Ron Artest is an NBA champion.
The guy who received the heaviest non-drug related suspension in NBA history has rebounded into a title winner. The guy who was written off as a violent menace, a locker room distraction and a hot head on the court, went to Los Angeles and helped the Lakers win their 2nd straight title.
LA brought Artest in for his defense, size, strength & quickness. He replaced Trevor Ariza, leaving many Laker and basketball fans wondering why they'd tamper with a championship roster.
Artest showed why all season, especially in game 7 against the Celtics.
Artest started the series harassing Paul Pierce into a double technical and he finished the series the same way. Earlier in the 2010 playoffs, he'd already limited superstar small forward Kevin Durant to help LA win their opening round series. In the finals, Artest menaced Pierce into sub par performances in each of the Lakers' victories.
Ron Ron also battled 284 pound Big Baby Davis under the boards. Ariza would have no chance in the paint against Davis. Not only did Artest hold his own, he also had outstanding plays against him like this one in game 1.
In game 7 of the finals, the biggest game of his life, Artest played fantastic basketball the whole night. He kept the Lakers in the game during the 2nd & 3rd quarters while Kobe & Pau were ice cold from the field & from the foul line. With LA down by as much as 13 points, Artest scored 20 points, had 5 steals & 5 boards, helping the Lakers hold their ground until Kobe & Pau found their touch.
Artest capped off his night by sinking a dagger into the hearts of the Celtics, nailing the last FG of the game for LA. He drained a 3 pointer off a pass from Kobe to give LA a 6 point lead.
As if that wasn't enough, he capped off the peak of his basketball career with one of the greatest press conferences in NBA history. Full of laughs about Wheaties, Kobe's reluctancy to pass, Phil's zen style of communication and more, Ron shows that one of the most menacing defenders in the NBA is one of the best guys off the court. A family man who loves to have a good time.
Artest lost 20 pounds during the season to get down to 250 pounds, his weight the year when he won Defensive Player of the Year. He stopped drinking during the season. The dedication & sacrifice must make the champagne taste that much sweeter.
Ron Artest - NBA champion.
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