While the Nuggets and several other teams have interest, Pacers forward Ron Artest said Saturday he wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t traded this season, and he doesn’t consider himself an elite player.
Artest said he disagreed with a recent statement by Pacers president Larry Bird that he is a top 12 player. He also said the Pacers want a top 12 player in return for him. Artest was an all-star and the defensive player of the year in 2004, but he describes himself as a top 30 player, going so far as to rattle off a long list of players he regarded higher, including Gilbert Arenas, Peja Stojakovic, Elton Brand and Lamar Odom.
“I’m not a top 12 guy. I’m a top 30 guy,” Artest said.
“Don’t get it mistaken. I can compete and dominate my competition. I’m not a top 12 guy. But I don’t think they work as hard as I do. …
“Hopefully, I can be there one day with hard work.”
Artest is averaging 19.4 points and 4.9 rebounds this season, but has been suspended indefinitely after asking for a trade and hasn’t played since Dec. 6. Indiana has been talking to several teams about a multiplayer deal.
“Melo is a good guy,” Artest said. “He just plays ball. I’ve always had respect for him.”
Spur of the moment
As soon as the game was over, Spurs players and coaches had to run to the team bus in hopes of catching their flight to Texas. Because of fog in San Antonio and Austin, the Spurs had to be on their charter by 10:30 or stay in Denver – with limited hotel availability on New Year’s Eve.
“We don’t mind getting back to San Antonio late after the game,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “The prospect of spending the night on our bus isn’t too appealing.”
Footnotes
With point guard Damon Stoudamire likely out for the season with a knee injury, Memphis could enter the sweepstakes to land Nuggets guard Earl Watson. Having played there, Watson knows the system and the Griz are searching for a veteran who can fit in quickly. … Center Marcus Camby should have the cast removed from his injured right hand this week.
