While the Nuggets and several other teams have interest, Pacers forward Ron Artest said Saturday he wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't traded this season, and he doesn't consider himself an elite player.

Artest said he disagreed with a recent statement by Pacers president Larry Bird that he is a top 12 player. He also said the Pacers want a top 12 player in return for him. Artest was an all-star and the defensive player of the year in 2004, but he describes himself as a top 30 player, going so far as to rattle off a long list of players he regarded higher, including Gilbert Arenas, Peja Stojakovic, Elton Brand and Lamar Odom.

"I'm not a top 12 guy. I'm a top 30 guy," Artest said.

"Don't get it mistaken. I can compete and dominate my competition. I'm not a top 12 guy. But I don't think they work as hard as I do. ...

"Hopefully, I can be there one day with hard work."