New York Knickerbockers have signed forward Metta World Peace. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Metta is a fierce competitor who brings toughness and championship experience to our roster,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Glen Grunwald.“We are excited to bring him back to New York and give him a chance to play for the team he grew up rooting for.”
Born in Queens, NY as Ron Artest, World Peace starred at La Salle Academy and then at St. John’s University. In 1999, he helped lead the Red Storm to the NCAA Elite Eight and was selected by the Bulls with the 16th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft.
He was a member of the 2010 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, and holds career post-season averages of 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.54 steals over 85 games (all starts).
He is a two-time All-NBA Defensive First Team selection (2004, 2006) and two-time Second Team selection (2003, 2009). He appeared in the 2004 All-Star game, the same year he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year and earned an All-NBA Third Team selection.
World Peace, 6-7, 260-pounds, holds career averages of 14.1 points, on 41.7-percent shooting, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.85 steals over 33.6 minutes in 902 games (832 starts) over 14 seasons with Chicago, Indiana, Sacramento, Houston and the L.A. Lakers. He was waived by the Lakers on Jul. 12, after averaging 12.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.63 steals over 75 games (66 starts).
Here’s to another hopeful season.