http://pacers.realgm.com/articles/39/20050...artest_dilemma/
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Could The Pacers Trade Artest? The Pacers are in an odd spot this upcoming season. Despite losing future hall-of-famer and team leader Reggie Miller, the Pacers stand to be a significantly improved team next year, even without any major off-season moves. The reason is clear: the return of Ron Artest.
There is no doubt that Artest is, on paper, a top-15 player in this league. His offense has improved every year, and he is an absolute demon defensively. Of course, this is all “on paper.” Artest’s problems have never been on paper. Everyone remembers the brawl. But few remember the inexplicable elbow Artest threw at Rip Hamilton two years ago in game six of the conference finals. There is no guarantee that the Pacers would have won that game, or that series, in absence of the elbow. That does not make it any more excusable.
Keeping Artest’s past in mind, let us turn to the future. Are things really going to get better? Artest will face provocation at every turn this upcoming season. Reggie Miller, the player most likely to keep Artest in line, has retired. How can a team focus completely, knowing that Artest might snap at any time? Even if he can somehow restrain himself for 100 or so games, the likelihood of him doing so over multiple seasons is low.
Though it is unlikely that the Pacers can get full value, they should trade Ron Artest. 80 cents on the dollar is fine. The one caveat is that the Pacers need to obtain good second banana for Jermaine O’Neal, and not just role players. The Pistons not withstanding, a championship team typically has two “star” players, and without Artest, the Pacers are left only with Jermaine O’Neal. If the rumors involving a Pierce-for-Artest trade are true, the Pacers need to do everything within reason to make it happen.
That being said, if no team is willing to give a good player in return, the Pacers have to roll the dice for this upcoming season. Trading good players too far below value is often the road to mediocrity. Hopefully Artest puts in a good season, and increases his value. Even so, whether it is this off-season or next, the Pacers would do well to be rid of Ron Artest.
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