:::: HANDLE ISSUE 004 COVER STORY: Ron Artest FEATURES: Aaron Bruce, Brad Newley and John Rillie, CJ and Cal Bruton, NBL Dunk Comp Highlights PLUS: Curtis Small, Tully Bevilaqua, Everard Bartlett, Dwyane Wade, SHOEnanigans, Handle fashion and more!

Ron Artest: Q&A

Let’s hit the big topic: your brawl in Detroit last year. Have you seen it on video since it happened? What goes through your mind when you watch the footage?

You know, I was involved in a lot of fights in my neighborhood when I was growing up, so the fighting part I’m kind of used to. Somebody got out of line and I straightened it out. That’s all. The guy started trouble. You shouldn’t start trouble, if you’re not looking for problems. That’s what this guy did, he was looking for trouble and he found it.

Yes he did. So next time you walk off the court and some dude showers you with popcorn, how will you react?

I ain’t going to do nothing. The punishment for what I did was so severe that I will think two or three times before I do that again. I’m definitely going to stay cool.

What did you tell your children?

I told them: ‘Things happen and then you have to move on. Don’t let one day affect the rest of your life.’ At the end of the day, if somebody attacked my children, I would want them to fight back.

What hurt more, the fine or the suspension?

Oh, man tough call. Both were severe, that’s for sure.

Did the NBA try to set an example with you?

Yes, definitely. The league reacted very harshly with me and I think they did try to set an example. They are trying to keep us in line, especially the hip hop and ghetto guys like me.

Does it bother you that the average person might only know you as “the guy from the fight” and not even take your basketball skills into account?

I don’t really care. If people judge by one incident they may have seen on TV, that’s the way it’s going to be. I can’t really change that. The people that know me, that have interacted with me, they know what I’m really like, what I’m about. And that’s what matters to me.

Everybody’s been talking about the dress code this year. What do you think about it?

I like to dress how I dress, which is usually pretty street and casual. But you know, this is our job and we have to do what the boss says. David Stern has actually called me in the past to talk about this and that and we get on pretty well. He has been supportive.

If the dress code is a step towards minimizing the influence of hip hop appeal in the NBA, how is it that the NBA also feeds off of guys like yourself and Allen Iverson? Does the NBA secretly cherish their “bad apples?”

Yeah, probably on the low, low they do. Who knows? But in order too get rid of the bad boy image completely, the NBA would have to get rid of a lot of players. Most of us are from the ghetto, even the players from overseas have been in wars, etcetera. Most NBA players grew up in difficult circumstances. A squeaky clean league may be difficult to do.

So do you know what will go down on February 23?

No doubt – we’re going back to the Palace in Detroit to get a W. We’re gonna pretty much forget about everything that happened and try and take it like a normal game. But I’m really not thinking about that right now, I prefer to take it game by game. Detroit is not on my mind right now.

Is there any symbolic reconciliation gesture planned, like you and Ben Wallace hugging at mid-court before tip-off?

Not that I know of. Detroit is a serious crowd, they’ll be booing us anyway. We’ll let the chips fall where they may.

You’ve spoken out about taking Big Ben on in a pay-per-view boxing bout, what’s the story?

It would be better than fighting in the NBA, that’s for sure. I don’t wanna get fined or suspended any more. It’s against our NBA contract anyway, David Stern wouldn’t approve. So I would prefer to take him in the boxing ring. It would definitely be a good fight.

That’s for sure. Who would win?

Hmmm, I would put my money on me. I’d bulk up to about 290 and be ready to go. They’d probably make us wear head gear though, I guess. Unless we make like 20-30 Million each, then we can leave regulations aside and both sit back and relax.

You one said that your intensity is your biggest strength, but also your biggest weakness. Do you stand by that?

Definitely: in the past I have let my emotions get the best of me, but I now try to play hard and aggressive, without too much emotion.

Did you ever take those anger management classes?

No, people kept trying to make me go, but I figured I got to deal with those issues myself. I didn’t want any help. I felt it would have been the easy way out to have somebody else help me.

Do you think we may see Ron Artest do something crazy on the court this year?

The wins are gonna go up crazy, that’s it.

Tell me about your famous summer workouts.

New York City has a lot of tournaments, and I played a whole bunch of them in the summer. New York Streetball is so competitive; it really helped me get back into playing shape. I did a lot of workouts with my brother Daniel Artest too, who is probably physically tougher than any player I have face in the NBA.

You showed me the private court you set up behind your house. Apparently you flew some guys in for private workouts?

Yeah, I had some guys visit me in Indianapolis. Those workouts were pretty harsh. One-on-one full-court drills, shooting drills, 2-on-2 full-court, 5-on-5, too. Those practices were really the most important help in getting me back into NBA shape after such a long pause.

Do you think we may have heard of those players?

Probably not: my brother Daniel; Reggie Jackson; Javee Mead; some local Indiana cats.

You mentioned playing in New York. Why would a guy who is a big deal in the League risk his health or reputation by playing on the playgrounds?

You know, when I was young I used to play against older NBA guys, and it helped me a lot. I always wanted to be considered the best player in NYC, so I guess that feeling of having to prove myself plays a major part. People respect you for going out and competing and it’s a great feeling to be somewhat of a legend in NYC. The street rep is a big deal where I come from.

You also played in the Summer League. Did you get the feeling that players took you on extra hard to make a name for themselves?

They sure did, but I was happy about that. It made my workout even tougher, my game better. I averaged a good twenty points during summer league, which made me feel like I was ready for the season.

How much heat did you catch from other NBA players for your involvement in the brawl?

Most guys were upset at the harsh punishment. They didn’t want to play against me but were still upset, because they didn’t really understand it either. I know some cowardly guys thought it was cool, but they were definitely in minority. Most guys that spoke to my face were supportive.

I know you love children (has four). Are you concerned about your status as a role model?

No. I don’t think NBA players should be put in that position. A lot of times, companies try to push players into roles that don’t fit, which doesn’t really help anybody. I try and be a good role model for my kids, that’s it.

Who is your toughest defensive assignment in the NBA?

The best scorers: Kobe Bryant; Lebron James is tough because he’s pretty strong; Tracy McGrady is good too; Richard Hamilton. There are so many good offensive players in the league; I take pride in every defensive assignment.

What is the mindset you need to be a top defensive player?

You have to want it real bad, it’s all about desire. You have to live for it. A lot of people don’t like playing D because it takes away from their offense, but I think it is fun, and I need the defensive intensity to get my energy on offense. If you can stop the publicized players, the ones the NBA loves, the MVP candidates, that’s fun. I want to be famous for topping those guys and spoiling the party. Of course, you need the physical tools too – it doesn’t hurt to be strong and fast.

I remember you wore number 91 to honour Dennis Rodman. Does your current number (15) have meaning?

My father wore 51 when he was playing basketball, so I adopted 15 kind of in his honour. That was the number I first started playing in. As a High School freshman, I played number 13, because of New York legend Felipe Lopez, who was also at St. John’s. In college I switched back to my old 15, which I also had as a rookie with the Bulls. When I first arrived in Indiana I wanted to switch things up and went for 23, as a tribute to Michael Jordan and because I wanted to be a little different. The Bulls were my favorite team growing up, and BJ Armstrong my favourite player, but Jeff Foster already had his number. Kukoc and Pippen were taken too, so I rolled with MJ. Then of course I switched to Rodman before claiming back 15. Long story!

Why BJ Armstrong?

He is the first player that really caught my eye. I was watching a Bulls versus Detroit game when I was like nine or ten and BJ kept hitting threes and making big shots. I grew attached to him and kind of followed him and the Bulls after that.

A lot of people consider Dennis Rodman crazy and a lot of people consider you crazy. Do you see some of Dennis in yourself?

Yeah, he was really a defensive beast, all about winning. I don’t have the same intensity as him yet, though. I respect his game a lot – always have – I don’t mind being compared to him. He was often on the edge, and I am sometime too.

Do you get into psychological tricks on the floor, like Dennis used to?

My psychological trick is to just to outwork my opponent. I take pride in being the hardest worker on the court; that motivates me. I don’t try to intimidate, even though I feel some players are intimidated by me. They might be scared of a hard foul, but basically they are intimidated because they know how hard it is to score against me.

Do you talk trash?

Sometimes, but really only as a reaction to another player talking. Paul Pierce talk a lot of junk on the court, Gary Payton still likes to talk, and the Pistons, too. But that’s usually forgotten after the game, unless it gets physical. The best trash talkers actually left the game, like Michael Jordan.

You’re shooting touch, especially from the outside, seems to be more consistent and natural this season. How did that come about?

I had a lot of time to practice. Also, I work on my shot a lot after practice, with Chuck Person, who can obviously teach me a thing or two about shooting. I try to go to Greece most summer, where I work out Coach Pixi (Slobodan Subotic), who has worked out with Peja Stojakovic in the past. But mainly, it’s just putting in the work; day in, day out.

Is your general workout different from other NBA players?

Well, I like to lift weights, but also go swimming a lot, which I guess is unusual. It’s easy on the joints and very effective. You get flexible and you get strong. I try to run a lot and take a lot of shots, keeps you fit. Recently, I am getting into boxing more and more.

I noticed. How did that come about?

You see, my father used to be a pretty good boxer. Muhammad Ali’s trainer Angelo Dundee called my pop and suggested me and him start training. I'd love to try boxing seriously some day.

Shaquille O’Neal often claims he wants to be a policeman after his NBA career is done, but nobody knows whether to take him seriously. Should we take you seriously on the boxing issue?

I really might get into boxing after the NBA, but only if I’m ready and in shape. I think I could be very good and definitely want to give it a go.

Larry Bird says you’re the best NBA player on both sides of the ball. Tell me about your relationship to Larry Legend.

He is a good guy, likes my game and really wants to win. I really appreciate him saying that. Our relationship is of a professional nature, though. I try to do what he expects from me. He is pretty new to the front office, so Larry is often serious, because he is so focused on winning. I am proud to play for him.

Larry Bird is from Indiana. You’re from Queensbridge. Do you feel at home in Indianapolis?

It’s definitely very different. I’m from Queensbridge, NY, where you see millions of people all the time. Here, I live on the countryside, in the woods, basically. I went from buildings and train stations and a bunch of people to open land and woods, and it was hard to adjust at first. I mean Chicago was a lot like New York, but I really had to get used to Indiana. But my wife and kid really like it here, now. We do feel at home, especially because a lot of family and friends come to visit.

In terms of how you live, what has changed since your childhood in Queensbridge?

The property I own here in Indianapolis now totals about 10,000 sq feet on 15 acres. But I didn’t grow up like this, we had anywhere from 7-13 people living in a one bedroom apartment when I was a kid. That’s why I still need my family close to me; they are the most important thing in my life. I bought a house for my mother and my mother in law on my property. I thank the NBA for making this all possible. I feel like I’m living in a dream house now and I’m glad to give my kids the opportunity to grow up in better circumstances. Even though I sometime wish they could grow up like I did, because it’s important to experience hard times too, and to always remember where you come from.

Do you raise your kids accordingly?

Yes, they have to be able to make the right decisions without me. They have to have street smarts, so I am tough on them sometimes. I have to be.

What was it like growing up in Queensbridge? Are you proud of your roots?

Yes, very proud. Queensbridge has a big underground history. A lot of great hip hop comes out of there: MC Shan, Nas, Mobb Deep, Nature, Tragedy Khadafi, Capone-N-Noriega, Marley Marl, Roxanne Shante and others. Great ballplayers, too, like Vern Fleming and Sean Green, who also both played for the Pacers. There’s not another neighborhood on this earth that came out with so many good ballplayers and hip hop artists. We call it QB for short.

What was the first thing you bought with your very first NBA cheque?

I first got a black Suburban, even though I was never really into cars that much. And that’s still true today. I don’t really have any new cars, just a couple of old ones, like a 1997 740 BMW. It’s outdated and only cost 15,000 but I always wanted a BMW ever since I was a kid. I also have a 1999 Expedition, a Mercedes SL 500, which my wife drives, and we have a Lincoln Navigator as a family car.

Where are the flaws in your game personally? What do you still need to do to get better?

Just little things, all around – especially offensively. I prefer to play defense, so my offense can always use a little extra polish. I’m still a little behind, due to my suspension, but feel like I am on pace to have a great season.

After the suspension, do you feel like you have to hold back on intensity? Aggression?

No, I am as aggressive as always. I’m trying to approach the game a little bit smarter without holding back my energy.

What is your goal as a team?

Our goal is to win as many single games as possible. The championship is down the road, but we’re not thinking about that at this point in the season. We have to concentrate on playing with a higher level of effort. We got a lot of competition in the East, especially Cleveland, Detroit and Miami. Milwaukee is tough, too.

The earliest you can meet San Antonio in the playoffs is the finals; happy about that?

Yes, they are the best team in the league right now. We meet them twice during the regular season and will try to make our mark.

Reggie Miller is gone. How does that change the face of the Pacers?

Well, we’re younger and less experienced. But that’s OK. Reggie was a great player, but we’ll be fine without him. Other players step up and take responsibility, like Jermaine O’Neal, and myself.

Tell me about your rookie, Danny Granger

Danny’s nice. He got game. I think he will be an All-Star three or four years down the road. This year, we expect him to rebound and bring intensity.

I feel like S¼aru¯nas Jasikevic¼ius is an important addition to the team?

He’s a very good shooter and I feel comfortable getting him the ball in the final seconds. He still has some work to do on the defensive end but I am very happy he is on our team. He’s definitely not your typical rookie. But he is a rookie and that’s how we treat him. He gets our bags, finds our cards on the plane, get our bagels in the morning, all that. Of course, he is not a teenager no more, but when you’re new in the NBA, there’s just certain things you got to do. And he is very happy to be here.

Jermaine O’Neil and you are the most important players on the team. How do you guys get along?

Jermaine and I are real cool. We talk a lot, because he and I run the team when we’re playing, so it’s important to be in contact. He is definitely our number one leader and first option. He is actually a family favorite, my little son adores him. The others, like myself, Steve Jackson, Jeff Foster and Austin Croshere try to fill the holes and bring veteran leadership. We are a team, you know?

Is it true that you’ve made an extra effort to bond with the team this year?

I was not here as a rookie and it took some time for me to get adjusted. But I really feel we are like family now. I guess I do try harder, now, to get to know my teammates. It’s so important to be one unit when stepping on the court, because all we have is each other.

You just ate a whole great big whopping steak. Is that a normal Ron Artest diet?

Well, this place is special – the best steakhouse in town – so I have to take advantage. My wife asked me to share a dish together, but I wanted this all to myself. Usually, I eat a lot of vegetables, light pasta, chicken and fish.

Do you go out often? What do you do in your free time?

It depends. I like to go out with family and friends, eat and listen to good music. “Seinfeld” is my favorite TV show and I’m excited because someone just gave me the new DVDs as present. It amazes me how a show can be so damn funny. Other than that I’m really into music, I have a studio behind the house, which we call the barn. I always have producers and rappers staying there, who continuously work on our music. My album New York comes out around All-Star break and features people like Mike Jones, Nas and others. One day, I would like to have a whole group of artists at my label Tru Warier and executive produce good music, not jut hip hop.

There are a lot of funny stories circulating about Ron Artest. For example how you wanted to take on a part time job at Circuit City during your Rookie season with the Bulls.

I was a rookie, had a lot of free time, and was sometimes bored. A good friend of mine worked at Circuit City and I hung out there a lot. Sometimes up to three or four hours after practice. I actually bought a lot of equipment at the time. One day I decided why not get paid, if I’m here all time anyway. I was cool with the manager and filled out the application, but the story quickly leaked to the media, so I never actually worked there. I didn’t need the money, but had too much time on my hands.

Then there’s the episode where you broke MJ’s ribs at a closed workout, what happened?

We were playing real hard, real competitive. Of course, Mike always pushes games to another level. He was playing really well that year, had some 40-plus, I think even a 50-plus, game. After I hit him he was out for like 2-3 months. I wish it never happened because he could have been even more dominant. He was still good, but probably not as good as if it didn’t happen. I felt bad, but I was just trying to match his intensity. I know some people tell the story differently, but there was definitely no bad will involved. I mean, he was always a hero of mine.

You are considered one of the great defensive players in the NBA. Dirk Nowitzki is considered one of the best offensive weapons. What’s your take on his game?

He’s very good. He can score in any way. When I guard him, I make sure to have ideal spacing, take him away from the basket, because that turnaround is deadly. At the same time, you can't give him a lot of room on the perimeter. I am stronger than him, so I like to use that to my advantage and muscle up. I didn’t know they make pros like that over in Europe until he came to the NBA.

You have your own private court behind the house, flood lights and everything. That must be a dream, come true?

It totally is. I always dreamed of having my own court when I grew up in Queensbridge. Then I bought all this land and just couldn’t resist. I had to have my own court. It is regulation size, just like the Pacers home court. I played with the idea of building an indoor court first, but I wanted to feel like I’m back home when I’m out here, so I built a blacktop. I come out to the court, sometimes even before games, to shoot free throws or run a little. That makes me remember where I come from and how far I’ve come. Sometimes I come out here after a bad game and work on stuff. I’m still considering a dome, because it gets so cold in Indiana during the winter.

How important is the streetball element in your game today?

There are a lot of intelligent, good players in Queensbridge who didn’t make it to the league. I am thankful I did and take that mindset into every game. For me, streetball is not fancy. On the streetball courts of New York, every possession counts, and that’s the way I play in the NBA: hard. I can do tricks if they help, but my game is all about getting from A to B. “A” being the point where I’m at, “B” being the basket. I try to take the most direct route to the hoop.

Do you bring your kids out to practice?

Yeah, my little son Jeron, for example, is four years old and already has great handles. He’ll make it to the NBA one day. My other son Ron Ron is 6 and is already a good shooter. Sometimes they don’t feel like practicing, but I make them. We run, do push ups, etcetera. But I make sure not to overdo it and give them one or even two week breaks. I only started playing when I was 8. I guess they’ll be better than me when they grow up.

So you and you son have the same nickname, Ron Ron?

Yeah, they used to call me that when I was growing up because I ate a lot and always doubled up on my food. So they gave me my name twice. True Warrior is also a name they gave me in the hood. People just started calling me that and now it’s the name of my record company (Tru Warier).

Did your dad teach you how to play ball?

I started playing with my friends first. When he saw I had some talent, he took me and my brother Daniel out; sometime after school, sometimes at three at night, sometimes in the snow. Basketball was always more important than school for us.

How are things?

Things have been real hectic; I just met the team and am on my way from New York to Boston. I can’t wait to get out there and just play. Leave everything behind and just play. Man, I can’t wait.

Do you feel like you have something to prove?

Let’s put it this way. I’m definitely on a mission. It’s going to be on.

So what happened in last 48 hours?

Man, a lot. We didn’t even know it was gonna go down, the trade really took us by surprise. My first response was, ‘No I’m not going to Sacramento,’ but just because nobody had talked to Mark [Stevens, Artest’s agent] or me. Of course I didn’t want to be left out of such an important decision concerning my future. Then we spoke to the Kings organisation and it was a wrap. Both sides were impressed and it was a quick marriage. They have a lot of confidence in me. Now I’m a King and real happy about it.

How do you feel about the city of Sacramento?

I am really looking forward to meet the fans. They are the loudest crowd in the NBA and have impressed me every time I’ve played at Arco Arena. I am expecting some loud cheers.

A couple of days ago, it really looked like you were going to the Clippers in exchange for Corey Maggette. Were you sitting on packed bags?

Yeah, I was in LA, I had my apartment planned, security deposit down and everything. The trade fell through at the last moment.

You sat out longer than anyone expected. Did that have a negative effect on your market value?

Nah, it was all good. Actually, I felt a lot of awareness and interest by teams and fans, who wanted me on their organisation. That made me feel good.

What were you doing while you were sitting out?

I was working out, that’s pretty much it – apart from several meetings I had. I did a lot of weights and ran 5-on-5 full-court with my friends in Indiana. Jumping in and contributing straight away shouldn’t be a problem, I’m in great shape.

Did the Kings talk to you about how they expect you to contribute?

I’ll be coming off the bench at first, while I learn our plays and get used to the system. I haven’t really watched any Kings games on TV this season, so I really have a lot to learn. I’m gonna do whatever coach asks me to do. Coach Adelman and I have met and talked and he seems real cool. Generally, I really like the way they play basketball. I want to take it one game at a time, but definitely make the playoffs, hopefully even more than that.

You are no more a Pacer because you were not happy with your role on offense in Indiana. Do you think Sacramento is a better fit in this respect?

Oh yes, I think I’m better off over here. More freedom to play my total game

Looking back, what was the major reason you decided to speak out about leaving Indiana initially?

I just felt it was time to move on. The situation in Indiana was often like under a microscope. I was longing for a new situation and fresh start.

Do you feel sorry about what happened?

Yes and no. Obviously it caused turmoil, but I don’t think I said anything that was too bad. The whole thing was unfortunate, but it’s in the past. Life is life, you know.

Did you speak to Jermaine O’Neil after the team had a closed meeting and decided to go on without you?

No, we haven’t been in contact; it’ll probably take a while. But I have nothing but respect for him and wish him and the Pacers all the best.

[Pacers president and CEO] Donnie Walsh was very cordial in his final statements as you were traded to Sacramento. How did you leave things with him?

He’s a great guy. He was very helpful over the last couple of weeks and I respect the way he handled everything.

What number are you going to play with as a Sacramento King?

93! I thought about going with 15 or 91, also, but I really like the 93. My wife and I met in 1993 and it’s the year k1x – Nation of Hoop [Artest’s shoe sponsor] was founded. Their claim is actually “From 93 ‘til infinity,” so it’s a perfect fit.

How were you greeted by your new teammates?

Real cool, everybody’s been making me feel very welcome. I’m happy to be here. I feel fortunate to be with Sacramento now. They got me wearing purple – I wasn’t feeling it at first, but am getting used to it quickly. I am a Sacramento King now.

Did you watch Kobe go for 81?

Yeah, that game was unbelievable. I’d retire if he put 81 on me. But that would never happen.

Coach Rick Carlisle

In what way has Ron Artest changed as a player since the incident?

I don’t think he’s changed that much. He needed some time to get his normal conditioning back and he’s almost there. He’s shooting the ball better from the outside, which shows how hard he’s been working. He has been spending a lot of time with Chuck Person, one of the all time greatest shooters. He’s getting back into the flow of our team and I really like the way he’s coming along.

Did he make an extra commitment to fit in with the team on asocial level?

The most important influence on Ron Artest’s mood is winning and losing. I love the way he has approached this year and make himself a true part of the team. Guys have reached out to him and he’s reached out to them. That’s the spirit in which you get positive things happening. So far things have been real good and we have keep building on that.

Stephen Jackson

Are you surprised at how seamlessly Ron has been able to jump back into the lineup?

Ron Artest is an All-Star, a star player in this league; I would not have expected anything less. The incident last year was unfortunate, but basketball is his release, so I am not at all surprised that he has come back so strong. Basketball is his life.

Does he behave differently around the team this year?

No, Ron is just being himself. A lot of people don’t realize that he is a classy person, a great family man and ballplayer. Many don’t make the effort to look past the incident. I have nothing but respect for him and am blessed to have him on my team.

In what way is it easier for the Pacers this year, having Ron Artest back?

Oh man, having him back makes things so much easier; we are a much better team. He can post up, defend, shoot, and he stretches out the offense, making it harder for opponents to double team. We really missed his intensity on both sides of the floor last year.

How far can the Pacers take it this year?

The sky is the limit. The championship is our goal. Whether we reach it will depend on mental and physical issues. If we don’t get caught up in injuries and little things like referee calls, we are the best team in this league. We just got to go out and prove it to the world.

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