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Win-win scenario?

New scenery may suit Artest, Stojakovic well

Posted: Wednesday January 25, 2006 6:17PM; Updated: Wednesday January 25, 2006 6:37PM
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Trade Analysis: Artest traded for Stojakovic
KINGS GET:
Ron Artest -- SF
 PACERS GET:
Peja Stojakovic -- SG
'05-06 G PPG RPG APG SPG FG% FT%
Artest 16 19.4 4.9 2.2 2.6 46.0 61.2
'05-06 G PPG RPG APG SPG FG% FT%
Stojakovic 31 18.3 5.3 2.2 0.6 40.3 93.3
WHY THE KINGS MADE THE DEAL WHY THE PACERS MADE THE DEAL
They needed to shake things up if they want to make the playoffs, and Artest could be a major spark if he gets his head on straight. The Kings as presently constituted were going nowhere fast. Even before the recent injuries to Bonzi Wells and Shareef Abdur-Rahim, they looked listless too many nights. Stojakovic, in particular, seemed to be having a difficult time finding his shots in coach Rick Adelman's offense since the breakup of the old Chris Webber/Vlade Divac teams. Artest's ability to create his own shot should make him a better fit. Meanwhile, Artest is a former Defensive Player of the Year who will join Wells to give Sacramento some needed toughness on the perimeter. Financially, this trade also makes sense for the Kings. Artest is signed for the next three years at around $22.5 million (he has an opt-out after two), while Stojakovic is expected to become a free agent this summer. As for Artest's mental state, the Kings are hoping the troubled forward has learned his lesson and that he will be motivated to repair his image. With the season slipping away and constant trade rumors proving a distraction in the locker room, Pacers president Larry Bird and CEO Donnie Walsh decided they couldn't hold out any longer for a better deal. Though he has struggled this season in Sacramento, Stojakovic is a three-time All-Star who can slide right into the starting spot at small forward. One of the NBA's best pure shooters, the 6-foot-8 marksman should thrive on open looks created by playing alongside Jermaine O'Neal. Meanwhile, his lack of quickness and play-making might not hurt as much in Rick Carlisle's structured offense. As an added bonus, Stojakovic is a solid pro who will bring immediate and much-needed stability to a team that has been roiled by Artest-fueled dramas the past two seasons. Stojakovic can opt out of his contract and become a free agent at the end of the season, but the Pacers would still have the best chance to re-sign him. If not, they can always do a sign-and-trade.
THE BOTTOM LINE by SI.com's Marty Burns
It all depends on Artest's behavior. If he plays to his abilities and stays out of trouble, the Kings could get back in the Western Conference playoff race. With Artest joining the likes of Wells, Abdur-Rahim, Mike Bibby and Brad Miller, Sacramento has a starting unit on paper that can match up with any team. The Kings at least have a shot at moving up into contention for one of the final two or three playoff spots. As for the Pacers, they did about as well as they could. Stojakovic is an All-Star talent who can definitely shoot the ball. Indiana will suffer defensively, but Peja's added offense should help it vault back into the top four of the Eastern standings.

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