Ailene Voisin: Artest is a smart guy who knows how to play the game

Ron Artest is a funny guy. Seriously, a funny guy. He has parlayed this little drama into a weekly serial. He kept everyone guessing about his plans for 2008-09 because, as everyone knows, he loves to grab the microphone and rap without a script.

But Artest is also a smart guy, and a loyal guy, and he is acutely aware that his return to the Kings benefits both parties.

For now.

For the next few weeks, maybe the next few months.

After that? The Kings will do the prudent and honorable thing. They will reiterate that they are in the rebuilding process, thank their small forward for his competitive spirit and numerous contributions, and then trade him to a contender and/or a franchise willing to make a long-term investment in the small forward with the short-term attention span.

An amicable divorce is inevitable. It's nothing personal, just time to acknowledge that this couple has grown apart.

Artest, who will earn $7.4 million this season, remains one of the league's premier defenders – when so inclined. He is one of its best all-around performers when he resists the temptation to dominate the ball and disrupt the offense. And because of his passion and immense talents, he is a hard habit to break.

After one practice last season, Reggie Theus and assistants Chuck Person and Randy Brown lingered for 20 minutes, discussing the nine-year veteran's uniqueness. Theus spoke admiringly of Artest's footwork and strength. An animated Person leaped out of his seat, crouched into a defensive posture, and imitated Artest's exceptionally quick left hand. Brown, who played with Michael Jordan, gave the defensive edge to Artest.

"The last two years," Petrie said earlier Monday, "when Ron has been right, he has also been very good. We're all aware of all the other things that happen on and off the court. Last year he only played 57 games (because of injuries and suspension).

"You would like to see him have a complete year. But he was very, very good the year we traded for him. He really resuscitated us that year."

If Artest behaves as well as he did last season, when his worst transgressions consisted of a few locker-room tantrums and disagreements with Theus, he also can leave Sacramento (via trade or free agency) for a lucrative contract and championship aspirations knowing that he made a sincere attempt at repairing his reputation. Make no mistake: His critics are a loyal, impassioned lot, unwilling to overlook the brawls, the domestic problems or the animal neglect incident that occurred during Kings road trips.

But in the aftermath of the episode two seasons ago in Placer County, Artest quietly has exceeded court-ordered sanctions and become a familiar figure at the area's animal shelters. Petrie, who along with his wife, Anne-Marie, is intimately involved in animal rescue, adds that, "I really like Ron. He genuinely has a good heart."

Most pertinent is that Artest's abilities are coveted within the league, perhaps increasingly given the Boston Celtics' dismantling of the Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson and Mitch Kupchak undoubtedly have been wondering what Paul Pierce would have done with the 6-foot-7, 247-pound Artest leaning all over him.

"The worst scenario for us is that we have one of the best players in our league still on our roster," said Theus. "Obviously he's got to be a guy who plays 75 games for us to realize our potential. And as we move ahead, when you look at what's best for the organization and best for Ron, this works out for all of us. Ron makes the most money this year ($7.4 million) and we have a great player.

"Geoff is only going to entertain offers that benefit our team. Ron just has to keep his mind on the big picture."

For now anyway, the little drama continues over at Arco Arena.

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• Call The Bee's Ailene Voisin, (916) 321-1208.