Watch: Metta World Peace’s Impressive CBL Debut In Panda Shoes

The former 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year won an NBA Championship ring with the LA Lakers in 2010 but unfortunately he will probably be most remembered for his starring role in the Pistons/Pacers brawl, known as the “Malace at the Palace” back in 2004 and for that vicious elbow he gave James Harden, when with the OKC Thunder.

We thought he was out there when he changed his name from Ron Artest to the current Metta World Peace back in 2011, but then he recently hinted at changing his name rather humorously to “The Panda’s Friend.”

We all thought the latter was a joke until he made his debut the other night in the Chinese Basketball League with the Sichuan Blue Whales, wearing his new custom shoes, with a stuffed panda head above the laces.

According to his website, Metta was to remove the detachable Panda head and give it to one lucky fan in attendance at every game, instantly recognizing the fan as the Panda’s Friend of the day.

Well looks like MWP forgot that part, and wore the shoes as is during the game.

Odd kicks aside, by all accounts from overseas media, MWP had an impressive debut, scoring 19 points in just 12 minutes of play, including 4 threes in the first 6 minutes, prompting Metta to tweet following the game #NBAreturnapproaching.

I’m sure most fans back in the States just can’t wait to see “Panda’s Friend” across an NBA jersey.  Anyways, check out Metta wearing his custom Panda shoes, that sell for $79.99, in his CBL debut……