Posted by - SF
- 6’6, 260lbs
- 16th Overall Pick, 1999 NBA Draft (CHI)
- College: St John’s
- Hometown: Queens, NY
- Career Stats: 13.2 ppg, 4.5 reb, 2.7 ast
- 1 x NBA All-Star
- 2003-04 All-NBA
- 1999-00 All Rookie
- 2003-04 Defensive Player of The Year
- 4 x NBA All-Defensive Team
- NBA Champion (2009-10)
Standout Seasons: 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08
- 2003-04: 73 GP/ 71 GS, 37.2 MPG, 18.3 PPG, 5.3 REB, 3.7 AST, 2.1 STL, 0.7 BLK, 73.3 FT%, 42.1 FG%, 31.0 3PT%
- 2006-07: 70 GP/ 65 GS, 37.7 MPG, 18.8 PPG, 6.5 REB, 3.4 AST, 2.1 STL, 74.0 FT%, 44.0 FG%, 35.8 3PT%
- 2007-08: 57 GP/ 54 GS, 38.1 MPG, 20.5 PPG, 5.8 REB, 3.5 AST, 2.3 STL, 71.9 FT%, 45.3 FG%, 38 3PT%
The last of a dying breed, Ron Artest was a defensive thoroughbred throughout his storied career. Artest was nothing short of a two-way beast. His brolic frame and consistent shooting stroke allowed him to excel on both sides of the ball. And did we mention he used to sip Henny at halftime? Despite his Hennessy fuelled Bulls tenure, His time at the Pacers established Artest as a star. In his featured role as a second/third scoring option on the Pacers and Kings, Artest posted admirable numbers across the board. The one time All Star and one time DPOY was privy to potentially the most shocking incident in NBA history. The ‘Malice in the Palace’. This incident changed the NBA forever. His role in the brawl led to the biggest non-substance related suspension in NBA history. After serving his suspension, the once championship contending Pacers traded him to Sacramento. A handful of seasons in Sac-town showed the world that Ron Artest could still ball, if anything he had improved. In 2008, he formed a tantalising trio with T-Mac and Yao when he was shipped to Houston. Unfortunately injuries to both Yao and T-Mac halted this trio from fulfilling their potential. Despite the injury problems, Ron Artest and Aaron Brooks buoyed the Rockets to an iconic second round series against the eventual champion Lakers. His lone season in Houston coincided with the expiration of his contract. As a free agent, Artest signed with the Lakers. His fearsome defense and timely shooting allowed him to seamlessly fit in with the Kobe-led Lakeshow. Artest capped off his move to the Lakers and his road to redemption with a magical 2010 playoff run. This playoff run featured a game-winner against Phoenix in the Western Conference Finals and a clutch three in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. This championship was the perfect crescendo to Ron Artest’s roller-coaster career. One of the greatest defenders of our generation and one of the craziest players to ever grace the NBA floor, Artest is forever a legend. From Malice in the Palace to thanking his psychiatrist in a post-game interview, Ron Artest from Queens was truly 730. The only ball-player to have songs with Max B and feature on a Nas album, Artest is a special addition to LO FI: The Magazine’s ‘Real Hoopers’.
Peep Ron Artest’s ‘Real Hooper’ Mix below:
LO-FI | The Magazine 