PLAYA VISTA, Calif. - The Rockets' defensive one-two punch of Shane Battier and Ron Artest was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team second team, the first time the Rockets have had two players honored the same season in more than 20 years.
Artest, however, was not happy about it, believing he, Battier or both should have been on the first team. "I'm going to stop arguing with these people and telling them that I'm first team every year," Artest said. "Every team would want me on their team. Shane, too. Who would you rather have guarding LeBron (James) or Kobe (Bryant) than Shane or me? Who would you rather have guarding LeBron, Kobe or Dwyane Wade than me or Shane?"
Kevin Garnett and LeBron James were the first-team forwards, with Bryant and Chris Paul at the guard spots and Dwight Howard at center.
Battier and Artest were fourth and fifth, respectively, in the media Defensive Player of the Year voting. The defensive team is chosen by the coaches.
Artest and Battier were the first Rockets named to the team the same season since Hakeem Olajuwon and Rodney McCray were first-team choices in 1988.
"I'm happy that both Ron and I were able to make it because I think we had a really great year defensively, underrated really," Battier said. "No one really talked about us defensively. With Ron on the team, it's great because you don't see two teammates on the (All-Defensive) team. It's hard enough to get one.
"I thought when I played I had a solid defensive year, despite the missed time. It took a while to get my rhythm and timing, but I still thought I was effective."
