Artest v. LeBron, part I
Posted November 23rd, 2005 by bwindhorst
Anyone who has read me for awhile or heard me expound on the radio or TV knows that I’m a big Ron Artest fan. I flat out think he’s one of the 10 best players in the NBA. I don’t care about the brawl or 
the record label or all the flagrant fouls. (By the way, that picture is Mike Brown trying to peel Artest off that fan in Detroit last year). This is why I could never be an NBA general manager, because I would be tempted to forget about character when it came to getting talent. I’d trade for Artest in a heartbeat. In fact, the day after he was suspended last season I called Jim Paxson and asked him if there was any way the Cavs could trade for him. He set me straight.
Anyway, the point is I’m very much looking forward to seeing how LeBron handles Artest tomorrow night. The Cavs haven’t won in Indy in three years and last year they were embarrassed twice in there. I’m sure this game means a lot to Brown and it is a great test to see where the Cavs stand. It really doesn’t matter who wins at this point, it is how the Cavs play. Which is why it’s worth watching Artest and LBJ.
When LeBron was a rookie, the only guy that got to him was Artest. He was rough, he was physical and he shut him down. They only got to play once last season, in the opener and it was a great two-overtime affair. LeBron is better, stronger, and more respected by officials now and the stakes are higher so I’m probably not going to take my eyes off those two much.
I see rivalries with LeBron and Andre Igoudala of the Sixers, Andres Noiconi of the Bulls, Ricky Davis of course, developing. But none of these will be more important than his matchup with Artest because the Cavs will eventually have to beat Indiana to do anything meaningful long term. Same goes for Detroit, of course, but I think the Cavs are built for the longer haul right now. In basketball terms, tomorrow night will be a big-time heat-check.
In other news:
- Damon Jones was wearing shoes that looked like this after the game on Tuesday. Now sprained ankles are serious and you don’t want to rush back from them. But considering Damon was able to walk out with these on and the fact that he’s proud he hasn’t missed a game with injury in eight years, I think there’s a chance he could play. Most importantly, it doesn’t appear he’ll miss a great deal of time.
- Donyell Marshall was awesome in the preseason and the first seven or so games, but he’s struggled over the last week. His 3-point percentage is down to .340 and that was after going 2-of-4 last night.
- Can you hear the sound of Drew Gooden earning money? He’s been a total pro and done everything asked of him without a hint of complaint.
- If you have some time this afternoon, you can check me out on Kenny Roda (WKNR 850-AM) in the 4 o’clock hour, I think it is at 4:10 but I could be wrong. Also, at 5 p.m. I’m doing a live chat/Internet radio broadcast at realcavsfans.com. I’ll be driving towards Indy, so come and keep me company.
And finally, Happy Thanksgiving to all. Enjoy the day with your friends and families and lament how I have to spend it in Indy and then check out the Cavs vs. Pacers on TNT. I’m most thankful for all of you, my readers!
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:11 am
Two points:
First, Brian, the sole reason Paxson quickly “set you straight” is because Paxson’s little Dell Axim handheld computer was in the shop. He thought he had already traded Cavs first-round draft choices in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019, but had no way to reference the facts when he spoke with you. Artest is a great player who could improve any team in the league, and has a relative bargain contract that would make any NBA general manager with a brain jump for joy. Then again, maybe it wasn’t Paxson’s idea, but instead was the blind Gund influence (no pun intended) that seemed to put untalented choir boys ahead of winning talent.
Besides, what Paxson didn’t tell you is acquiring Artest was long ago a totally moot point. I recall reading in one of Chris Tomasson’s old columns that Paxson’s contract expressly stipulated he was not permitted to acquire anybody but pale white guys. It’s a shame Paxson wasted all that time trying to lure Paul Mokeski out of retirement. You’d think Joe Tait would have advised Paxson the early Cavs couldn’t lure Wilt Chamberlain out of retirement, either.
With respect to Gooden, all I see is the Erick Dampier Effect. It’s the last year of a contract. Keep your mouth shut, get some stats, and pretend to put forth genuine effort. I hope Ferry isn’t fooled. The real Drew Gooden will show up after the next contract is signed.
But still, even in this motivational contract year, Gooden has the amazing propensity for a really dumb brain fart. With better talent surrounding him this year, it’s just not as glaringly obvious. Gooden sometimes seems frozen in time. Doesn’t pick up a guy on defense. Other times, for no apparent reason, he’ll stand there and literally play with the soles of his shoes. What’s he doing, checking for gum? A classic example of a Goodenesque play was against Philadelphia. He’s all alone with the ball in front of the basket. All he has to do is jam it. WHAM! So what’s Gooden try to do instead? A modified George Gervin finger roll using Mel Turpin’s fingers. Whoops. Oh, well.
November 23rd, 2005 at 12:37 pm
Brian,
I will at the game on Thursday night. Hope to see you there.
Anyhow, who’s this Alan Tucker jackass?
DA
November 23rd, 2005 at 12:56 pm
A compliment from somebody who thinks Conseco Fieldhouse was named after Jose Canseco. Thanks, DA, your two weeks writing for Hallmark is really paying some big dividends. Happy Holidays and keep up the good work!
November 23rd, 2005 at 6:41 pm
Which is going to suffer more pain: Brian’s poor eyes during his romantic Thanksgiving blind date with Larry Bird’s daughter, or the poor eyes of Indians fans watching the White Sox’s Jim Thome blasting home runs to beat the Indians?
December 7th, 2005 at 9:33 am
Geez Alan, tell Brian to get out of the way so you can have the blog all to yourself.