Adios Ariza, Ron Artest is Much Better

The Lakers lose Trevor Ariza to the Rockets. The Rockets lose Ron Artest to the Lakers. Surely you agree that Los Angeles is the winner of this free agent signing swap – right?

As a role player, I love Ariza’s game. But what is Houston’s plan for him with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady both expected to miss significant time next season? They can’t be realistically expecting Ariza to make the jump to superstar over the summer – right? Losing Yao, Artest and T-Mac, means someone has to take up the scoring.

Ariza had a great postseason run, averaging 11 points on 48 percent shooting from 3-point range. During the regular season, he scored9 points per on 32 percent shooting from deep. But he’s not a franchise type scoring talent.
The Rockets extended Ariza the full mid level exception and the deal is expected to be in the 5 year, $33 million range according to ESPN.

In contrast, the Lakers signed Artest, a player that has been named to the All-NBA defensive team four times (two 1st team nods) and is a former All-Star (2004).

What makes the signing of Artest even more impressive is that the Lakers were able to get him at about the same per season rate as Ariza secured from Houston. I remember years ago when New York Yankees pitcher David Wells was coming off a 18win season for the team and they still traded him to acquire Roger Clemens. The philosophy was simple, if you have a chance to grab a guy with multiple years of top tier production – you do it even if you have to give up “potential.”

Ariza as most would agree had a breakthrough year. Artest on the other hand came into the league averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds as a rookie – which far surpasses Ariza’s breakout performance.

So with the Spurs acquiring Richard Jefferson, Cavs getting Shaq and the Magic trading for Vince Carter – the Lakers made the right move to start their title defense quest.

Sorry Ariza, Ron-Ron is just a better investment than you – right now.


Lang
Lang.Greene-at-gmail.com
http://twitter.com/hoopsvine