Artest is Back!
Ron Artest is back - and in more ways than one. Artest played in his first NBA game tonight since “the brawl” back in November 2004, recording 8 points, 3 boards, and 3 fouls. But not only is he back in presence, he's also back in spirit. Before the game began, Artest commented:
"I'm going to continue playing hard and out of control, like a wild animal that needs to be caged in. I'll let the referees handle it."
Good to have you back, Ronnie!
I'm sure the David Stern was hoping it would be sometime before the first preseason game of the season before Artest was quoted as saying he would play “out of control,” but what did you expect, Mr. Commish? I think the NBA frontoffice will have a very tight eye on Artest throughout the season, and expect the hammer to fall if he steps out of line. David Stern is not a guy to mess with - you'll lose - and I think Artest is going to find that out sooner than later.
Hopefully Artest pulls a “Rasheed Wallace” and transforms from an out of control player better known for their technicals and brash behavior to one who quiets down, concentrates on the game, and doesn't give the reporters any fuel for the fire.
We shall see................