Artest Quickly Becoming one of the NBA's Most Marketable Players

Ron Artest has had one of the most high profile offseason's this side of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. He has been a "Wiretap" fixture with his comments, number changes and endorsement deals.

Earlier in the summer, Artest suggested that he should have been the league's MVP, with the logic that he was the best player on the team with the best regular season record.

Artest also announced that he will be changing his number to 91 this season, as a tribute to Dennis Rodman. He wore the number 23 the past two seasons as tribute to Michael Jordan and he is considering wearing No. 5 (John Paxson) and 25 (Steve Kerr) in future seasons but doesn't count out trying something less traditional.

Artest's business manager, Mark Stevens, said he was able to sell his image to L.A. Gear, a dark-horse player in the basketball shoe market. Stevens said larger shoe companies showed interest, but Artest wanted to go with a smaller one that fits his profile.

"A lot of times, companies like to market the individual who appears to be nice on the court," Stevens said. "But a lot of people like the underdog, the guy who's always fighting and had to work extra hard. That's why certain companies that are underdogs, like L.A. Gear, (wanted Artest)."

L.A. Gear has contracts with just two other NBA players, Shaquille O'Neal and Luke Walton. Artest said O'Neal recommended him to the company, although the two have never talked about it.

L.A. Gear spokesman Kevin McCarthy said Artest appears to be a good fit for his company's targeted marketplace.

"When I talked to Ron, I asked him what he believes a true warrior represents to him," McCarthy said. "He said it's not just being a true warrior on the court, it's the ability to say no to difficult situations, the ability to stand up for yourself, the ability to have pride.

"He's real. We believe he's greatly appreciated for his point of view and his efforts. There aren't many players in the NBA who play like Ron."

Via The Indy Star

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Pacers Bring Camp Roster to 18

The Indiana Pacers recently added 6’9” forward and former second-round draft choice out of San Diego State, Randy Holcomb, to their training camp roster.

Holcomb will compete with point guard Rashad Wright, shooting guard Desmon Farmer and center John Edwards to earn a roster spot with the Pacers sans the guaranteed contract.

Holcomb has yet to play in the NBA, however he has played professionally in Poland.

Via The IndyStar

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Reason 91: Artest Officially Becoming Baby Rodman

Ron Artest has inched even closer to becoming his generation's Dennis Rodman, as he will wear the number 91.

Artest won the defensive player of the year award last season He plays amazing defense, throws televisions and makes intriguing comments. Artest is also an underrated scorer, far better than Rodman, but with the number 91, Artest will highlight further the similarity.

Via CNNSI.com

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