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Pacers may use Artest off bench
Carlisle says playing with the reserve unit would give forward more offensive impact
By Mark Montieth
mark.montieth@indystar.com
Ron Artest has played in an All-Star Game and been named Defensive Player of the Year. This year, it's possible he will be eligible for another honor: Sixth Man of the Year.
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle is considering bringing Artest off the bench this season. The move would balance the scoring between the first and second units, and make Artest more of an offensive focal point.
"We'll look at it (in preseason games) and see how it plays out," Carlisle said Friday. "If it's the right thing to do we'll do it, and if it's not we won't.
"You look at San Antonio last year. (Manu) Ginobili was an All-Star who was willing to do that, and at times it really strengthened their situation."
Ginobili was the Spurs' second-leading scorer (20.8) during their playoff run to a championship but came off the bench for eight of their 23 postseason games.
Artest has no problem with the change if Carlisle goes that way.
"I can play with anybody," he said. "I'm more focused on winning. As long as we win a ring, I'm cool with it."
Artest often seems to excel most when playing with reserves, particularly those who rarely get playing time and show a particular hunger to win.
"He has an affinity for the 'everyman' type of player," Carlisle said. "He's been here the last two summers working out with summer league players. It's something he has a liking for."
Carlisle said he has no idea who would start at small forward if Artest comes off the bench.
Call Star reporter Mark Montieth at (317) 444-6406.
Could benefit is when we play them with LeBron and Larry being guarded by Stephen Jackson who LeBron destroyed when he was a Hawk or the rookie Granger who is well a rookie coming off knee surgery
Carlisle says playing with the reserve unit would give forward more offensive impact
By Mark Montieth
mark.montieth@indystar.com
Ron Artest has played in an All-Star Game and been named Defensive Player of the Year. This year, it's possible he will be eligible for another honor: Sixth Man of the Year.
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle is considering bringing Artest off the bench this season. The move would balance the scoring between the first and second units, and make Artest more of an offensive focal point.
"We'll look at it (in preseason games) and see how it plays out," Carlisle said Friday. "If it's the right thing to do we'll do it, and if it's not we won't.
"You look at San Antonio last year. (Manu) Ginobili was an All-Star who was willing to do that, and at times it really strengthened their situation."
Ginobili was the Spurs' second-leading scorer (20.8) during their playoff run to a championship but came off the bench for eight of their 23 postseason games.
Artest has no problem with the change if Carlisle goes that way.
"I can play with anybody," he said. "I'm more focused on winning. As long as we win a ring, I'm cool with it."
Artest often seems to excel most when playing with reserves, particularly those who rarely get playing time and show a particular hunger to win.
"He has an affinity for the 'everyman' type of player," Carlisle said. "He's been here the last two summers working out with summer league players. It's something he has a liking for."
Carlisle said he has no idea who would start at small forward if Artest comes off the bench.
Call Star reporter Mark Montieth at (317) 444-6406.
Could benefit is when we play them with LeBron and Larry being guarded by Stephen Jackson who LeBron destroyed when he was a Hawk or the rookie Granger who is well a rookie coming off knee surgery