The original plan was for Ron Artest to come off the bench. But circumstances and Artest's ability have changed his role.

Reggie Miller's suspensions and Jonathan Bender's illness moved Artest into the starting lineup. Now that he's been there for six of his 10 games as a member of the Indiana Pacers, he's likely to stay there for the rest of this season.

 




"I'll keep him there because of what he does on the defensive side of the ball," coach Isiah Thomas said Monday.

"J.B. can go either way. He can start or come off the bench and it doesn't appear to affect his game whatsoever. I like having