The Godfather of Basketball

Landry ≥ Dante Green.

Pietrus \u003e Bobby Jackson.

The second round in 2010 \u003c the first round in 2009.

The value of this bargaining chip is lower than the previous impression that the Rockets traded for Artest.

But this is actually reasonable. After all, Artest at this time only has the right to use it for less than half a season.

The Kings can use him to trade for a potential rookie and a second round, which can be regarded as Morey has paid back some of the debts he had cheated them before.

Artest's entry into the team also marks that the Rockets have become the league's first quad-core team.

Center: Yao Ming, Jordan Jr.

Power forwards: Yi Jianlian, Scola

Small forwards: Artest, Battier, Barry Sr.

Shooting guard: McGrady, Morrow, Weaver

Point guard: Billups, Sun Yue, Dragic

(Note: Patrick Ewing Jr. was waived immediately after the trade)

It only needs to add some veteran insiders, and the Rockets' aircraft carrier will officially take shape.

Of course, the premise is that Tang Tian can bring out the strength of this paper lineup.

Two days later, Artest completed his physical and came to the Rockets locker room.

Before coming to the Rockets, Yao Ming and Artest had exchanges. They just arrived at this moment, and the two hugged each other for the first time with a smile.

Others' reactions to his arrival were rather mediocre, they just greeted him symbolically.

Pietrus and Landry are both veterans of the team. They were traded away, and the players had some thoughts in their hearts.

"Ron, the coach told you to go to his office." As soon as he put the things in the closet, Lucas II came over and called him.

Artest nodded, then went straight to the head coach's office.

He knocked on the door and went in, and then saw Tang Tian.

Tang Tian motioned for Artest to sit down, then sized him up for a while.

As in the memory of his previous life, Artest at this time was less irritable and more calm.

When most people's impression of him is still in the Palace of Auburn Hills incident, he has actually changed a lot after experiencing a series of things such as being suspended, his mentor was fired (Adelman), and the core of a bad team.

"I met the team members face to face, how do you feel?" Tang Tian asked.

"Yes, Yao is very enthusiastic, others are more ordinary, but I'm used to it." Artest said quite directly.

Tang Tian was stunned for a moment, then laughed, this straightforward character was very similar to him.

But in this case, it also saves the trouble of beating around the bush.

"Carl and Michael have contributed a lot to this team. They were the contributors to the team's championship last season. This is normal. If you want to get their approval, you have to prove it with your performance on the court." Tang Tian continued.

"Yes, I know, in fact I am very excited, from a team like that to a championship team." Artest is still very straightforward.

"En." Tang Tian nodded. Although Artest has a very hot temper, he must admit that he is a very energetic player.

"I called you here, on the one hand, to ask how you are adapting, and on the other hand, to tell you in advance about the team's arrangements for you."

Tang Tian said and looked at Artest: "The team is going to make you the sixth man."

"Sixth Man?" Artest froze for a moment, this was the first time he heard about this decision.

"Yes, similar to Odom's." Tang Tian continued, "Of course, part of the reason is that they don't want to break the tacit understanding of the existing starting lineup."

"I see." Artest didn't show much resistance, maybe because of Tang Tian's confession, or maybe because he really experienced too much.

Tang Tian was a little surprised, but how much strength Artest can display can only be seen in the game.

On February 20, US time, the fourth day after the All-Star Game, the Rockets sat at home and ushered in a challenge from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

This is the second time the two sides have played against each other this season. The last time they played against each other, the Rockets won the game thanks to Yao Mai's outstanding performance.

However, after more than half a season of running-in, the Cavaliers played the best season since James joined. They currently rank first in the league with 46 wins and 9 losses, surpassing the Rockets (44 wins and 11 losses) and the Lakers ( 43 wins and 11 losses).

For a strong duel, media interviews are naturally indispensable before the game.

"We are here for revenge. We will play the game as a final and we will win this game."

Perhaps it was the experience of being swept by the Rockets two years ago, or the strength of this season made the Cavaliers regard the Rockets as the biggest opponent to win the championship. James' attitude is extremely firm.

"We are the champions, and we will let him understand this." Before the game, the rest of the Rockets were relatively low-key, but Artest, when the reporter said what James said before the game, responded directly.

That night, the Toyota Center was full again.

The carrier of the Rockets' Big Four is taking shape. Fans are looking forward to seeing the team's first show, let alone the opponent is the league's No. 1 Cavaliers.

"Number 9, Yi Jianlian!"

"Number 31, Sean~Battier!"

"Number 4, Chauncey Billups!"

"Number 1, Tracy~~McGrady!!"

"Number 11, Yao~~~~~Ming!!!"

...

But when the opening ceremony, the fans unexpectedly found that Artest did not appear in the starting lineup, which made them puzzled.

"Hey, Kenny, the Rockets didn't let Artest start. There was no rumor before the game. What do you think about this?" Barkley and Smith were the commentators for this game. Barkley asked questions after seeing the starter. .

"Maybe it's because of the first game. He hasn't been very familiar with the team's tactical system." Smith gave a relatively reasonable explanation.

At this time, the starting players of both sides have already appeared one after another.

For the Cavaliers, Mo Williams and Delonte West are on the perimeter, James and Ben Wallace are on the front line, and Ilgauskas is the center.

Yao Ming and Ilgauskas jumped the ball, and the latter turned the ball back to the half court, and the Cavaliers got the first chance to attack.

Williams took the ball to the frontcourt and handed the ball directly to James.

James broke through the middle, and West and Williams ran to the three-point line on both sides through the pick-and-roll of Big Ben and Ilgauskas.

Although Mike Brown's coaching level is average, he has coached James for four years and has figured out the most suitable tactics for James.

Williams sped off Yao Ming, and James' pass followed suit.

"Shua!"

After receiving the ball, Williams hit a three-pointer directly.

Mo Williams averaged 18 points per game this season, and averaged 2.3 three-pointers per game with a 43.9% shooting rate. The Cavaliers' ability to achieve such a good record this season is inseparable from his outstanding performance.