One day, he’s Ron Artest. The next, he’s Metta World Peace. Tomorrow, who knows?
Speaking with ClevverNews (h/t Ian Begley of ESPN New York), World Peace admitted that he might change his name. Again. Just like he did in 2011. When he dropped the “Ron” and “Artest” in favor of “Metta,” “World,” and “Peace.”
Before you break out those old, musty Ron Artest jerseys you have buried in your closet or are currently using as a table cloth, World Peace doesn’t say what he’ll be changing his name to.
“We are going to do do a name change, but I can’t tell you what it is,” World Peace told ClevverNews.
Oh, and there’s another caveat: He won’t be changing it legally either.
“I’m not going to legally change my name…until my career is over,” he said.
That he even has to say that is hysterical. Like changing his name is as trivial or routine as going to the store. Or like some rite of passage. Or even a diet. He’s not going to eat any more complex carbohydrates until his career is over either (kidding).
Of course, now we’re left to mull over our what his unofficial name change will be. Because it seems to be happening. Just not legally.
Smart money says he’ll go with Ron Artest. Now that he’s back in New York, as a member of the Knicks, right by Queensbridge, where it all began, it may behoove him to rediscover his roots.
Then again, this is Metta we’re talking about. Nothing about his thought process is even remotely predictable. His is a mind that is wired to shock and awe. While that doesn’t mean he won’t revert back to Artest, it also doesn’t mean he won’t change his name to Candy Apples either (if he’s into that kind of thing).
His latest moniker could also be aimed at inspiring others again. Back in September of 2011, when he first became Metta World Peace, he said the change was meant to “inspire and bring youth together all around the world” (via Begley). There is really no telling then what he has in store for us next. He wouldn’t even give the interviewer a hint. Nothing to go off of.
Begley provided some interesting suggestions, the most awesome of which was Mike Woodson, the head coach of the Knicks. Changing his name to match someone else’s on the team would be absurd. And great. And so Ron. I mean, Metta. Whatever.
Perhaps he could be swayed to go with Carmelo Anthony, or maybe even J.R. Smith. Why not throw everyone for a loop and rename himself Kobe Bryant? Everyone’s afraid that ‘Melo may spurn the Knicks for the Los Angeles Lakers next summer, so that he may play alongside Kobe. If Metta changes his name to sync up with that of the Black Mamba’s, any urge ‘Melo has to play with the future Hall of Famer could be quelled. That’s something for us to consider, if Metta indeed lets a fan pick his new nickname like he said he would.
Whatever the (unofficial) name change turns out to be, you can be sure it won’t disappoint. Either he goes back to being Ron Artest, much to the pleasure of everyone in the Big Apple, or he chooses an identity so absurd that we have something to giggle about over the water cooler.
Never change, Metta (other than your name). Never change.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
