IndyStar:The drama got more suspenseful earlier Saturday, when forward Ron Artest said he wants to play elsewhere and that the Pacers would be better without him.
Unless the Pacers grant Artest's wish -- and he didn't help his cause by not talking to CEO Donnie Walsh or president Larry Bird first -- they will have to deal with a player who has disrespected his coach and will likely have to regain the trust of his teammates.
"If Ron feels that way, then that's the way he feels," forward Jermaine O'Neal said after Saturday's game. "We're going to go to war with any guy that wants to wear a Pacers' uniform. Bottom line, if you want to wear it, we're with you. If you don't, see you later.
"To me, to say that, he wants the public to know. I find that a little disheartening to go to the media with information."
Artest's comments came just days after O'Neal said management should think about making changes if the team doesn't improve. The Pacers have won two straight games with Artest on the bench nursing a right wrist injury.
"I expect the unexpected with him," Johnson said about Artest. "If he feels like that, it's unfortunate, because he's a great player. At the same time, the front office has to do what's best for this team."
