Throughout his career, Ronald William Artest, Jr. has emulated a number of NBA greats including the legendary Michael Jordan and eccentric rebounder Dennis Rodman by donning their jersey numbers (#23 and #91) during his stint with the Indiana Pacers.
By the time Ron-Ron was traded to the Sacramento Kings in late January 2006 for Peja Stojakovic he had a new number (#93) and an new lease on life until he ran himself out of Sacramento by forcing the Kings owners' the Maloof brothers and President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie to trade him to the Houston Rockets this offseason.
News has come out that he plans to wear jersey # 96. Dennis Rodman--who has donned his share of jersey numbers (e.g., #10, #91, #73, & #70)--always wanted to invert those numbers and use that particular jersey number but felt that NBA Commissioner David J. Stern would shoot that one down as well as the inferences to the number if he were to get #96.
That was over ten years ago.
Today, #96 has finally reached the NBA with Ron Artest—who according a Sports 1140 KHTK-AM interview last July, wants to now be referred to as "Bill" (taken from his second name, William)—symbolizing yet another fresh start.
Here’s to you "Bill" and to second chances, third chances, fourth chances…
Make the most of it!
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