Bodog Beat

Could Ron Artest be the man to save New York? (AP Images)

Is Ron Artest just what the lowly New York Knicks need?

"Anywhere I go, I can turn things around, given the opportunity," Artest recently told the New York Post. "I definitely would not be opposed to it if that is my calling. I would not be opposed if something would happen [with the Knicks]. But I just want to win a championship."  

The Knicks showed plenty of interest in the mercurial Sacramento King during the off-season but couldn't get a deal done. For his part, Artest has always hinted he'd like to return home to play.

"First and foremost: I'm a King. Love the Kings," said Artest. "But I'm not afraid of anything. I like to welcome the problems. I like to welcome the turmoil. I don't shy from anything."

Stephon Marbury, Eddy Curry, and Artest all on the same team, being coached by Isiah Thomas? Sweet Jesus. Turmoil indeed.

Not that he'll be around for much longer anyway, but Thomas says it's unlikely the Knicks will make a trade anytime soon.

"I don't see us being active around the trade deadline," said Thomas. "This is the time when you're down and you can make mistakes that can cost you years. And everything that you've worked for the last three, four years that can set you back another three years. We've got a young group, we've got good players, and we've got good talent. We've just got to get them to play together."

Artest is scheduled to have surgery on his elbow later this week and will likely miss 2-4 weeks of action. 

For all NBA betting odds visit the Bodog Sportsbook.