Dennis: Yeah, they definitely could have used his defense. Seriously, the guy does everything and gets overlooked because of the Malice in the Palace episode a few years ago. Besides, the dude is too enigmatic to represent the US. However, for the Kings, he's their best post player, he can hit from three-point land, obviously play on the ball defense as well as the passing lanes, rebound... his talent is up there. I remember as a rookie, he was already being touted as one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. In fact, I think it was Michael Jordan who said that. With all of the things that Artest does, on and off the court, if he was more outspoken instead of sullen, he'd be the new Charles Barkley.
Mike: That's a good point, I never thought of making that comparison.
Dennis: Okay, let's wrap this chat up. I'll let you go first, Mr. Slane.
Mike: So, as the first month of the season comes to an end this is what we've learned so far... The Western Conference is still the best, the first place Atlantic Division team is on pace to finish with a 30-52 record, the Knicks are still terrible, Dallas hasn't fallen off but the Heat have, Shaq's career is coming to an end, Yao is now the best center in the NBA, Melo is in the same class as LeBron and Dwyane Wade, Ron Artest should stick to hooping and stop hoping for a rap career, a headband is a necessary piece of basketball equipment, Amare's knees are okay, K-Mart's aren't, former second rounder Carlos Boozer is an MVP candidate and Monta Ellis is a future All-Star, for the first time in history the Jazz have some exciting players (and, no, Malone's hand behind the head dunks weren't exciting at all, neither are pick and rolls), the Bulls could have used J.R. Smith, and Jay-Z's comeback was kind of like M.J.'s (they both should have gone out on top).
Dennis: Well, Mike, I think you said it all. What more can I add to that? Just like Isiah Thomas to his job security - nothing! Join us again next week here on The Basketball Chat. Slane and Velasco out!