OK, so maybe I'm crazy. But I'm going to miss the guy. Ron Artest found a pulse in Arco Arena, infused a locker room with his emotional energy, and for the better part of three seasons, both earned and commanded attention.

He was the Kings' best player, most consistent performer, most dynamic figure.

But there is such a thing as overstaying your visit, and for the sake of the Kings – and Geoff Petrie's sanity – this was the time to say goodbye.

At 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, Artest always will be a load. He leaves bruises here, just as he did in Chicago and Indiana. He is mercurial and enigmatic, and can charm and infuriate within a matter of minutes, but he is totally exhausting.

This is the roommate who devours the food in the fridge, shoves french fries and cookie crumbs between the couch cushions and wouldn't know a vacuum from a broom. Though generally well-liked despite the disruptions and eccentricities, he is beloved only after he's gone, or whenever everyone recovers from the strain.

"We invested and stood behind Ron, both professionally and personally," Petrie said Thursday afternoon. "I want to see him do well. I really do. I hope he finds a level of clarity. But going forward, given all the issues involved … "

Yes, the issues. The occasional locker room outbursts and sharp exchanges with coaches. The more serious animal neglect and domestic violence incidents, which occurred within four weeks in 2007. The suspensions. The last-minute ailments. The clamoring for a contract extension and pending free agency. The drama. Always the drama.

Nonetheless, there is much to appreciate about Ron Artest, the player and the person. He is as passionate and sincere as anyone in professional sports, and this past year in particular, he moderated his off-court behavior. He also attempted to repair his reputation with charitable and community activities, both overseas and regionally.

For instance, Rick John- son, Sacramento director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the forward made several unannounced visits to the shelter.

"I will be the first to admit that, in the beginning, he didn't pay enough attention to his housing situation with the dogs," Johnson said Thursday. "But he changed. He cared. He did everything we suggested and more. And that's all anyone can ask.

"One of my good friends works at the SPCA in Houston, and I've already talked to Ron and suggested he continue his work down there. Again, he was very receptive."

More often, of course, Artest's shenanigans overshadow his basketball brilliance. For a notorious ball-stopper – let's see if Rick Adelman can curb those tendencies – Artest is a capable scorer and tremendous defender. While the Kings are delighted with the potential of rookie Donte Greene, the return of Bobby Jackson and the future first-round draft choice, Artest's presence significantly improves the Rockets' postseason prospects.

Theoretically. With Ron, life is a bowl of … uncertainties. The major issue is whether he accepts a role as the third scoring option and recommits to becoming the league's most physically punishing defender. This is his strength, the essence of his uniqueness. The cat-quick left hand. The thick, powerful legs. The desire to lock down opponents.

He already rescued Adelman once, transforming a thoroughly demoralized, uninspired Kings team midway into the 2005-06 season. Why not again?

But I am going to miss him. I am.

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