Metta Sandiford-Artest was a superb player in the 2000s, as he was arguably the best defender of that era. He was the only perimeter player who won the award during the decade. Artest earned that distinction because he played suffocating defense while frustrating his opponents through subtle trash talk.
However, Metta was a hothead and frequently got into scraps with his opponents. That came to a head when the infamous “ Malice at the Palace ” happened, which involved the defending champions Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers having the worst brawl in the league’s history.
It’s been a long time since that happened, which made Artest reflect and appreciate what that team did back then.
“I actually wish the starting five of Detroit make the Hall of Fame because I truly believe they deserve it. Rip Hamilton, when you look at Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, and Rasheed Wallace,” Artest said in 2021. “ Tayshaun Prince was huge. If they don’t have Tayshaun, they have no chance against me.”
The Pistons deserve the nod
Most people counted the 2004 Pistons out when they had to play the legendary Los Angeles Lakers team with a starting lineup of four all-time legends. However, the Pistons spoiled their party by beating them in five games. Chauncey Billups won the Finals MVP award, but it was a complete team effort.
Ben Wallace was the defensive anchor, as he matched well against Shaquille O’Neal . Starting power forward Rasheed Wallace finally got his payback by beating his former tormentors from the 2000 Playoffs.
Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince were the two glue guys for that team, but they were also significant contributors. The former was one of the most reliable shooters of that era, and Prince was the Swiss army knife the Pistons used for elite perimeter defense.
No player from that starting lineup has received a Hall of Fame nod, but every player has a case. Of course, Hamilton and Prince are lesser names, but the ‘04 Pistons deserve praise for their success as a unit.
It was significant praise from Artest
The support for the Pistons was surprising since Artest had a history of playing against this Detroit side. It was not only due to the Malice at the Palace, but the Pacers were beaten by the Pistons four games to two in the Eastern Conference Finals.
If Artest is willing to say this, people within the basketball community should show support for the ‘04 Pistons. They deserve everything they achieved, which happened without a true superstar like the Lakers had in abundance or the San Antonio Spurs during the same era.
Related: “We have more of a skill set…Everybody had that one goal” - Rasheed Wallace explains why he thinks the 2004 Pistons could beat any team in NBA history
Most Popular
Comments / 0