Ron Artest is the new bad guy in the NBA, and while people tried to keep that rap on Iverson as late as last season, saying he was incapable of playing with Chris Webber, that didn't stick, and now Iverson is having the best season of his career while playing point guard and shooting a good percentage from the floor. How many guys labeled delinquents as teenagers and bad guys in their 20s survive and come out the other end? Probably the same number who are listed at 6-1, 165 and have four NBA scoring titles and an MVP award under their belts. And who despite living on quickness get even better at age 30.

Iverson is a survivor.