Ron Artest is an anomaly among today's NBA players: The third-year pro enjoys defense as much as, if not more than, offense.

In his Indiana Pacers' debut at Conseco Fieldhouse tonight, Artest will draw the kind of defensive assignment that could cause a sleepless night for many players.

 




But the swingman said he'll relish the opportunity to defend the Cleveland Cavaliers' star point guard, Andre Miller.

"He's a challenge and you have to step up to it," Artest said Thursday after his second Pacers practice at the fieldhouse. "I'm ready to step up."