Want a wild rumor, even worse than some photos of Josh Childress in a Greek airport? Enjoy this bomb from the Sacramento Bee's Sam Amick: the Detroit Pistons might be trying to trade for Ron Artest.[F]rom what I was told from one source close to the Pistons, they [the Pistons] are [interested]. I've yet to get this info from more than one person, so stay tuned. But much like the Mavs' situation, this could be one of those where the player the Kings want (perhaps Tayshaun Prince) would be different than the one offered (Jason Maxiell, anyone?).Sacramento would do backflips for Prince or Amir Johnson; Mad Max might be an opening-day starter at the power forward, but then again so might Wayman Tisdale. But alas, you skeezy non-Sacramentans: Artest at home in the Palace is the hook.
Last year, Ron-Ron was mercilessly booed in Detroit. Artest actually had a decent game, feeding off the negative energy, turning it into bombast and exhilaration. But the level of hatred coursing through the air that night seemed (at least on TV) borderline serious, borderline violent.
Could Detroit fans actually embrace The Ron? I'll defer to our resident Pistons fan on that query, though I do surely anticipate a Tourette's-like outburst and some throwing of items.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-22-2008 @ 12:05AM
Paul said...
As a Detroiter I'd like to see Artest come to Detroit because even if he's a bit of a nutcase there's almost no question that he'd bring back a lot of fire and intensity to the team that the Pistons have been missing.
I'm not sure if the price would be right, though. Trading him for Prince is a little too lateral of a move and then besides, would he be coming off of the bench or could he play the 4 and have McDyess come off the bench? I'd certainly trade the Baby-Eater for Artest straight up but the Kings would probably want something else in that trade and it still brings up the same question of Artest's role with the team.
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7-23-2008 @ 3:11PM
lil sneeze said...
Trading Prince for Artest is not a lateral move, infact its an upgrade. Artest has the ability to defend Pierce and James, and he won't disapear on offense when doing so.
7-22-2008 @ 12:29AM
George B Vieto said...
I remember a Bowling Digest article in the Pins and Puns section that read "When a player you dislike joins your team he is a convert." Ron Artest would win Pistons fans from hating him to cheering in a heartbeat if Ron leaves the Kings and joins the Pistons.
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7-22-2008 @ 2:30AM
Dr Huxtable said...
You're wrong. If the Pistons trade for Artest they'll lose me as a fan, and I know for a fact that I'm not alone in this opinion.
7-22-2008 @ 1:55AM
petejayhawk said...
Sounds like SOMEONE's just upset about losing the most exciting thing in Sacramento.
It's back to tapioca and bingo for you, Ziller.
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7-22-2008 @ 1:56AM
petejayhawk said...
Also....commenter extraordinaire George B Vieto reads Bowling Digest.
Hm.
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7-22-2008 @ 6:51AM
lceejr said...
why would the pistons get someone with a troubled past. are they not expecting much from the team because of coach curry. after the Detroit Tigers got gary sheffield, the tigers went from the world series to not even being a playoff team, the main reason was sheffields big mouth. sheffield like artest are trouble. on the other hand, one of most hated players by fans here in detroit was chris chelios, when he was with the black hawks. now he is a fan favorite. artest is not chelios.
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7-22-2008 @ 12:48PM
anthony pylar said...
Trade Amir for crazy and then give the rockets what they want for T-Mac which would be Billups and draft picks.
Stuckey, Rip, T-Mac, Crazy, Sheed
Prince, Afflalo, Maxiel, McDyess on the bench are you kidding me.
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7-23-2008 @ 4:27PM
james said...
if they make the trades, you suggest, you will like the team?
7-22-2008 @ 2:34PM
Rob Mahoney said...
Keeping my fingers crossed.
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7-22-2008 @ 3:19PM
Jamieuke said...
If grounded, healthy and motivated, Artest is quite a talent. However, I doubt that The Pistons have seriously entertained the idea of bringing him in. At the very least, Mr. Davidson doesn't want him around. It was just an idea thrown out there by someone, I would be shocked if anything really came of it.
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7-23-2008 @ 9:43PM
Will nettles said...
I would do the trade Billups for Artest. He's bigger and play pistons basketball better than Billups. He play 2 and 3 and He and Rasheed and Rip can bring a championship back to Detroit. Tay at point, Artest at small can win for Detroit.
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