“When I text messaged with Luis (Scola), we talked about team chemistry. That’s only what worries us.

“We worry about the new attitude to the team. We are adding talent to the team and we need that, but building team chemistry is important. This is not bad. I don’t mean he is not welcome to Houston. But a new player always needs some time.

“Also, he was the biggest part of a team in Sacramento. He was a star player. We need more chemistry and more communication.”

“There’s worry. Obviously, yes. We will think about it, of course. Hopefully, he’s not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands.

“I haven’t talked to Ron yet, so it’s hard to say. I have to find a way to talk to him and see what we can do as a basketball team. He has a history. But we know he is a physical player. He is a good player. He really can help us. And Ron is on a contract year, too.

“I think Ron Artest is a good player if coach (Rick) Adelman can control the team well.”

“I think it’s kind of a gamble. Because we’re getting rid of rookies this year and next year and we’re getting an experienced player. That’s a team that needs to win right now, not in the future.

“I think this team has no problem being a good team in the regular season. How good can we be depends on how we show up in the playoffs. It’s very clear. The playoffs, we already know, are a different game. It’s playing fundamentally. That’s how Utah gets success two years in a row against us. I think, for some reason, Ron is that kind of person. He plays very fundamentally. Body up, physical, defensively, offensively.”