A shot of "D"

Sure he was the main combatant in the worst brawl in American sports' history. Sure he has a bona fide, bad-boy reputation. But disgruntled Indiana Pacer Ron Artest has what the Philadelphia 76ers don't have, fire and energy.

Allen Iverson has talent and tenacity. He gives 100 percent, but he can hog the ball in crunch time making the rest of the team complacent. Chris Webber is a great player, but rarely has the ability to inspire his teammates' greatness. In contrast, Artest gives you 100 percent performance, is a decent scorer and can fire up the troops down the stretch. If the Sixers could somehow add his services to the current mix, they would become the team to beat in the Atlantic, hands down.

Sixers President Billy King has been quoted on the radio in recent days expressing his concern over the team's defensive play. No doubt the 76ers can lock it down (ask Kobe Bryant), it's just that the squad is inconsistent. The addition of Artest, who recently cuffed LeBron James, would be exactly what the doctor ordered. If King doesn't at least attempt this move, all the whining that he's doing over the defense would seem invalid.

I know we're all still in a hangover fog after the last of the city's malcontent experiments, but Artest brings to the table everything the Sixers need. Just ask King.