Ron Artest Will Be a Better Dancer Than Basketball Player in 2011

Ron Artest's days of being a factor on the basketball court are over. However, he is still in the peak of his days as a reality TV star.

Athletes typically have a short window to cash-in in the entertainment industry. They are only relevant for as long as their sports careers keep them in the spotlight. Artest seems to be keenly aware of this fact and is taking full advantage of it.

Artest is not going to shy away from an opportunity or a chance to get in front of a camera. So, the only thing surprising about his participation on Dancing with the Stars is that it didn't happen last year.

I don't think Artest is going to win this competition, but I do think his appearance will be a success. Artest has turned into a playful and charming TV personality. It has been a remarkable PR turnaround for a guy that was—not all that long ago—vilified for his role in the Palace at the Palace.

He is natural in front of the camera and amazingly candid (check out his press conference following the Lakers championship). Artest will find ways to stand out and make an impression. He was recently caught by paparazzi leaving DWTS and decided to eat an entire orange—peel and all.

As for his actual dancing performance, I am not hopeful. Artest has been a fantastic basketball player, but he has certainly not been a graceful one. There are few players that have ever looked less fluid in movement than Artest.

Every time he dribbles, you are left wondering if he has ever touched a basketball before. His shot is all elbows and arms. He runs like there is a steel plate in his back and he can't jump high enough to dunk. This is a guy that turns lay-ins into low percentage shots.

I fear for his partner's safety on the dance floor. She is likely to catch an awkward knee or elbow as Artest will no doubt attack his dance moves like he is guarding Paul Pierce.