestion of a school counselor concerned about his angry behavior.

As a rookie with the Bulls, Artest applied for a part-time job at Circuit City, so that he could get an employee discount on the latest electronic gear.

He flipped out and broke a television camera at Madison Square Garden.

Last year, Artest noted, "If I had a player out of line, I would bench him. That's all you can do, bench him. You don't kiss nobody's rear end, because it stinks."

After the Pacers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Pistons during the suspension year, Artest was waiting to get back into the arena. The Pistons bus is getting ready to pull out, and Ron Artest rips his clothes off, wearing nothing but "hot pants", flexes and glares at the Pistons bus.

With the Pacers, Artest practiced in a bathrobe.

Artest has spent the last few years as a loner, does not talk to teammates, instead spends time watching Ultimate Fighting Championship DVDs on the team plane on a laptop that is missing half its keys

The Brawl with the Pistons. and alot of peole seem to forget the laying on the scorers table to begin with, that would have been a suspension in it's self

Asking for time off to work on his Album. When denied by Pacers front office becomes a distraction at practice leading to a team suspension and his ultimate trade to Sacremento

County animal-control officers seized his Great Dane, Socks, because it wasn't being fed. This is the second time the first time was in Indiana.

Besides his most recent arrest for slapping his wife, 911 calls from Artest's home five other times since last August, and at least two of the calls involved domestic disturbances.

Suspened for making physical contact with Miami Heat head coach Pat Riley while taunting the Heat bench

Suspeneded for Flipping the crowd the bird
Suspended for telling Sacremento fan to "**** off"

When Magic Johnson said Ron needs to look at the trade to sacremento as a new lease on life ron responded with...It's like saying, 'Magic, should your wife give you another chance?'" Artest said "He's saying Ron Artest should have no more second chances. What's worse -- me saying I want to be traded or you cheating on your wife?"

Playing against Michael Jordan in a pickup game, he broke two of Jordan's ribs after being slam dunked over.

He picked up and threw a 150-pound stretching machine, leaving a gouge in the floor of the Bulls' practice court.

Artest's girlfriend Jennifer Palma and the mother of one of his children, filed assault charges against him in May of 2002, Artest pleads guilty and he was ordered to attend anger management classes

He changed his jersey number from 23 to 91, the number of longtime NBA problem child Dennis Rodman

over 9.5 million Dollars in lost pay, suspensions and fines

Misses multiple games in Sacremento due to back problems, manages to play in games against playoff contenders, but misses games against non playoff contenders called out by coach and management

June 6th
Artest tells Sacremento Bee reporter he will not even consider opting out, his agent Mark Stevens echos that thought saying “him opting out at this point is not even an option,” Stevens said. “He wants to first go to the table and see if he can get a deal done. He would love to be in Sacramento.”
June 18thth
Artest's agent says artest will be opting out
June 23rd
Artest Tells a LA radio show he will not be opting out of his current contract
June 26th
Artest e-mails Sacremento Bee and notifys them he will be opting out.
June 30th
Artest informs Kings he will not be opting out
July 1st
Artest says he wishes he had opted out of his contract like Baron Davis and Elton Brand citing bad advice for his decision
July 12th
Asks for trade from the Kings, fires agent and announces he's going to represent himself in trade talks and wants to be known as "william" because he thinks "ron" may have a negative conotation

yes yao is an idiot/racist for wondering if artest will fit in with the rockets

[DKLaker]

My point is that regardless of what you have seen or heard you have to meet a person and establish a relationship based on fact not reputation.
If you have a problem with someone it should be based on what they did to you not what you assume. That's not right......Ron could've said to himself that he's going to be cool and do the right thing and then before he even gets there here's this big A-Hole running his mouth. What did Yao expect to happen from this? Artest is going to be happy? Yao is an idiot!!!

It reminds me of a couple years ago i had a meeting with an NBA coach who i've always heard was an A-Hole, i believed it was true but went in with an open mind. He ended up being shockingly nice. I still communicate with him periodically.

[gts]

Way to leave out the following parts:

"For some reason, I like Artest"

"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."thanks,

it's easier for some to bypass the whole article and focus on being critical of just one aspect... reading all of it and taking everything in context doesn't always help with ones agenda

[rezznor]

thanks,

it's easier for some to bypass the whole article and focus on being critical of just one aspect... reading all of it and taking everything in context doesn't always help with ones agenda
thank you. repped. the media is blowing this up to fan the flames for idiots like dklaker. ron already spoke to yao on the phone, **** was taken out of context, there is no problem except the ones that dumbasses make.

[bokes15]

I'm telling you, Ron Artest is a slightly less crazy version of Mike Tyson. One of the best in the world when he has his head in the game, but a loose cannon.

[DKLaker]

thank you. repped. the media is blowing this up to fan the flames for idiots like dklaker. ron already spoke to yao on the phone, **** was taken out of context, there is no problem except the ones that dumbasses make.

You can shove the Istanbull up you Azz you freakin loser!!!!
Yao should show better judgement with people he doesn't know.

[RIMMER]

Uh, why does this thread still exist? The two boys cleared up their misunderstandings already

[rezznor]

You can shove the Istanbull up you Azz you freakin loser!!!!
Yao should show better judgement with people he doesn't know.
:oldlol: someone didnt take their ritalin today? Istanbul > Los Angeles

[TMac&Luther]

You can shove the Istanbull up you Azz you freakin loser!!!!
Yao should show better judgement with people he doesn't know.

You should shove your computer up your ass, that way we won't have to be subjected to your stupidity.

[TMac&Luther]

Get off your granny's computer you low class moron!!!!

Wow, that was epic....what a major burn. :oldlol:

[rezznor]

Get off your granny's computer you low class moron!!!!
that was pretty...weak. there is an edit function. i suggest you scour the internet and steal a better come back and try again.

[gts]

i was just talking to my wife about this on the phone, she's chinese... she said she reads it as bad element or dark attitude the word yao used to express his feelings about artest is not a reference to his skin color but his attitude and the word or character for black used is the same one used to describe the triades or "black group" the mafia in china

[brantonli]

You can shove the Istanbull up you Azz you freakin loser!!!!
Yao should show better judgement with people he doesn't know.

Doesn't that mean pretty much every single ISH poster has no right to comment about players personalities because they are people they don't know?

After reading the actual interview, it seems Yao has plenty of praise for Artest and has only said a few sentences on his worry about team chemistry. No biggie. Scola seems to think it's great as well.

[Smokee]

Race is not a card.....what idiot came up with that phrase, if you don't think asians who are relatively new to this country have a negative view of black people then you obviously don't know what you're talking about, i don't know where you're from but you don't know crap about it. I have very good asian friends and they have even told me how they and their families looked a blacks....and how a lot of them still do.
I'm saying I don't like the fact that he is commenting on Artest without Artest doing or saying anything to him......why would he do that?????
Yao is the real idiot here.....why start bad blood with the guy???
Don't act like racism doesn't exsist....it is very much alive and well....and growing.......which does surprise me.



Thats true but its not naturally born or even cultured racism. Its the fact that when they get over here fresh off the boat they start these small business's in the ghetto because they live in the ghetto too, except they end up working at 7/11's, in the back of kitchens, etc. then end up running liquor stores, convenient stores, dry cleaners, carryouts, etc. in the ghetto and very likely end up robbed, shot at, and threatened by black people.

I lived in the ghetto for a while near koreans that ran this local convenience store, and man this place was getting shoplifted left and right, and it'd be all black people hanging out outside, loud as hell, almost every dude smelled like weed, and it looked like a block party every day. I just thought these poor korean people, having to run a business in an environment like this would make anyone racist.

recognize that people aren't born racist, and races should take some accountability for what their race does to make others dislike them. I mean didnt Chris Rock say nobody hates black people more than other black people?

And obviously that doesnt mean all black people. Its just when you get into concentrated areas and see it every day its hard not to generalize.

[rezznor]

[QUOTE]Ron Artest wanted to be judged by actions, not by anything he had said or was about to say. So when asked how he felt about the trade completed just days ago that will send him to the Rockets, he immediately pointed to something he had already done.

[haterofhaters]

nn
I pretty much called that earlier in this thread:

I'm not the interviewer but I can almost guarantee that they probably asked him pointed questions. Like "does the fact that he went into the stands influence your opinion about what you think of him?" and different things like that. I'd kind of have to see the interview myself, his maneurisms, what questions he was asked, and his tone when answering the questions. The media likes to take things out of context and blow them out of proportion to get a story. And you know a loose cannon like Ron is gonna respond.

[rezznor]

I pretty much called that earlier in this thread:
yup, anyone who has ever watched a yao interview knows that hes often joking around. i dont think he has ever said a disparaging thing about another nba player, not even about shaq when shaq made his ching chong remarks to yao. its hard to detect sarcasm or subtle jokes when you read them in print. i bet if we saw the interview on video, yao was probably smiling when he made his brawl comment.

[rezznor]

In true Ron-Ron (or is that Bill-Bill?) fashion, he didn't take long to change his stance in the latest mini-drama.
After our conversation this afternoon in which he was clearly not thrilled with the comments made by Yao Ming, he went on with KHTK's Carmichael Dave this evening and reported that the issue has been resolved.

Among the relevant revelations...

* Artest said Yao called to clear up the matter and proclaimed himself "a Yao Ming soldier babyyyyyy!."

* He admitted that Yao's comments regarding the brawl "hit me in the soft spot when I read that."

* He said he's even considering a trip to China support Yao with Team China, then quickly made it clear that he is rooting for Team USA for the gold.

* Asked if there was anything he would change about his time in Sacramento, Artest said he would have found a way to convince the Kings to re-sign Rick Adelman.
"I wish I would have know that Rick was leaving, because I would've intercepted that phone call with a missile from Korea," he said with a laugh. "I'd be like, 'Hold on, let's work it out.'"

POINTS TO PONDER

* Assuming Artest's comments on Wednesday don't undo the deal, let's move ahead to Rockets locker room speculation.

No one expects Tracy McGrady or Yao Ming to be the ones willing to stand up to Artest, but don't be surprised if Rafer Alston occasionally plays that role. Not only do Ron and Rafer go all the way back to their shared New York upbringing, but Alston was possibly the most outspoken critic among his colleagues after the 2004 brawl.

For an interesting look back, read this piece here.

* While talking to Artest today, he retold the story about how he found out he was traded while making an appearance on the "Scott Ferrall Show" on Sirius XM radio.

artest found out he got traded over the radio


Here's the transcript from the show on Tuesday night, as provided by the XM folks...

Ferrall: "Yo, Ronnie, it's Ferrall."

Artest: "What's going on, man? How's everything?"

Ferrall: "What's up, Money? Now listen, can you believe that you got traded tonight while you were filling it up for 42 points at that thing in the city tonight? When did you find out that you got dealt, afterwards when you picked up your cell phone?"

Artest: "What are you talking about, what are you talking about right now? I got traded?"

Ferrall: "You got traded tonight to the Houston Rockets, brother, for Bobby Jackson. You're going to be playing with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady."

Artest: "I didn't know that."

Ferrall: "I swear to god."

Artest: "I just came from the game and went to get something to eat. I turned my phone off and I told my boy I was going to call [into the show] because it was your birthday. I didn't know that. I got to call [my agent] and find out. I've got to find out."

Ferrall then read a portion of the Houston Chronicle report on the trade to Artest.

Ferrall: "What do you think, man? How do you feel about that? I hope I didn't bum you out."

Artest: "Nah, man, everything is good. I am going to call my agent in a little bit. But man, it's your birthday, man."

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/014225.html#more