Ron Artest News: Pro Sports Daily

Lakers' Artest upset by Barkley's comments

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November 7

L.A. Daily News

"Ron Artest and Charles Barkley continued their long-distance war of words, with the Lakers' forward responding at great length Friday to the TNT commentator's chiding opinion Thursday that Artest should give up his off-court pursuits. "If Ron Artest just plays basketball, I think (the Lakers) can be better," Barkley said. "He's going to have to keep himself under control. He's going to have to accept that winning is the most important thing." Barkley's comments came moments after TNT aired a taped feature on Artest, one that painted him in a flattering light with the focus on his work in the community since he signed with the Lakers in the offseason."

Artest responds to Charles Barkley's criticism

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November 7

Los Angeles Times

"Ron Artest fired back at Charles Barkley on Friday after the TNT analyst criticized the Lakers forward by saying he could become a distraction to the team. Barkley made his comments after TNT did a prerecorded segment on Artest's off-court activities that aired Thursday night during the telecast of an NBA doubleheader. Artest said Barkley took his "shine," meaning his publicity. "That whole spotlight they did on me, he just took that away," Artest said about the TNT interview. Artest has spent time rapping, working on his Twitter account, interacting with fans and attending charity events and other entertainment ventures. He took exception to what Barkley said, pointing out that some of ..."

Artest's presence an added dimension for Lakers

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November 6

Toronto Sun

"No doubt Ron Artest is enjoying the moment as he continues to silence the legions of doubters. Mark Cuban emerged as the most vocal, which is hardly surprisingly given his penchant for opening his mouth on all things related to hoops. The maverick owner of the Mavs was convinced his team's best interest was well served when Artest bolted to the Lakers in free agency. In the first meeting pitting the two teams, Dallas downed the host Lakers, a setback that wasn't so much an indictment on Artest's game as it was attributable to a rare off night by Kobe Bryant. But so far, so good for Artest, whose transition to Los Angeles has been seamless. Artest remains an above-average scorer ..."

Bryant, Artest daunting pair for Lakers

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November 5

San Antonio Express-News

"His back ached, and his throat was sore, but as he trudged off to a hot shower after the Lakers' overtime road victory over the Thunder on Tuesday night, Kobe Bryant turned and offered some advice to the Spurs' Manu Ginobili. "If he sees another bat flying around the arena," he said, "he needs to swat that one out of the air, just like last time." Those rabies shots Ginobili now must endure were the price of sending a message to anyone, or anything, posing a threat to the game. "We're trying to play basketball out there," Bryant said. "You just can't let anything interrupt that." Not even a high fever that temporarily triggered swine flu fears kept Bryant from playing 46 minutes and ..."

Ron Artest wants to be part of the ring thing

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October 28

Los Angeles Times

"So the Lakers stayed up late into the night, gazing lovingly at their new championship rings and re-telling stories of their successful playoff run. Not quite. Ron Artest knew what would happen before the rings were even handed out ahead of Tuesday's season opener against the Clippers, saying his new teammates were "motivated to get another one." "Kobe [Bryant], I know once he gets that ring, he's going to put it away and look right away at getting the next one," Artest said. Artest was in the awkward position of watching the ceremony from the bench, though he showed up with a new pro-Lakers look, getting the "L" from the team logo shaved into the back of his head. (He also inscribed the ..."

Lakers hoping Artest addition doesn't blow up

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October 24

Boston Globe

columnist Gary Washburn

"In any other NBA city, Ron Artest would have been ostracized and chided for his revelation. In Los Angeles, his admission warmed him to his new fan base. Those late-arriving, cellphone-carrying, narcissistic Laker supporters have spent the preseason bonding with the mercurial Artest, cheering vigorously each time he approached an open shot. And he has become one of them, essentially. On Sunday, he told a group of reporters that he has been seeing a sports psychologist, seeking solace from years of personal issues and self-loathing because of failure. In the land of the bizarre and extraordinary, Artest is not so unusual."

Dunleavy second-guesses Artest pickup

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October 19

Orange County Register

"Not everyone is a fan of Ron Artest. Many believe the Lakers made a mistake in letting go nice-guy Trevor Ariza and signing Artest. They think Artest's mercurial nature could ruin the chemistry the Lakers developed during last season's championship run. Count Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy among those who aren't convinced the Lakers made the right move. While Dunleavy said Artest fills a major role for the Lakers, he called the free agent swap with Houston a "volatility trade." "Trevor Ariza is a flat-line player, which was very positive for them," Dunleavy said before the Lakers came from behind Sunday to beat the Clippers, 114-108, in the Staples Center Shootout. "Ron Artest can rise above ..."

Results for Lakers' Artest so far mixed

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October 12

L.A. Daily News

"There's no question the main objective for the defending NBA champion Lakers during training camp was to ease free agent Ron Artest's transition to his new team. He is, after all, the only newcomer to the roster. So far, results have been mixed. Artest said he feels comfortable in his new surroundings. He's been every bit the tenacious defender the Lakers hoped for when they signed him during the offseason. Offensively, however, he's still not in sync with his teammates. "For the most part, I'm catching on," Artest said after the Lakers' loss Friday to the Golden State Warriors. "I'd say I'm maybe four or five practices or maybe two or three games away from really getting the offense down, ..."

Ron Artest's a little nuts but could fit in Lakers' mix

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September 23

Los Angeles Times

columnist Bill Plaschke

"So did you hear the latest from my new best friend, Ron Artest? Here I was, worried he would upset the Lakers' delicate championship chemistry, cause all sorts of ugly distractions, then he shows up for a promotional appearance in San Diego on Monday and the opposite happens. Artest was so certifiably loony, he made me momentarily forget about the current Lakers crisis. That being, of course, what sort of wedding gift does one buy Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian? How about two sets of strong hands to shake them both while you shout, "What are you doing?" Is there enough room under the Lakers' baskets for all the paparazzi? Does Vanessa Bryant really need the competition? But back to ..."

Artest's antics as a Laker will entertain

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July 8

Sacramento Bee

columnist Ailene Voisin

"Don't adjust your television. This is really happening. Unless Ron Artest experiences one of those Ron-Ron moments when he completely loses his senses and changes his mind, the free agent and former King today officially becomes a Los Angeles Laker. Wow. I can't wait for tipoff. Isn't the Internet available in L.A.? Game tape? Newspapers? When Artest signs - as free agents Mike Bibby, Trevor Ariza and Hedo Turkoglu, among others, will do with their respective teams - filming for the 2009-10 Lakers soap opera begins immediately. One is tempted to ask whether Phil Jackson has any idea what he's leaping into, except that the Kings, Pacers, Bulls and Rockets already provide the answer: Of ..."

Artest joins Lakers, Ariza set for Houston in virtual swap

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July 4

Denver Post

"Ron Artest, the mercurial forward who has bounced from Chicago to Indiana to Sacramento to Houston, has landed in Los Angeles, and Trevor Ariza is on his way to the Rockets. Artest, 29, said Thursday he has agreed to a contract that will make him a Laker next season. The Lakers cannot comment on pending deals - contracts cannot be signed until Wednesday - but Artest's agent, David Bauman, said the deal was for five years and between $34 million and $35 million. "I don't care about the money," said Artest, who played for the Rockets this past season. "I'll play there for nothing. L.A. was very interested in me, and they got me." Artest's presence meant the Lakers probably would have had to ..."

Artest trading spots with Ariza

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July 3

San Francisco Chronicle

"In a free-agent swap of forwards, the Lakers reached an agreement with Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest and the Rockets have reached agreement with Trevor Ariza, the Los Angeles Times has learned. Artest met with Lakers executives throughout Thursday and agreed to terms of about $18 million over three years. Ariza agreed to a five-year deal with the Rockets for about $33 million, roughly the same amount that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him. "I had to do what was best for me and family," Ariza told the Los Angeles Times. "I am happy with my decision. I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask ..."

Rockets lose out on Artest, sign Ariza

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July 3

Houston Chronicle

"While Ron Artest headed to Los Angeles and a chance to win a championship, Trevor Ariza, the small forward with a key hand in the most recent title run, agreed to join the Rockets to replace him. Ariza accepted the Rockets' offer of a five-year, mid-level exception deal late Thursday, expected to be worth roughly $33 million, an individual with knowledge of the deal said. Players may sign free agent contracts beginning July 8. The Lakers on Wednesday offered Ariza, 24, a contract similar to the mid-level exception he accepted from the Rockets, but well short of the deal he reportedly was seeking. Ariza, a 6-8 forward, averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds last season, his fifth season after ..."

Artest signs with Lakers

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July 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Ron Artest, who nearly derailed the Los Angeles Lakers' championship drive, will apparently be joining them for the next joyride through the playoffs. Multiple news media outlets reported Thursday that Artest had reached an agreement to sign with the Lakers. Artest confirmed the deal in an interview with CBSSports.com and in a text message to ESPN.com. "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A.," Artest wrote in the message to ESPN. A Lakers official confirmed Thursday night that a three-year, $18 million deal had been reached. The NBA has a moratorium on signings and trades, and no deal can be completed until Wednesday. Artest, a fearsome defender and a potent scorer, is coming off perhaps his ..."

Lakers get Artest; Ariza agrees with Rockets

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July 3

Los Angeles Times

"In a free-agent swap of forwards, the Lakers reached an agreement with Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest and the Rockets have reached agreement with Trevor Ariza, The Times has learned. Artest met with Lakers executives throughout the day and agreed to terms of about $18 million over three years. Ariza agreed to a five-year deal with the Rockets for about $33 million, roughly the same that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him. "I had to do what was best for me and family," Ariza said. "I am happy with my decision. I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask for." Ariza's agent, David Lee, said the ..."

Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly make a play for Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza

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July 2

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Two players who didn't seem like they were going to be available to the Cavaliers ended up in the team's crosshairs at the end of day one of the NBA free-agency period. According to several league sources, the Cavs are attempting to land Houston Rockets free-agent forward Ron Artest, and the pitch included a meeting with LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles as both were in Southern California for various events. In addition, a league source indicated the team is trying to attract Los Angeles Lakers swingman Trevor Ariza, who appears to be disgruntled with the Lakers' early attempts to re-sign him. Ariza's agent, David Lee, told the Riverside, Calif., Press-Enterprise Wednesday, ..."

Artest mulling options in free agency

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July 2

San Antonio Express-News

"If LeBron James or Kobe Bryant are looking for a little help, Ron Artest is taking calls. The Rockets star forward, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team's chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he'll bring his skills next season, his agent says. David Bauman said Wednesday that his client would like to return to Houston, but Artest would also think about signing with a contending team - and that might rule out the Rockets if Yao Ming's broken left foot keeps him out for the season. Bauman wouldn't say which teams have contacted him about Artest. But he said he would expect Artest to talk to James and Bryant if the Cavaliers or Los Angeles Lakers were ..."

Best course: Keep Big 3 together

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May 19

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"This was not a great Rockets season. That needs to be said. Any hesitation to be the one to rain on the parade is obliterated by this question: Who the heck says a team deserves a parade for simply getting out of the first round of the NBA playoffs? Be proud of your Rockets for making a bit of a playoff run. Revel in the memories of a limping Yao Ming giving his all for the team, a bleeding Shane Battier taking no quarter, and a knocked-down-but-not-out Luis Scola getting up off the ground after a dirty blow. Remember the times Aaron Brooks made the Lakers look slow, Carl Landry made them look weak, and Ron Artest made them look scared. Close your eyes and envision Chuck Hayes being in the ..."

Rockets have much to consider

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May 19

Houston Chronicle

"There is an easy way to proceed should the Rockets choose it. Still feeling the rush of getting within one game of the Western Conference finals and the dissatisfaction of failing to make their run last beyond the first minutes of Sunday's Game 7, the Rockets could understandably consider the roster decisions to come with an urge to stand pat. They could base their plans around the hope they will get and stay healthy and that their young talent, so vital to this year's postseason run, will continue to blossom. They won't. The Rockets feel better about the nucleus of their team than they would have if the season ended with another first-round flameout. But after the Lakers sent them to the ..."

No suspension for Artest after NBA reduces foul

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May 10

Houston Chronicle

"The NBA reduced the flagrant foul, penalty two assessed to Rockets guard Ron Artest on Friday to a penalty one, eliminating any chance that he could be suspended for Sunday's Game 4 against the Lakers."

Ejected Artest awaits word

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May 9

Houston Chronicle

"For the second straight game, guard Ron Artest watched the ending of the Rockets-Lakers playoff series from the locker room. Artest was ejected for a hard foul on Pau Gasol with 43.6 seconds remaining in Friday's 108-94 loss to the Lakers in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Toyota Center. Now Artest must wait and see if the flagrant-2 foul will lead to further discipline, including a possible suspension for Sunday's Game 4. "It wasn't frustration," said Artest, who had a team-high 25 points. "I told the (game officials) it was a good call, but I didn't think they were going to call it a flagrant foul." Gasol calls it 'dangerous' With less than a minute remaining, Artest ..."

Artest's makeover gets him camera ready

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May 8

Washington Times

columnist Tom Knott

"I have seen the future, and it is Ron Artest in a television studio waving a table leg. His makeover gained further credence after his showdown with Kobe Bryant in the fourth quarter of Game 2 on Wednesday night. Bryant delivered an elbow to Artest's throat and then pretended to be all innocent after Artest rushed him and dispensed a number of choice words at nose-to-cheek range. The confrontation resulted in one of those crazy, you-have-to-be-kidding moments. All of a sudden, Artest, the erstwhile Auburn Hills nut job, was eliciting these great pangs of sympathy. All of a sudden, the NBA nation was feeling his pain, his rage, his frustration. The new Artest let it end with words. The old ..."

Artest opposes All-Defensive picks

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May 7

Houston Chronicle

"The Rockets' defensive one-two punch of Shane Battier and Ron Artest was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team second team, the first time the Rockets have had two players honored the same season in more than 20 years. Artest, however, was not happy about it, believing he, Battier or both should have been on the first team. "I'm going to stop arguing with these people and telling them that I'm first team every year," Artest said. "Every team would want me on their team. Shane, too. Who would you rather have guarding LeBron (James) or Kobe (Bryant) than Shane or me? Who would you rather have guarding LeBron, Kobe or Dwyane Wade than me or Shane?" Kevin Garnett and LeBron James were the ..."

Ron Artest takes direct approach

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May 5

Los Angeles Times

"There's no need to tip-toe around Ron Artest, well, unless you are trying to hide from him on the court. Directness, it appears, is the best approach when venturing into the verbal world of Ron-Ron. He's the man with the new Mohawk, the man trying to use his considerable will to propel the Rockets into the third round. But first, there's the matter of the second round. Mr. Defense turned into Mr. Offense on Monday night, throwing a considerable wrench into the Lakers' game plan in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal, helping beat them, 100-92. Artest had a strong first half, with 12 points, and continued to apply the pressure, finishing with 21 points. He went eight for 15 and ..."

Artest finds peace after stormy past

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May 4

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Are you ready for Ron Artest with a mohawk? If that sight doesn't rattle the Los Angeles Lakers, nothing will. Advantage, Rockets. "I've been trying to avoid it," Artest said Sunday afternoon, "but I'm not going to renege on my deal." He promised to get the haircut if the Rockets got out of the first round of the playoffs, and Von Wafer intends to make sure he has it by tipoff of Game 1 tonight. "I never should have made the deal," Artest said. Come on, Ron-Ron, roll with the punches. What's one bad haircut in a season in which so much has gone right? Bad haircut or not, this season has been everything for which Artest could have hoped. He was reminded of this again Sunday afternoon when ..."

Bryant, Artest ready to defend their territory

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May 4

L.A. Daily News

"Kobe Bryant is a Philadelphia guy. Ron Artest is a New Yorker. So, right away you know there are going to be differences of opinion. Big ones. Huge. Beyond calculation. It goes light years past rooting for the 76 ers or the Knicks, or the Eagles or the Giants, or the Phillies or the Mets. Or preferring mustard on your soft pretzel, for that matter. It's a pride thing. Bryant seeks his fourth NBA championship and Artest and the Houston Rockets stand in his way. Artest seeks an upset of Bryant and the Lakers. Bryant and Artest will clash starting tonight in Game 1 of the second-round playoff series. Ask Bryant about playing against Artest and all you get is a tight smile. Ask Artest about ..."

When Ron Artest talks, Lakers' Kobe Bryant tries to take action

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May 3

Los Angeles Times

"For Andrew Bynum, it was time to smile. For Kobe Bryant, it was time to scowl and take a tight-lipped approach with reporters. The Lakers approached the impending arrival of the Houston Rockets in different ways, though none of them disparaged the team that was 0-4 against them in the regular season. That would be impolite, of course, heading into the series opener Monday at Staples Center. The Lakers did, however, talk about two key matchups in their Western Conference semifinals -- Bynum against Houston center Yao Ming, and Bryant against whomever the Rockets throw at him (Shane Battier or Ron Artest, in differing doses). Battier typically guards Bryant, but in a game between the teams ..."

Ron Artest in launch mode for Rockets

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May 3

Los Angeles Times

"Be careful what you wish for, the series. Rarely have two playoff teams been as happy to see each other as the Lakers and Rockets. The Lakers wanted to play the Rockets, whom they have handled, rather than the Trail Blazers, who have handled them, and with whom the series would have been a holy war. The Rockets, who just got out of the first round for the first time in 12 years, are happy to be anywhere, even with a gargoyle, not a pot of gold, at the end of this rainbow. Last week, with Rockets fans celebrating the Game 6 victory over the Trail Blazers, Ron Artest grabbed a microphone and told them to chill. "I'm not happy just getting out of the first round," he said later. "That's not ..."

Artest must ratchet up contribution

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April 30

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"The Rockets had just lost Game 2 of this series with the Portland Trail Blazers when Ron Artest went around the locker room challenging his teammates. "You guys don't understand what it takes to win a championship," he said at one point. He was loud and he was angry and he made plenty of good points. That night in Portland, the Rockets became careless and blew a chance to win a playoff game. (Later, Rockets assistant coach R.J. Adelman attempted to lighten the mood by telling Artest: "Hey, Ron, I won a Division II championship [at Williamette University] if that counts.") Never mind that Brent Barry won two NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs or that Luis Scola has an Olympic gold ..."

If nothing else, Artest not dull on or off court

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April 24

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Let's face it, Ron Artest has made things a lot more interesting around our dusty little town. For instance, on Thursday afternoon he was asked about some of the things that went wrong when the Rockets lost Tuesday night in Portland. "I had a great first quarter and then I didn't play well the next three quarters," he said. So far, so good. Plenty of other jocks would have stopped there. Honest assessment, boring quote. Plenty of other jocks aren't Ron Artest. Just when it would have been smart to stop, Artest kept going. "Yao (Ming) didn't play well the entire game," he added. Maybe you've heard the one about people in glass houses throwing stones. Artest was 8-for-20 from the field that ..."

Win-win off court

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April 22

Houston Chronicle

"The Rockets led the series 1-0 after the most convincing of victories, and Ron Artest was feeling good and eager to get out for a while. He had a day to rest and was ready for some fun. Artest went clubbing. He found a place packed with young people, showed up with the place hopping and was immediately the center of attention. Artest does this often on Rockets road trips, and he found just the right spot in Portland, arriving at the Regence Boys and Girls Club in time to talk to the after-school crowd of about 125 cheering his every comment. "It's like going out to a club to me," Artest said. "This is my club time. I'm going to be on my feet anyway. I can go make an impact. Then I go back ..."

Artest gets another crack at postseason

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April 18

Houston Chronicle

"There is a feeling that comes over Rockets forward Ron Artest that he cannot explain, but he loves it. He must control it, he admits, citing the wisdom gained with years and experience. But he must use it, too, with another postseason to begin and another team looking to him to be the difference. When the game is tight, or when the Rockets are losing, when the stakes are high as they will be beginning tonight when the Rockets open the postseason against the Trail Blazers, Artest can sense that emotion grow within him. He can feel it drive and change him. This is Artest at his best. It is sometimes Artest at his worst. It could be the difference between the Rockets ending their long playoff ..."

Artest coming on strong

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February 26

Houston Chronicle

"Since moving back to the starting lineup with Tracy McGrady out for the year, Ron Artest has been much more effective and consistent than when he filled in for McGrady or Shane Battier. In the past five games, Artest has averaged 20.2 points and made 48.3 percent of his 3-pointers. “I’m back on my mojo,” he said. “I’m back in the situation I was in the last couple years. I have to believe they’re going to try to keep me out of the paint, to not give me open looks and to not give Yao (Ming) open looks. “It’s a great situation to be in when you’ve got a chance to win. That’s the only thing that’s going to define individuals: how the team does.” Counterattacking After the Portland Trail ..."

Yao-sers: Bobcats blown out in Houston

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February 23

Charlotte Observer

"Ron Artest scored 26 points, Yao Ming added 19 points and seven rebounds and the Houston Rockets continued to win without Tracy McGrady, beating the Charlotte Bobcats 99-78 on Sunday. Luis Scola had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Shane Battier sank three 3-pointers for the Rockets, who've won four straight games and eight of the last nine McGrady has missed with a sore left knee. McGrady announced Wednesday that he'll have season-ending surgery, but Houston is 15-6 without him this season. Aaron Brooks had seven points and three assists in his second game since replacing Rafer Alston as Houston's starting point guard. Alston was traded to Orlando on Thursday. Raymond Felton, Boris Diaw and ..."

Vince swirls in trade winds

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February 17

Bergen Record

"Vince Carter practiced at the Toyota Center on Monday. He may be calling this building home later in the week. The Nets and Rockets have exchanged trade proposals and continue to talk, according to league sources and sources close to the Nets. One scenario has Carter and Josh Boone going to Houston for Ron Artest, Carl Landry and Luther Head. But another Texas team remains very much alive in the Carter sweepstakes. The San Antonio Spurs' package for Carter would include Roger Mason Jr., George Hill and Bruce Bowen, the sources said. The Nets would have to make other moves to clear roster room for the additional players they take back. Nothing is imminent at this point, but the trade ..."

Rockets’ missing piece still is

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February 7

Houston Chronicle

"On the third floor, Rockets management crunched the numbers. In the basement, coaches studied the video. By the time players arrived on the practice floor in between, there were a myriad of issues to address and corrections to be made, as the Rockets sought to turn themselves into the team they thought they’d be when they acquired Ron Artest to be the missing piece they sought for so long. It did not take that deep analysis to reveal the need to turn Artest back into that player. His struggling offense took only one of many lines on that list, but there was little question that getting Artest going had become a crucial issue for the Rockets. “I always take the good with the good, the bad ..."

Artest felt tight in loss to Grizzlies

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February 6

Houston Chronicle

"Rockets forward Ron Artest said he had trouble getting loose Wednesday, specifically citing the Rockets’ rotation in which he did not get in the game until late in the first and third quarters. He stopped short, however, of calling for a change so that he would start or get in the games sooner after warming up. “I wasn’t hurt,” Artest said. “I felt good. I was just tight, really. It took me awhile to get loose. I didn’t get in until there were three minutes left in the first quarter and three minutes left in the third, but I was never in a rhythm. It was hard. But I felt good.” Artest, who made one of 10 shots, said he was not lobbying for a change. “It’s not what I need,” he said. “It has ..."

Artest's ailing ankle improves

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February 2

Houston Chronicle

"After struggling on offense for two straight games, the Rockets’ Ron Artest had 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists against the Warriors on Saturday while rehabbing the right ankle that’s plagued him most of the season. “It’s getting better,” Artest said. “It’s still sore, but it’s getting better. As long as I keep taking care of it, icing it, get some rest, it should be OK. “I had some tough shots. But the main thing was — miss or make — with my ankle, I felt I had some bounce. I was able to drive hard, stop and jump, which I haven’t been able to do for a long time. Every day we get rest, every day we don’t have a game, it continues to heal. The two weeks helped me a lot. I was ..."

Artest insists team has lots to learn

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January 30

Houston Chronicle

"The media was making the rounds, asking the Rockets about their takes on Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers. One player who deflected such questions was forward Luis Scola, a native of Argentina who proclaimed his ignorance of the whole affair. “I don’t know,” said Scola when asked about his rooting interests. “I don’t even know who’s playing.” Shane Battier, who is leaning toward Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl, wasn’t buying it. “I don’t know about that,” said Battier of Scola’s claims. “He’s been playing Madden (NFL 2009) on Xbox and PlayStation, and he’s getting pretty good. At first, he didn’t even know what a first down was, but now he’s ..."

Artest hints he might sit until after All-Star break

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January 28

Houston Chronicle

"The Rockets’ injury ambiguity continued, even with their return to relatively good health. While Rockets forward Ron Artest told a Web site Tuesday that he might sit out until after the All-Star break, his agent said after speaking with Artest and Rockets trainer Keith Jones that Artest’s sore right ankle might not put him out at all. “He’s just sore,” David Bauman, Artest’s agent, said. “I don’t know how much or if any time at all will be missed. I can tell you based on everyone I talked to today, he’s sore, he’s doing his treatment today, he’s taking it one day at a time, and there hasn’t been any conversation about shutting it down. “Ron is very frustrated about not being able to ..."

Artest, McGrady return to help Rockets beat Pistons

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January 26

Houston Chronicle

"For a few stunning minutes, the Rockets’ offense rolled as never before this season. Yao Ming was out, but Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest were back, and the Rockets tore through the Pistons for a quarter with stunning ease. They had broken out their 15th lineup of the season Sunday and a new, all pick-and-roll offense built around Luis Scola and Rafer Alston. But the Rockets did not change that much, after all in a 108-105 victory. Instead, the offense bogged down late, until with a McGrady drive and a few Artest free throws, the Rockets did just enough to escape with a win over the Pistons, coaxing a pair of air-balled 3s to end their seven-game losing streak at the Palace. “It’s a big win ..."

Rockets’ ‘Big Three’ could be whole tonight

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January 25

Houston Chronicle

"A game after the Rockets lost with Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest out, they could face the Detroit Pistons with all three back. Not one is certain to play, but each was determined to be well enough for decisions to be made today. Yao did not practice Saturday after he bruised his right knee in a collision in the first minute of Friday’s game. X-rays were negative and the swelling subsided enough for Yao to be considered a game-time decision. McGrady, who has been out since Jan. 9 to work on his conditioning, practiced and added extra running as Rockets coach Rick Adelman made plans for McGrady to return to the starting lineup. Artest, out since Jan. 7 with a bruised right ankle, is ..."

Artest, McGrady get back on court

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January 23

Houston Chronicle

"Ron Artest sat on a folding chair, sweating from a vigorous workout and surrounded by more than a dozen minicams and digital voice recorders noting his every huff and puff. “All this attention for one practice?” he asked. It has come to this in the season of the revolving trainer’s room door for the Rockets. Advancements in getting everyone healthy have turned into progress measured in baby steps. Artest and Tracy McGrady both returned to the practice floor Thursday for a hard, 12-minute scrimmage that revealed nothing definitive beyond they’re trying. Neither McGrady nor Artest will play tonight against the Pacers in Indiana. “They practiced,” Adelman said. “Today they looked good. We’ll ..."

Artest's ailing ankle shows improvement

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January 22

Houston Chronicle

"No need to rush The bone scan and MRI performed on Ron Artest’s troublesome right ankle showed enough improvement for him to return to practice today, but not enough to put a timetable on his return to game action. Rockets athletic trainer Keith Jones said Artest and Tracy McGrady could return to practice today and, if that goes well, practice again Saturday on the road trip before a decision would be made about when they might return. In regard to both, Rockets coach Rick Adelman said he was determined not to return to the pattern of changing lineups each game. “That’s great that that happened,” Adelman said of Artest’s encouraging test results. “I have to see him on the floor. I have to ..."

Artest to miss at least a week

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January 14

Houston Chronicle

"The Rockets’ uncertain injury situation gained more clarity Tuesday, with forward Ron Artest ruled out for at least another seven to 10 days before his bone bruise in his right ankle will be re-evaluated. “There was a reason I was in some pain out there,” Artest said. “They showed some things when they took some bone scans and MRIs. Luckily, it’s nothing serious. I just need some rest. “Luckily, there is nothing torn, no surgery needed, nothing like that.” Artest has missed five of the past six games because of soreness related to his November ankle sprain. An MRI conducted Sunday revealed a bone bruise, but no stress fracture. Artest sprained his right ankle Nov. 16 but said he might have ..."

Artest sits out against Hawks

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January 4

Houston Chronicle

"Reeling from the loss to the Raptors the night before, the Rockets got more bad news with Ron Artest joining Shane Battier and Tracy McGrady as unavailable. McGrady had previously determined he would play one game in back-to-back situations to rest his sore left knee. Artest, however, said he was not sure if he would be able to play with his sore right ankle in both games in next week’s back-to-backs. “It’s the same diagnosis, the same thing, on the same path,” Artest said. “I’m going to be fine. But right now is not the time.” Not just on McGrady A night after he passed on a chance to comment on Tracy McGrady’s play Friday against the Toronto Raptors, Rockets coach Rick Adelman said ..."

Artest takes over in 2OT

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December 28

Houston Chronicle

"Ron Artest was out. The decision had been made. He was fine with it. Then he learned Saturday night that Tracy McGrady, after consecutive games making four of 18 shots, would sit out Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz, the teams’ first meeting since last season’s playoffs. Artest warmed up. Adrenaline spiked. Hours later, with the game in a second overtime and players with hands on knees to hold up exhausted bodies, someone needed to step up. With the game to be won, Artest scored 10 points in the second overtime to drive the Rockets to a 120-115 win over the Jazz, their seventh consecutive win at Toyota Center. “I guess sometime I will take some time to rest,” said Artest, who sat out ..."

Veteran Artest gives Rockets a boost

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December 24

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Houston Rockets were a good team last season, when they went 55-27 and won both matchups with the Cavaliers. Then they went out and added Ron Artest in a trade with Sacramento before the season. "They have some very good talent," Cavs coach Mike Brown said before Tuesday night's game against the Rockets at The Q. "They've always been a very good defensive team. Now they've added Ron Artest to the mix, who can score, pass, post up, defend, rebound, do it all. It makes them even more dangerous. "They know how to play the game the right way. They know where they need to be to get shots and be effective. They all understand their roles. Because of that, with a very good coach in Rick ..."

Artest has settled in nicely with Rockets

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December 19

Sacramento Bee

"Sympathy? You think Ron Artest would have sympathy for the Kings, with the way the losses have piled up without him this season and how yet another coach was fired long after he was free to flourish in far better surroundings? Artest is a lot of things, but empathetic to a losing team isn't one of them. "When I was a rookie (in Chicago), we only won 13 games," he said after practice Thursday when asked if he felt for his old teammates. "I've been there. That's how it's supposed to feel. It's supposed to push you to get better, and they should still feel like they should make the playoffs. … I always believed we could have won a championship with that (2007-08 Kings) team, and nobody ..."

Artest likely to sit out road trip

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December 11

Houston Chronicle

"The Rockets’ revolving door for injured players took another spin Wednesday, likely putting Ron Artest out for two games but possibly bringing back Tracy McGrady. Artest is not expected to accompany the Rockets on their two-game road trip this weekend in order to rest his sore and swollen right ankle, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. Morey, however, indicated McGrady is planning to travel with the team and is questionable to play. McGrady has missed the past seven games because of a sore left knee. “Ron will likely not travel with the team in order to rehab his right ankle,” Rockets athletic trainer Keith Jones said. “Nothing has changed with regard to Ron’s medical condition from ..."