NEW YORK — Ron Artest is rooting for a resurgence of New York City hoops.
Specifically, the Queens native said he hopes the Knicks do land Carmelo Anthony and guaranteed St. John’s would make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002.
“I hope they get him,” Artest said, referring to the Knicks and Anthony.
The comment was telling, considering that Anthony has also been linked to the Lakers in recent day, with L.A. reportedly considering dealing Andrew Bynum for ‘Melo.
Artest said he believes the Lakers are a strong team as presently constituted, implying he doesn’t think they need Anthony.
When the Lakers aren’t playing them, Artest roots for the Knicks.
“I follow the Knicks all the time,” Artest said before Friday’s Lakers-Knicks game. “Obviously, when I come in here I like to crush on them, but when they do bad, I be like, ‘C’mon, let’s go New York.’ I’m a big Knicks fan.”
Asked if he was happy that the Knicks (26-25) are playing better with Amar’e Stoudemire and are in position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004, Artest said, “Very happy.
“I hope I’m still alive to be able to play against the Knicks in the championship.”
As for St. John’s (14-9, 6-5 Big East), Artest guaranteed his alma mater would make the Big Dance.
“Easy they’re gonna make it,” he said. “We was just letting teams win because you gotta get everybody a shot.
“St. John’s the best team in basketball, easily,” he added
The Johnnies are coming off an 89-72 rout of No. 10 UConn Thursday at MSG. They also own home wins over ranked teams Georgetown, Notre Dame and Duke.
“St. John’s is the best team,” Artest said. “They whupped on UConn. They whupped their butts. UConn has no chance. And Duke, too. Don’t tell Elton [Brand] I said it, he’s a good friend.”
Artest said he hasn’t spoken directly with Johnnies head coach Steve Lavin, but indicated his father, Ron Artest Sr., attends many Johnnies games.
“Lavin’s doing great,” he said. “I’m real happy about that.”
As for his own play, Artest said he’s dominating defensively. He helped hold Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics to 15 points on 6 of 15 shooting in Thursday’s 92-66 win in Boston.
“I played great defense yesterday,” he said.
“Great scorers after they play against me, they look pretty damn average,” he added. “Pretty damn average.”
Artest indicated he planned to shut down a top Knick, too, perhaps Danilo Gallinari, who entered averaging 16.1 points per game.
“Don’t be surprised if something might happen tonight,” he said. “One of your best players may look pretty average.”
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