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Artest enlisted himself as a loyal soldier to Yao Ming. Artest insists he’ll happily defer to Yao and Tracy McGrady, that whatever they say goes. Artest pledges to do whatever Rockets coach Rick Adelman asks, and to do it willingly.

About the only thing Artest isn’t volunteering to do is serve as Rafer Alston’s designated driver. Maybe all the Rockets have to do is ask.

Start or come off the bench? It doesn’t matter. First option, second option, third option, fourth option on offense? It doesn’t matter. (CNNSI and Houston Chronicle)

Quick Analysis: I want to believe him. You want to believe him. Heck, most NBA fans want to believe him.

Ron Artest's good soldier pledge must be reinforced with action. After all, we’ve heard his song-and-dance before. Several times. His past promises to behave and defer have always been broken with self-destructive behaviour.

In Indiana, for example, the forward broke his word with several on-and-off court incidents. Things improved in Sacramento, but there were still brushes with the law and emotional outbursts on-court.

Houston should be different, though. First off, winning solves most issues. Expect the Rockets to win their share of games and Ron-Ron's defense could even turn them into 'legit' contenders.

Second, the coach and player in question trust each other. Houston' s Rick Adelman and Artest enjoyed working together in Sacramento; the wily sideline boss will likely get the most of his newest addition.  

Money talks. Literally. Artest, after deciding against opting-out of his contract in July, has one more year on his current deal. A good season in Houston, with good behaviour, could be very lucrative.

We all want to believe Artest. Time will tell if he lives up to his word in Houston.

Do you believe Artest’s promise? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Jeff Balke.