Heart and commitment on defense supersede the Sixers' talent issues. The thing is, getting a hard-core individual like Ron Artest would solve a myriad of problems, "and although we've talked to the Pacers," King explained, "it's something we just can't get done."

King wouldn't say why, but the reality is he doesn't have to, because the answer is obvious: The Sixers barely have what it takes to get a deal done.

Kyle Korver doesn't make enough to make a deal work, and wouldn't be enough even if his salary were within 15 percent of Artest's $6.8 million salary. King could work out a package deal involving Steven Hunter and Johnny Salmons, and it still wouldn't be enough to appease the Pacers' brain trust, Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh.

The Pacers would love to get their hands on Andre Iguodala, but King isn't stupid. Another option could very well be Blazers forward Ruben Patterson. But he's a registered sex offender with a $6.3 million salary, believed by Portland general manager John Nash to be of sixth-man quality, thus commanding equitable compensation.

"They're not a mess," one Eastern Conference GM told me about the 76ers, "but they're not great, either. A lot of people are wondering what's going on, wondering if there's anything King can do to fix this mess. You can't predict personality conflicts, injuries, stubbornness, et cetera, but this business isn't kind. You know someone always gets blamed unless something gets done to steer this in the right direction."

The New York Post meanwhile reported that the Sixers were considering moving Iguodala, but they couldn't find anyone to vouch for Artest.