Los Angeles - Although his talent and passion for the game have never been questioned, the burning question remains: What's going on in the unpredictable head of Ron Artest?

However, it is not rocket science to say that if Artest can stay under control, the fiery but temperamental star could be the perfect fit to launch the Houston Rockets among the NBA's elite, when the season tips off on October 28.

"We have expectations here," said Artest, acquired in an offseason trade from the Sacramento Kings. "You don't have to say what those expectations are all the time, but in the back of our minds, everybody knows what the expectations are. I can say championship all I want and I could keep saying it until I can't say it no more, but we gotta walk the walk."

Houston general manager Daryl Morey, who reunited Artest with Rockets coach Rick Adelman, recognizes the gamble but is fine rolling the dice that the versatile former Defensive Player of the Year will fit in nicely with All-Stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and role players Luis Scola of Argentina and Shane Battier.

"I'm an evidence guy," Morey said. "And a look at the evidence over Artest's career says that there's some risk there. But I think we've mitigated any risk as well as we can."

"It's exciting," said veteran guard Brent Barry, who signed with Houston as a free agent in the offseason. "It's amazing how many people sit on pins and needles when you bring up his name.

"But I think people who understand this game know exactly what kind of talent you're talking about. For the basketball people, they understand that this kind of team adding that kind of talent is something that could really be explosive. We'll see how it plays out."

Artest averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists with the Kings last season but still is known as much for his mercurial behavior rather than his skills. He always will be remembered as the central figure in the November 2004 brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills, climbing into the stands to fight with fans and touch off a full-scale riot that led to his unprecedented season-ending league-suspension.

The once highly flammable Artest claims that he has grown up and it's all behind him.

"I wasn't mature on and off at times, so my focus wasn't entirely on the game," he admitted. "I didn't see how far I could have helped my team get to the championship. I said, if God ever put me in that position again, I have to take advantage of it.

"I'm grateful to be on a team that has a chance to win. It adds extra motivation, extra 'go-get-it.' I kind of thrive under those situations. I like when I have something to play for. This year, I really do have something to play for."

That is quite an understatement. Artest inexplicably did not exercise an option to become a free agent at the end of last season, then publicly declared he made a mistake. His contract expires at the end of the season, and he could be worth tens of millions on the open market if he helps the Rockets advance deep into the playoffs - or nothing if he has another of his fabled outbursts.

Artest joins a club that went on a brilliant 22-game winning streak last season but was without the injured Yao for the last 27 games and the playoffs, where the Rockets again were eliminated in the first round.

Expectations are high for the Rockets to challenge the defending Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers. However, Artest insists he is merely trying to fit in and will do whatever it takes, knowing he is a role player on Yao's team.

"More than anything, I'm here to be a complement," said Artest, who reportedly ignored play calls from Kings coach Reggie Theus at times last season. "I'm not here to be the face. I ain't here to be the Number 1 name. I'm not here for none of that."

Adelman, who coached Artest in Sacramento, is delighted to have him again.

"The great thing about Ron is that you can go to him, you can load him up and he's a real problem for other teams," Adelman explained.

"He's also a very good team player. He's a great individual defender, too, but people also underestimate how good he is as a team defender."

McGrady believes Artest gives the Rockets more depth and himself the opportunity to advance past the opening round for the first time in seven career tries.

"I know I get criticized a lot for not leading my team out of the playoffs," McGrady said. "It's hard when you don't have those pieces that you need to elevate you to that next level.

"I said to Ron, 'If you went to any other team, they probably would have brought you in as a defender. Here, you don't have to be a defender. All you have to do is do what you do.'

"He seems to be a very unselfish player and we all know the kid can play."