Ron Artest was welcomed in Houston by 500 fans on Monday.

"It just showed what type of city Houston is," Artest said after the rally at Toyota Center. "It just showed me I'm definitely going to be in an arena that's full of energy, full of excitement. Having a chance to have those fans on my side, instead of against me, is going to help me play better."

"It was special. It's only August. When we start winning a whole bunch of games, I can imagine how it's going to be."