Metta World Peace changing name to "The Pandas Friend"
By ERIC LYONS
According to China Daily, former NBA star Ron Artest, now known as Metta World Peace, is considering changing his name yet again to "The Pandas Friend" following his move to the Chinese Basketball Association. In true Ron Artest or Metta World Peace or "The Pandas Friend" fashion, he announced the news over Twitter on Thursday.
Here is how everything went down:
I'm changing my name for the China this season !!!! You guys will love it
- mettaworldpeace.com (@MettaWorldPeace) August 1, 2014
First thing I am doing when I get to china will be visiting Pandas with my daughter @BabyGirl_Sade
- mettaworldpeace.com (@MettaWorldPeace) July 31, 2014
The NY Daily News reports the 34-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Sichuan Blue Whales worth $1.43 million. Artest joins a lengthy list of aging NBA stars, including the likes of Tracy McGrady and Stephon Marbury, who went to play in the CBA in an attempt to extend their careers.
Wait until you guys see my first game;) you think the name is buzzing... Wow!!! Lol. Please stay tuned!!!
- mettaworldpeace.com (@MettaWorldPeace) August 7, 2014
Guys my chinese name is not "Panda Friend" , its "The Pandas Friend".
- mettaworldpeace.com (@MettaWorldPeace) August 7, 2014
Artest has played for six teams in his 15-year NBA career, which includes winning the 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. His intense play and defensive excellence have always been overshadowed by his off-the-court-antics -- most notably "Malice at the Palace."
Artest is know for his rough play and rather questionable statements, but whether or not "The Pandas Friend" will be able to fit across the back of a jersey is still unknown.
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