....Bird wants his team playing sound defense, but not the Pistons' "Bad Boys'' brand that many thought the Pacers were trying to emulate.
"Bird especially didn't like the way Ron Artest was allowed to play out of control,'' one insider said. "He felt Artest was permitted to play selfishly, holding the ball a lot but not holding his temper. Bird also did not agree with Thomas' continuing to start Reggie Miller. It's clear that Miller is no longer a daring and deadly shooter.''
So don't be surprised if Artest is traded. The loss of free-agent center Brad Miller might make Artest more expendable because their physical styles complemented one another. Bird and Carlisle prefer a more free-wheeling, finesse game in which wit is prized at least as much as grit.