Link:With the Knicks in crisis, Ron Artest probably never has looked so good to embattled Isiah Thomas. Artest gets another audition tonight in Sacramento against the Knicks. Last time they met, Artest posted a career-high 39 points on Isiah's club.
Artest is back from his season-opening six-game suspension for his domestic legal troubles and if he starts playing like the rabid small forward that’s been the trademark of his career, teams are going to be knocking on Sacramento’s door again. I used to think it was not urgent to break up the core of the Knicks to get him, feeling David Lee should indeed be held out of a package.
I no longer think that way at all. And Renaldo Balkman? Please. This Knicks team is a mess and – sadly – more change is needed. Artest may not be the leader they are looking for but he’s gotten a bad rap and he is the defender the Knicks have been missing for many years. December 15th is when trade talks really heat up. That’s when rookies and 2007 free-agent signings can be dealt.
Thomas has to investigate this one again, perhaps to save his job. Watching Artest tonight might be the only thing worth watching.
